Kyoto: Petals Starting To Fall

Following on from my trip to Nagoya yesterday, today came what is always one of the highlights of my reporting year - a visit to check on the progress of the cherry blossoms in Kyoto, this time to two of the best-loved viewing spots.

Here again, the rain has already knocked down quite a few petals and weakened still others, creating some pretty scenes as even a light breeze is enough to leave a trail of petals in the air. While both spots still boasted quite a lot of attractive blossom, anyone still hoping for an enjoyable hanami experience at either would be well-advised to go tomorrow, before heavier rain predicted for Saturday is likely to bring the best viewing window to a close.

For those in need of more time, note that there are several spots in the city known for slightly later blooming trees like the garden of Heian Shrine, Ninnaji Temple or Haradanien - here the blossoms should remain enjoyable for a few additional days as I hope to report next week.

My first stop today was at the Philosopher's Path - a pleasant canal-side strolling path in the city's eastern foothills. Here, I was immediately struck by the number of petals gusting around in the wind, particularly at the more exposed western end. Along the path, the blossoms were for the most part still full and fresh, with just a few sparser spots here and there.

I rounded off my visit with a trip to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Located in the north of the city along the Kamo River and adjacent to Kitayama Station, this lovely area has over 450 cherry blossom trees and open, grassy spaces that make it ideal for a picnic.

The trees in those spaces and along its neat strolling avenues looked very much in line with what I saw at the Philosopher's Path, while those in more sheltered spots like the plum garden were already looking a bit thinned-out.