When it comes to spring in Kyoto, many people are looking forward to seeing the gorgeous cherry blossoms.
So this time, we picked up cherry blossoms around Gion-Shijo Station, a tourist spot in Kyoto.

From Gion Shijo Station for a fun stroll
●Cherry blossom viewing spots within walking distance
●Famous cherry blossom viewing spots that can be reached by train or car
I will introduce them separately.

Also, if you are visiting near Gion Shijo, we recommend renting a kimono to improve your mood.
Please use this as a reference to enjoy the gorgeous and peaceful spring season to your heart’s content.

(*When going out, please read the official website carefully and follow the established rules to enjoy the cherry blossoms.)

List of famous cherry blossom spots near Gion Shijo Station [Places within walking distance]

First, we will introduce famous cherry blossom viewing spots that are within walking distance from Gion-Shijo Station.

Maruyama Park

Maruyama Park is Kyoto City’s oldest park, having been in operation since 1886 (Meiji 19).
The symbolic “Gion Weeping Cherry Blossom” is carefully managed by the cherry blossom guardians who have been passed down from generation to generation. It is also lit up at night, making it one of the attractions that enchants both locals and tourists alike.

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

Kodaiji Temple

Kodaiji is a temple built in 1606 (Keicho 11). Nene Kitamandokoro, the legal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, opened this shrine to pray for Hideyoshi’s body.
In spring, weeping cherry blossoms in the Hojo garden, wild cherry blossoms, and Yoshino cherry trees bloom beautifully. For a limited time, special nighttime viewing is also available, and the highlight is that you can enjoy the themed garden and lighting.

■Location: 526 Shimokawaramachi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0825
■Access: Approximately 15 minutes walk from Gion Shijo Station
■Kodaiji Official Website

Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu-dera is the head temple of the Northern Hosso sect. As it is also known as the “Shimizu Stage”, it is also famous for the stage that protrudes from the top of a steep cliff approximately 13 meters from the ground.
From the stage in Shimizu, you can overlook over 1,000 wild cherry trees and Yoshino cherry trees, making it a popular spot among photography enthusiasts. During the “Special Nighttime Visit in Spring,” you will be able to see a fantastic landscape that combines Japanese and cherry blossoms.

■Location: 1-294 Shimizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0862
■Access: Approximately 20 minutes walk from Gion Shijo Station
■Kiyomizudera official website

Gion Shirakawa

Gion Shirakawa is a river full of atmosphere that flows through the city of Gion from the north of Yasaka Shrine. It is a famous spot that is often used for filming TV and movies.
Tatsumi Bridge, which spans the Shirakawa River, is a popular spot for taking pictures of the flowing river and the cherry blossoms in full bloom, with the Gion-like cityscape in the background. The limited-time illumination is also a must-see.

■Location: 605-0085 Yamatooji-dori Shijo, Sueyoshi-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto Prefecture
■Access: About 3 minutes walk from Gion Shijo Station
■Gion Shirakawa Evening Cherry Blossom Light-up Official Website

List of famous cherry blossom spots near Gion Shijo Station [Places that can be reached by train or car]

Next, we will introduce famous cherry blossom viewing spots that can be reached by train, taxi, or bus from Gion-Shijo Station.

Okazaki Sakura Corridor Jukokubune Tour

The Okazaki Sakura Corridor Jukokubune Tour is a spring event organized mainly by the Okazaki Sakura Corridor Jukokubune Tour Executive Committee and the Kyoto City MICE Promotion Office.
You can take a ride on the Jukkoku-bune boat in Okazaki’s canal and enjoy the view of the cherry blossom trees and the cityscape. In addition to purchasing a ticket and actually riding the boat, you can also enjoy gazing at the Jukkoku-bune floating gently along the river.

■Location: (Nanzenji Boat Boat Boarding Area) Niomon Street, Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 606-8437
■Access (example): Get off at Keage Station, about 7 minutes walk
■Okazaki Sakura Corridor Jukoku Boat Tour Official Website

Keage Incline

Keage Incline is the site of an inclined railway with a total length of 582m. From the Meiji period to the Showa period, it was transported on boats on carts, supporting people’s lives.
Even though it is no longer in use, the rails are still there and you can walk on them freely. The combination of railroad tracks and cherry blossoms is a very beautiful sight.

