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Visit Secluded Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto: A Two-Day Itinerary
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Yawaragi Road and Sakura Park in Kameoka are just a few of the lesser-known cherry blossom spots in the Kyoto area. This recommended two-day itinerary includes Kyoto destinations where you can enjoy the blossoms at leisure.
Written by
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
Due to its many historic temples and shrines, Kyoto can be one of the most crowded places in Japan during the cherry blossom season. This two-day spring itinerary takes you to lesser-known attractions that are nonetheless worthy of your time in Kyoto.
Use the convenient JR Pass or the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (5 Days) to save on transportation in western Japan!
Day 1: Visit Kameoka
Photo by Pixta
Kameoka is a city located west of central Kyoto and can be accessed in about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station on the JR Line. Close to Arashiyama, it makes for a great detour to enjoy some less crowded but nonetheless scenic cherry blossom spots in spring. For any visitor looking for a new place to explore on a second or even third visit to the Kyoto area, Kameoka is an excellent destination.
We suggest starting with the remains of Kameyama Castle, located right near Kameoka Station. The former castle is now a beautiful park with seasonal highlights, cherry blossoms being one of them.
Yawaragi Road: Enjoy a Picnic under the Cherry Blossoms
Photo by Pixta
One of MATCHA's favorite sites to view the cherry blossoms in Kameoka is Yawaragi Road. Around 1,500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees line the banks of Nanatani River extending for about one kilometer.
Cherry blossoms over Nanatani River. Photo by Pixta
In the Sakura Park nearby, there are some 280 cherry trees of various types that bloom one after another in spring. This is a nice place to stop off for a small outdoor picnic or to take time to enjoy the Japanese custom of cherry blossom viewing.
Afternoon Walk at Izumo Daijingu Shrine
Photo by Pixta
Only a 25-minute walk from the beautiful cherry blossom road of Kameoka is Izumo Daijingu Shrine. This shrine is dedicated to the guardian deity of love and matchmaking and is one of the oldest shrines of its kind in the Tamba region, which covers central Kyoto and eastern Hyogo.
The main shrine hall is considered an important cultural property of Kyoto, and when framed by the cherry blossoms makes for a beautiful historic visit while walking around Kameoka.
We suggest staying overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in Kameoka because the city is quiet and significantly less crowded than Kyoto.
Day 2: Keage Incline in Kyoto
Photo by Pixta
Constructed in the late 19th century, the Keage Incline runs from Keage Station on the same route as the old municipal subway line. However, its original purpose was as an inclined railway for transporting cargo up to Lake Biwa in Shiga.
These days the line goes unused but serves as a wonderful track to view the 90 or so Somei Yoshino cherry trees as they cast their beautiful soft pink crowns over the historic railway tracks. When the trees are in full bloom, the tracks are carpeted in pink blossoms and a tunnel of cherry trees overlaps overhead.
Hotels near Keage Incline
Lunch at Nishiki Market
Photo by Pixta
While visiting some of Kyoto's cherry blossom spots, a worthwhile culinary stop is the famous Nishiki Market.
With a history spanning over 400 years, this market offers up many of the culinary delights of the Kyoto region. From buttery potato tempura to sweet syrup-covered dango rice dumplings, you can hardly go wrong when grabbing lunch in this part of Kyoto.
Hotels near Nishiki Market
Afternoon: Hirano Shrine
Photo by Pixta
Likely the least secluded spot on this itinerary, Hirano Shrine is one that visitors should definitely not miss! Famous for its nighttime illuminations of cherry blossoms as well as the procession festival called Oka-sai, Hirano Shrine is a must-visit for cherry blossom lovers.
The Oka-sai Festival is considered one of Japan's oldest cherry blossom festivals, dating back over a thousand years. Admiring the pink blossoms in the soft dusk light connects visitors to a long Kyoto tradition, and will make you feel like you have stepped back into the Heian Period (794-1185) a millennium ago.
Hotels near Hirano Shrine
Get Lost in Tunnels of Cherry Blossoms
Kyoto is a great place to see the traditional history of Japan combined with the beautiful scenery of nature. Thoroughly photogenic and with an elegant, classic atmosphere, this city is a treasure trove of sights and cultural experiences.
Do take some time to step away from the more popular shrines and enjoy the serenity of blossoms in some more secluded, picturesque locations.
Use the convenient JR Pass or the JR Kansai Wide Area Pass (5 Days) to save on transportation in western Japan!
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Main image by Pixta
Travel writer and assistant editor at MATCHA with extensive travel around the Osaka, Kyoto, and Wakayama areas. A Kansai insider who knows their Akashiyaki from their Takoyaki, Iain enjoys getting authentic stories from traditional craftspeople and interesting creators. Particularly fond of temples and shrines, Iain delves deep into the crossroads of tradition and modernity in his eight-plus years living and writing about Japan.
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