Kyoto Cherry Blossoms Forecast for 2024

Even though the afternoon temperature in March and April can reach 14 to 20 degree celsius, you’d better wear or bring a thick coat. The temperature in the evening is just 3 to 8 degree celsius. You will definitely need to keep warm when enjoying beautiful night cherry.

Metro and bus systems are well-developed in Kyoto. So taking metro and bus is a time and cost saving way to to view cherry blossoms in different spots.

Japanese people are keen on having picnic under cherry trees. They often bring bentos, rice balls, sushi, pickled vegetables, beer, etc. food stands provide grilled meats, fried fish, sticky rice balls and sweets. Sakura-flavoured ice cream are peculiar to cherry blossom season.

28 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto stage festivals. For example, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kodaiji Temple, Kasagiyama Prefectural Natural Park, Nijo Castle, Maruyama Park, etc. hold festivals during sakura season which usually last from a few days to two weeks. There are performances, local food and drinks on the events.

Around 19 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto hold light-up, such as Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kyoto Botanical Garden, Maruyama Park, etc.

There are about 93 cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. The Sagano-Arashiyama area, Daigoji Temple, Kasagi Campsite, Ninnaji Temple and Kasagiyama Prefectural Natural Park in the city are chosen as top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. Additionally, Yodogawa Riverside Park, Heian Shrine, Nijo Castle, etc. are recommended.

Cherry blossoms often bloom from late March to early April, about two weeks, 5 to 7 days later than in Tokyo. In 2019, cherry blossom season in Kyoto is between March 27 and April 11, and full bloom fell on April 6.