The Best Locations for Photos of Sakura in Kyoto

The Best spots to photograph Cherry blossoms in Kyoto

So you’re looking for the best locations for photos of sakura in Kyoto to commemorate your trip? Well you are in luck. Cherry blossom season is one of the most magical times of the year for Kyoto and there are many popular and not-so-popular spots. Yeah, it gets busy. But Kyoto is always busy. So now we have gott, let’s talk about all the magical places in Kyoto where you can see cherry blossoms. 

What you will find here

I lived in Japan for seven years and have had the honour of experiencing Kyoto during cherry blossom season twice (and Kyoto outside that season a handful more times). You will find all the locations I have personally been to along with their exact location. If you’re a person like me who doesn’t enjoy crazy crowds there are some spots on this list that are less busy and they will be clearly marked!

Half-wood road 半木の道 by Kamo River

Why this spot is so amazing for photos:

This pathway follows the Kamo River and features a stunning row of pergolas you can walk under that are covered in cherry blossoms! With views of the river and the city, you basically cannot lose here. I’ve been to a lot of cherry blossom spots during my years living in Japan and this was one of the best locations for photos of sakura in Kyoto in my honest opinion.

What to watch out for:

Lots of families and kids enjoy sitting on the river banks and enjoying the view of the blossoms from the other side of the river. The Stepping Stones 北山 飛び石 are also very close which is a small stone pathway from one side of the river to the other.

Where to find the perfect cherry blossoms:

Kawazu-Zakura Cherry Trees in Yodo 淀水路の河津桜

Why this spot is so amazing for photos:

This is a quiet and a bit of an off-the-beaten track spot as it isn’t in the centre of Kyoto like all the others. That means this is one of the best locations for photos of sakura in Kyoto for people who want to see the blooms without the crowds. When we were there, a local school was having a field trip to see the flowers which was super cute! The kawazu-zakura cherry trees in Yodo line the canal between the two bridges.

What to watch out for:

The kawazu-zakura variety of cherry blossoms bloom early so if you’re in Kyoto at the beginning of March and are hoping to see some early sakura – these are the ones for you! This is located in suburbia so you will need to catch a train out of the centre and do a bit of walking but it is all down quiet residential streets. There are some 

Where to find the perfect cherry blossoms:

Philosopher’s Path 哲学の道

Why this spot is so amazing for photos:

The Philosopher’s Path 哲学の道, or Tetsugaku No Michi (哲学の道), is notoriously known as the best locations for photos of sakura in Kyoto – maybe even all of Japan! This is for good reason – this small, humble path follows a gorgeous canal lined with small Japanese restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. It really feels like something straight out of a movie.

What to watch out for:

Philosopher’s Path is busy at the best of times and with tourism testing the limits of the infrastructure of Japanese cities and prefectures, alongside peak cherry blossom season you will find it is the perfect storm. I recommend getting here as close to day break as possible to avoid the worst of the crowds to take some photos and then head to a cafe to relax and people watch as the people swarm in.

Where to find the perfect cherry blossoms:

Maruyama Park 円山公園

Why this spot is so amazing for photos:

Maruyama Park (円山公園) is another great example of a popular spot in Kyoto for cherry blossoms that is actually worth a visit. The main attraction is the Gion Weeping Cherry Tree (祇園しだれ桜) which is right in the middle of the park!

What to watch out for:

This is a park but it is mostly paved with stones so it is not a hanami/picnic kind of vibe. There is a restaurant/beer garden called Hanamijaya Otowa with outside seating situated right under the weeping cherry blossoms which is such a vibe. Please be aware though if you are planning on visiting this spot that you are prepared to wait as it gets really busy. This is also a Japanese restaurant and like most places in Japan your servers may not speak English. Be kind, be courteous, and don’t be that tourist.

Where to find the perfect cherry blossoms:

Keage Incline 蹴上インクライン

Why this spot is so amazing for photos:

Keage Incline (蹴上インクライン) is part of the Lake Biwa Canal which is scattered with great spots to view cherry blossoms. Keage Incline itself boasts many cherry trees that have had the opportunity to grow and bloom undisturbed since the tracks aren’t in use anymore. Because of this, it has a more rugged and less manicured feel to it than a lot of the other cherry blossom viewing spots.

What to watch out for:

The tracks are actually quite difficult to walk on so if you have trouble walking long distances or on uneven ground I don’t recommend this spot. Good shoes are a must! Although this is a popular viewing spot with tourists and locals alike, it is a vast space and the more you walk towards the reservoir the more the people fan out and you can enjoy the spot with less crowds.

Where to find the perfect cherry blossoms:

Where to stay in Kyoto

You can use the interactive map below to find all the available accomodation in Kyoto, Japan. See if you can find one close to one of the best locations for photos of sakura in Kyoto!