Cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, which is full of Japanese atmosphere, is a fun experience for everyone, both locals and tourists.
Some of you may be wondering, “Where should I go to see the cherry blossoms?”
So this time, we would like to introduce you to some places in Kyoto where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing.
We have selected places where you can enjoy a calm atmosphere, so please take a look.

List of Kyoto spots where you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing slowly

In order to enjoy cherry blossom viewing at a leisurely pace that suits you, it is very important to do some research in advance.
Even within Kyoto city, the level of crowding varies depending on the location. When going to cherry blossom viewing, it’s a good idea to research the first to third possible locations.

(*The period and rules for cherry blossom viewing vary depending on the location. Information may change, so please check the official website again before going out)

Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine is a shrine dedicated to the 50th Emperor Kanmu and the 121st Emperor Komei. It was built during the Meiji period and is filled with various prayers, including for recovery from the wars at the end of the Edo period, and for passion and attachment to Kyoto.
During the cherry blossom viewing at Heian Shrine, you can enjoy cherry blossoms such as Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura. There is also a sock-weeping cherry tree that appears in Junichiro Tanizaki’s novel “Sasayuki”, and when you look at it, you will be transported to the world of literature.

■Location: Okazaki Nishitennocho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8341
■Access (example): Get off at bus “Okazaki Park Art Museum Heian-Jingumae” and walk for about 1 minute.
■Heian Jingu Official Website

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is a popular spot because “the entire park has high value as a cultural property, and it is also easy to visit.”
The so-called “Gion Night Cherry Blossoms” (official name: Hitoeshirohigan Shidarezakura), which was loved by Akiko Yosano, is planted in the center of the park as a second-generation symbol.
In spring, the cherry blossoms are also illuminated for a limited time. Depending on the weather and time of cherry blossom viewing, you can enjoy a different atmosphere.

■Location: Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0071
■Access (example): Approximately 10 minutes walk from Gion Shijo Station
■Maruyama Park official website

Umekoji Park

Umekoji Park was opened in 1995 for the purpose of disaster prevention and creating a place of relaxation.
At the “Suzaku Garden,” a paid Japanese garden created to commemorate the 1200th anniversary of the founding of the Heian capital, you can enjoy a garden that resembles a comprehensive art that brings together Kyoto’s gardening techniques. It’s also a great place to enjoy cherry blossom viewing, where you can see not only cherry blossoms but also a variety of other plants.

■Location: 56-3 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8835
■Access (example): Approximately 1 minute walk from Umekoji Kyoto Nishi Station
■Kyoto City Urban Greening Association Official Website

Kiyamachi Street

Kiyamachi Street refers to the road that runs from north to south along the Takase River. During the Edo period, inns and cuisine flourished, catering to travelers and merchants who passed through this street.
The approximately 200 cherry blossom trees along the Takase River are illuminated at night, making it a great place to take pictures. There are delicious restaurants and coffee shops in the area, so be sure to stop by.

■Location: Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 604-8001
■Access (example): Approximately 3 minutes walk from Gion Shijo Station
■Kiyamachikai official website

The path of philosophy

Philosopher’s Path is a walking path that connects Wakaoji Shrine to Ginkakuji from north to south. It is said that the name came from Kitaro Nishida, a philosopher and professor at Kyoto University in the early 20th century, who would walk along this path every morning and indulge in his thoughts. It was also selected as one of Japan’s top 100 roads.
Approximately 400 Yoshino cherry trees are in full bloom along the Philosopher’s Path. The cherry blossom trees create a tunnel, and the sight of it reflected in the water lines is impressive.

■Location: Jodoji Shimonamidacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8404
■Access (example): Approximately 2 minutes walk from the “Ginkakuji-mae” bus stop
■Doho Shokai of Philosophy Official Website

Spend your cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto in style with a rental kimono

Why not brighten up your Kyoto cherry blossom viewing fashion by renting a kimono?
Rental kimonos are available to many people across generations, including those who love fashion, those who are interested in Japanese clothing but have never had the opportunity to do so, and those who want to make memories with family and friends. It is used.

