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Below is a list of some of Kyoto's most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), including the typical timing for best viewing in the average year and japan-guide.com ratings. See also our nationwide list of famous cherry blossom spots. Philosopher's Path Early April Between Ginkakuji and Nanzenji Temples No admission fee The Philosopher's Path is a pleasant path besides a canal that connects Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) with the vicinity of Nanzenji. It is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Maruyama Park Early April Next to Yasaka Shrine No admission fee Maruyama Park next to Yasaka Shrine is Kyoto's most popular public park for cherry blossom parties. Its centerpiece is a large weeping cherry tree that gets lit up in the evenings. Many food stands and temporarily constructed restaurants with tables under the trees are available. Arashiyama Early April Northwest of central Kyoto No admission fee Arashiyama is a pleasant and busy district in the outskirts of Kyoto. Many cherry trees can be found around the Togetsukyo Bridge at the foot of Arashiyama mountains. Heian Shrine Mid April Behind the main building 600 yen, 8:30 to 17:30 Large numbers of weeping cherry trees (yaebeni shidare) stand in the garden of Heian Shrine, behind the shrine's main buildings, making it one of the best spots to see weeping cherry trees in Kyoto. Note that the trees reach full bloom a few days after the other cherry trees. Okazaki Canal Early April Outside Heian Shrine No admission fee Located just outside of Heian Shrine, Okazaki Canal connects the Lake Biwa Canal network with Kamo River. It is lined by many cherry trees, and popular boat tours are conducted during the hanami season. Daigoji Temple Early April 15 minute walk from Daigoji Station 600 yen, 9:00 to 17:00 Daigoji is a temple complex in southeastern Kyoto, which is part of Kyoto's designated world heritage. A cherry blossom festival is held on the temple grounds every year. Nijo Castle Late March to mid April A few steps from Nijojo-mae Station (Tozai Subway Line) 600 yen, 8:45 to 17:00 (and special evening opening hours) A wide range of cherry tree varieties on Nijo Castle's spacious grounds result in a long blooming season during most of March and April. Yet, because at any time there are always some trees out of bloom, the overall experience may not be as overwhelming as in hanami spots where all the trees bloom at the same time. There are special illuminations in the evenings. Kyoto Botanical Garden Early April A few steps from Kitayama Station (Karasuma Subway Line) 200 yen, 9:00 to 17:00 (entry until 16:00) Besides a lot of other flowers, bushes and trees, the Kyoto Botanical Garden contains a beautiful small forest of weeping cherry trees and somei yoshino that is popular for picnics. Furthermore, there stands a majestic weeping cherry tree next to the large lawn area in the center of the garden. Kiyomizudera Early April 15 minute walk from Kiyomizu-michi bus stop 300 yen, 6:00 to 18:00 There are quite a few cherry trees planted around the large balcony of Kiyomizudera, but the largest concentration of trees is located around the pond near the exit of the temple grounds. Kamogawa Early April Kitaoji Station (Karasuma Subway Line) No admission fee Kamogawa is the river, which runs through central Kyoto. Cherry trees are planted in many places along the river. One of the most pleasant places for cherry blossom viewing and a picnic is in northern Kyoto, where Kitaoji Street crosses the river. Hirano Shrine Early April Between Kinkakuji and Kitano Hakubaicho No admission fee One of Kyoto's most famous hanami spots, Hirano Shrine is also known for the many varieties of cherry trees found on its grounds. In the evenings, the trees are lit up. Ratings:    best of the best    best of Japan    outstanding Any Questions? Ask them in our question forum.

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News and Reports

December 2, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker November 30, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker November 29, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by scott November 28, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by scott November 27, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker November 24, 2011 Yoshiminedera and Southwest Kyoto by Rabbityama November 22, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker November 20, 2011 Kyoto Autumn Color Report by schauwecker More reports...

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