Sakura in Kyoto / Nara area

Hi! We will be visiting kyoto / nara area on March 12 to 15. Will there be any early sakura viewing spots/koen? My inlaws would love to see them. Would appreciate any info as this will be the first time we will be visiting the area. Thanks!

Here is the link to the 2016 Forecast:

http://www.japan-guide.com/sakura/

It looks like the estimated opening of the buds in Kyoto will be around March 29th.

Even if you went to the southern-most part of mainland Japan, there will probably not be much to see. I even think that it will be too early to go to Miyazaki to see the Cherry Blossoms and Rapeseed at Saitobaru. (shown in this link).

http://www.japan-guide.com/ad/miyazaki/

There is a possibility that some trees in Beppu may be blooming, due to the fact that the ground temperature is higher in a caldera, but I am not sure.

You may be able to fly to Okinawa.

I would look into seeing Plum Blossoms. These bloom earlier, and there are several gardens that have them. I remember Nijo Castle having a plum orchard, and is in Kyoto.

http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3918.html

I hope this helps.

Thanks so much ebaychucky311. Will check out the links that you have provided. Hopefully we can still see some plum blossoms 😊