Rental kimono and cherry blossom viewing go well together!

Rental kimono and cherry blossom viewing are a perfect combination!
Even if you just wear a kimono at a cherry blossom viewing spot, you can feel the Japanese culture of Japan’s traditional clothing, the kimono, and Japan’s national flower, the cherry blossoms, all over your body.

Additionally, there are additional benefits to using a rental kimono instead of making your own.
Even among those who own a kimono, there are probably very few who own a Japanese kimono with a pattern and material suitable for the limited period of cherry blossom viewing from March to April.
By using a kimono rental store, you can not only use the kimono you already own, but also choose from a wide range of kimonos in your wardrobe to create a kimono coordination that suits your taste and season.

When eating and drinking during cherry blossom viewing, many kimono rental shops include cleaning and care fees, so you can enjoy the day without being too nervous.

Click here for Waplus Kyoto’s rental kimono plan

Retro kimonos blend well with the Japanese landscape

All kimonos look great, but the retro kimono is the one that fits in perfectly with the scenery of cherry blossom viewing.
Retro kimono is a kimono that incorporates traditional nostalgic patterns. Patterns that can be used in spring with retro kimonos include cherry blossoms and butterflies.
Please feel free to ask the staff at the kimono rental shop if you would like to try on a spring-like retro kimono.

Click here for Waplus Kyoto’s rental kimono list

Available for rental in Kyoto! What is the charm of retro kimono

You can enjoy retro kimono fashion all day long on the day of cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto by simply visiting a rental kimono shop.
The main charms of retro kimono are as follows.

-A message is included in the traditional pattern
●Many nostalgic color combinations
●You can arrange it into a modern fashion depending on your ingenuity.
-Can be worn by any generation

The traditional pattern has a message

Traditional kimono patterns are not only beautiful and cute, but each one has a meaning.
For example, “butterfly” is an auspicious pattern that symbolizes “graceful movement” and “immortality.” The meaning of “cherry blossoms” varies depending on the design balance of the obi and the overall kimono, but it has a bright and gentle atmosphere.

By incorporating the traditional patterns of retro kimonos, you can stylishly convey the auspicious feeling and cheerfulness of spring.

Many nostalgic color combinations

Retro kimonos come in many color combinations that create a calm atmosphere.
Since the kimono covers the entire body from the neck to the toes, many people may worry that it will look too flashy.

Retro kimonos come in colors that are easy for adults to wear, such as navy, burgundy, rose brown, and beige.
For cherry blossom viewing, this kimono will bring out the gorgeousness of the cherry blossoms while also making the most of your charm.

With some ingenuity, you can create modern fashion

Retro kimono is not only a calm fashion, but depending on your ingenuity and ideas, it can also be made into a modern and pop fashion.
For example, add pearl accessories to the obi, wear lace gloves, or carry a basket bag. It’s also fun to play around with braiding hairstyles.
Some kimono rental shops also come with professional makeup and hair styling, so be sure to take advantage of them.

Waplus Kyoto’s rental kimono plan also includes a hair style!

Can be worn by any generation

Retro kimono is an item that can be worn stylishly by a wide range of people, from the young generation to the madam generation, depending on the coordination.
Another interesting point is that even the same pattern and material can create different impressions depending on the person wearing it.

For rental kimonos for cherry blossom viewing, please contact Waplus Kyoto.Please

We have introduced cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto where you can take a leisurely stroll. Did you find a place you’re interested in?
We also recommend renting a retro kimono for cherry blossom viewing. At the kimono rental shop “Waplus Kyoto,” professionals provide support for everything from coordination consultation to kimono fitting and cleanup. Please feel free to contact us to make your cherry blossom viewing a special memory.

Click here for reservations and inquiries about “Waplus Kyoto”

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