There is a time in late spring where women weave through flowers. Kimonos of color mirror the latest bloom in silk stitches. The trees are in celebration, decorating Kyoto with a sea of cherry blossoms.
Pink petal confetti fills the streets, sticks to stairways and submerges in puddles. The speckled show below whispers a gentle reminder of the ever turning carousal of life. Rose and gold dance along canal reflections, while branches sway above. Cherry ice cream is the sweet treat to try while walking from one garden to the next. Umbrellas fill shop windows and the air when gentle rain showers soak life into the season.
Young brides grasp their husband’s hands in cotton candy clouds. Sweet love is in the air with sakura framing two hearts joined. Pagodas stand tall, rising above Japan and into golden sunsets. This is a magic place with a fleeting pulse. Short-lived and stunning, a carnival of blush and beauty.
Mother nature is a painter here, dabbing a pointillism masterpiece. Kyoto is her canvas, stretching its paths through traditions and timeless scenes. While the future pushes through the city on train cars, the Japanese still treasure the ways of the past. Yet, everything here in this moment breathes in spring.
Helpful Information
Plan Ahead
Early is the key factor with everything in Kyoto in the spring. Cherry blossom season is a very busy time of year so booking a room well in advance is important. 3+ months in advance is advisable. To experience the cherry blossoms peacefully it is worth rising early and arriving just before 8am at your most desired places. To view the Philosopher’s Path with minimal people, 7am would be a good start time.
Where to Stay
I stayed in Arashiyama while in Kyoto and can highly recommend it. It’s in the western outskirts of the city with a mountain view as its backdrop. A beautiful river lined with cherry trees leads you to an area filled with history. Kyoto is a big, busy city in areas, but this section is close to nature and a little slower paced. The famous bamboo forest is here along with many temples. I used airbnb and found a great place with an awesome host available here.
Favorite Sakura Spots
While the city is full of cherry blossoms, my favorite spots were:
The fuchsia filled Heian Shrine full of lattice work and reflecting pools. Best seen in April.
The Philospher’s Path with a lovely long canal to meditate along. Best seen in April.
The tree lined park across the river Ōi in Arashiyama.
Want to see more of Kyoto? Check out my video set to music here.
Also, some photos from this post are available as prints in my etsy shop here.
SHEER POETRY … YOUR WORDS ARE SHEER POETRY.
Thank you June! Love you!
Almost speechless before your art….
Is that you under the Cherry tree? Spring is in the air!
Thank you for the ‘lost for words’ trip to Kyoto.
happy adventures,
Leo
Thank you so much Leo! Yes, that’s me! Happy adventures to you as well and thanks for visiting.
This is my favorite post! I would love to go to Japan someday, but if I can’t, I can dream along with your poetry and photos. Stunning!
Thank you Kris! Japan was definitely tied for first place with New Zealand of all the places I visited. It’s so different & beautiful. It’s super safe to go as a solo traveler too. I want to go again in the fall! I knew when I arrived that I would return. I hope you make the dream a reality. In the meantime, I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. I think it’s a healthy dose of color right now. 🙂
love it! so beautiful.
Cherry Blossom season 🙂 OMG this is most beautiful Season in Kyoto, I hear that most of people come to Kyoto just for this Cherry Blossom season but I never that a change to enjoy this amazing Cherry Blossom season..
Yes, MANY people come during that time. I had to get up very early to see things with fewer tourists around. But it was worth it. It’s really beautiful! Thanks.