CHERRY BLOSSOMS in Kyoto, 5 Must-see spots, Kamo River, Nanzenji Temple, Canals

Kamo River
Kamo River (Kamogawa in Japanese) is a river that flows north to south through downtown Kyoto for 27 km. This is a relaxing spot for locals and a tourist destination for tourists. Many joggers & walkers frequent its bank too.

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Peak bloom: Late March to Early April.
Fee: Free
Google Maps:https://maps.app.goo.gl/ajihzkRB2Txh46a57
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Takase River
Takasegawa is a historic canal, originally constructed for transporting goods between Kyoto’s city center and the Fushimi region. Today, it’s a beloved spot, especially in spring, when cherry trees bloom along its length from Marutamachi Street to Gojo Street. Visitors enjoy both daytime and nighttime views of the stunning sakura.

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Peak bloom: Late March – Early April
Viewing fee: Free
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/y9juktrYQeR9EnGe7
Nearest station: Kyoto-shiyakusho-mae station (Kyoto city subway, Tozain line)
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Nanzenji Temple
Nanzen-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple founded in 1291, was originally Emperor Kameyama’s residence. After passing through its impressive main gate, visitors can explore the temple grounds, which feature lush greenery in summer and vibrant foliage in autumn. In spring, approximately 200 cherry trees bloom within the garden.

Entrance fee: No charge (into the garden)
The peak bloom: Late March until early April

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YuBsVMDqDdRtQnpp9

Keage incline
The Keage Incline, formerly a cargo railway, is now a sloping pedestrian path. From 1891 to 1948, it transported goods like rice, sake, and soy sauce between Shiga Prefecture and Kyoto. It’s a popular tourist attraction, particularly during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iJmTZiALJrnRwkys5

Entrance fee: No needed
The peak bloom: Late March until early April

Okazaki Canal
The Okazaki Canal area boasts numerous tourist attractions, including Heian Jingu Shrine, Okazaki Park, Kyoto City Zoo, Nanzen-ji Temple, the Keage Incline, and Murin-an. Weekends see large crowds due to frequent events. In spring, a 1.5 km stretch of cherry trees lines the canal. Boat rides offering scenic cherry blossom views are available (for a fee).

The peak bloom: Late March – Early April

Boat cost:
– 2000 JPY (Junior high school, high school students & adults)
– 1000 JPY (Kids)
– 500 JPY (Over 3 years)

Needed time: 25 minutes
Service available: From March 20 to April 13th, 2025

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Nmf6nFuE25i2H9DcA

Seiryutei
Seiryutei, located northwest of Nanzen-ji Temple, is a lesser-known cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto. While the villa is not publicly accessible, the blooming sakura can be admired from the street. The cherry trees here feature pink blossoms. Walking is recommended for access.

Entrance fee: no charge
The peak bloom: Late March until early April

Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rnnyz4TfwbkfQkun6

All scenes shot in late March and early April 2024

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Tanuki no mori (Discover 🇯🇵)
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Welcome to Tanuki no mori channel!
This channel presents beautiful destinations in Japan & Japanese culture, especially in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and surrounding areas. I’m Japanese 🇯🇵 and live in Kyoto.
If you have any requests about destinations, please let me know!

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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDUNXIA-41vbnlpJG2kzAVQ

Email: tanuki.no.mori.jp@gmail.com
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Chapters
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00:00 Start
00:11 Kamo River
01:19 Takase River
01:49 Kamo River
02:26 Nanzenji Temple
04:11 Keage Incline
04:43 Okazaki Canal
05:20 Seiryutei
06:40 End
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