■Location: 339 Higashikomonozama-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 605-0044
■Access (example): Get off at Keage Station, about 10 minutes walk
■Lake Biwa Canal Line Attraction Creation Council Official Website

Heian Shrine

Heian Shrine is a shrine built in 1895 (Meiji 28) to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian. The deities enshrined are the 50th Emperor Kanmu and the 121st Emperor Komei.
“Red weeping cherry blossoms” that cover the sky spread out in Minami Shinen. Cherry blossoms and other colorful plants offer a variety of scenery depending on the season. The shrine also sells spring-only souvenirs and fortune slips, so be sure to check them out.

■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

How to fully enjoy cherry blossoms near Gion Shijo Station

To enjoy the cherry blossoms to the fullest, be sure to not only know the locations of famous spots and how to access them, but also the following points.

●Check the blooming period of cherry blossoms
●Check the weather on the day you go out
●Check the toilet location at your destination

Check when cherry blossoms bloom

Cherry blossoms whose buds have swelled, cherry blossoms that have just bloomed, cherry blossoms that are in full bloom, cherry blossom snowstorms, petals scattered on the ground, and fresh green cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossoms give us a very beautiful look in any season.

However, if you want to take photos or go sightseeing when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, you need to check the blooming period and plan your trip in advance.

Check the weather on the day you go out

In addition to the blooming time, the weather on the day you go to see the cherry blossoms is also important.
On a clear day, you can enjoy cherry blossoms with a clear blue sky in the background. On rainy days, you will need to bring more things such as umbrellas and raincoats, but you can expect fewer people to view the cherry blossoms than on sunny days.

The weather can also affect what you bring and what route you take, so it’s a good idea to share this information with the people you’re going with.

Check the toilet location at your destination

It’s a good idea to know where the restrooms are in parks, temples, etc. If the city is crowded, you can also stop by the restroom when changing trains.
Especially if you are traveling with children, we recommend checking the official website in advance.

If you want to see cherry blossoms in Gion Shijo, rent a kimono and be gorgeous♪

If you’re going to enjoy the cherry blossoms around Gion Shijo, why not enjoy renting a kimono as well?

Recommended reason 1: Double the beauty with cherry blossoms and kimono!

Kimono is a traditional culture that Japan is proud of. It is a beautiful garment that attracts people all over the world.
The kimono goes well with the gorgeous blooming cherry blossoms, and when taking photos, it brings out the beauty of both the wearer and the scenery.

Click here for Waplus Kyoto’s rental kimono list

Recommended reason 2: You can enjoy the feeling of going out

Renting a kimono is a great way to enjoy something out of the ordinary for people who often wear clothes for everyday wear.
The time when cherry blossoms bloom is just a moment in the year. To fully enjoy this fleeting moment of leisure, why not dress up in a kimono?

“Is Gion the most popular kimono photo you see on Instagram?! 10 Must-Visit Tourist Destinations” Click here for the article

Recommended reason 3: Rental store Then kimono professionals will provide full support

At a kimono rental shop, you can easily enjoy wearing a kimono, even if you have never worn one before.
This is because a kimono professional can provide consistent support from “coordinating the kimono,” “dressing it,” and “cleaning up after wearing it.”
Kimono is not difficult at all. If you have any questions, such as “What coordination goes well with cherry blossoms?”, you can ask the staff at the shop.

“[For beginners] Introducing key points when choosing a kimono rental store in Kyoto” Click here for the article

For kimono rental in Gion Shijo, leave it to Waplus Kyoto

We have introduced recommended cherry blossom spots near Gion Shijo.
When the cherry blossoms around Gion bloom, there are many events held at shrines, temples, and parks. Even if you have visited Kyoto many times, you will find something different to enjoy each year.

Additionally, if you want to make the most of the spring mood and Kyoto-like Japanese atmosphere, we recommend renting a kimono.
The rental kimono shop “Waplus Kyoto” is located in an easily accessible location, about 12 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station, and is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot. Kiyomizu-dera Temple can also be reached in about 15 minutes on foot.
We have a wide selection of stylish, high-quality kimonos, so be sure to stop by.

Click here for reservations and inquiries

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