Cherry blossom night view in Kyoto

City : Kyoto

As of the third week of April, Sakura flowers in Kyoto is finished except northern part of the city like Hieizan mountain, Ohara, and Kiyotaki.

Each year selected temples and shrines in Kyoto extend their opening hours to allow 'night viewing' of their blossoming cherry trees. Beautiful by day, the garden and temple structures are magically enhanced at night, combining with the flowering buds and bright lights to dazzling effect.

Hanami (or cherry blossom viewing) is a serious business in Japan. Each Spring sees the onset of sakura fever, as families, couples or workmates meet to stroll in parks and city walkways, enjoying the brief but beautiful zenith of the blossoms. And for a number of years now, citizens and visitors to Kyoto have had the opportunity to experience the majesty of Kyoto's temples by night. Illuminated under brightly colored lights, the blossoms seem to take on a different perspective.

The normally tranquil temple atmospheres are given over as thousands descend to stroll and photograph themselves amid the pink foliage. And with vendors setting up stalls outside and serving up tasty Japanese delicacies and drinks, the atmosphere is more akin to a sports event.

Some of the best places to enjoy night viewing of the blossoms in Kyoto include:

Kiyomizu Dera Temple :

Majestic Kyoto favorite. March 13 to April 11, 18:30 - 21:30. Admission Y400.

Kodai-ji Temple :

Includes artistic light show. March 13 to May 5, 17:00-21:30. Admission Y600.

Nijo-jo Castle :

200 cherry trees in grounds. March 19 to April 11, 18:00 - 21:00 (21:30 on Fri. Sat.) Admission Y400.

Maruyama Koen Park :

Includes famous giant weeping cherry. Mid March to about early April, From sunset till 1am. Free admission. The most popular site for a hanami party.

Hirano Shrine :

500 cherry trees, many people have night time hanami here. Late March to mid April

Arashiyama Nakanoshima Park :

Hundreds of trees bloom along river amid delightful mountain scenery. Mid March to early April, From sunset to 10pm. Located in western Kyoto city, out of the map below.

Of course the temples above are open during the day too.

Also in the daytime, northeastern area includes very popular sites such as Heianjingu Shrine, Nanzenji Temple and Philosopher's walk.

In the evening, many people flow into Higashiyama area (indicated blue circle on the map below) to enjoy night viewing at temples. In this area, prior to the cherry blooming days, the special event called 'Higashiyama Hanatoro' will take place. 2400 lanterns are lined on the walking path from 6pm to 9:30pm between Mar.13 to Mar.22. Refer http://www.hanatouro.jp/e/index.html for more information.

If you want to enjoy sakura in downtown, Takasegawa canal and Gion-shirakawa is recommended. If you are lucky, you can see Maiko (Geisha) in the street, and get photo with her and sakura tree.

2010 Colin Noble