Cherry Blossoms at Kyoto's Daigoji Temple: 2025 Highlights and Events

Daigoji Temple: A World Heritage Site Famous for Cherry Blossoms

Registered as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1994, Daigoji Temple in Kyoto boasts about 700 cherry blossom trees that bloom vibrantly in spring.

The scenery showcasing cherry blossoms and the five-story pagoda, a national treasure, is truly breathtaking.

This renowned cherry blossom spot is where Toyotomi Hideyoshi even enjoyed hanami, or cherry blossom viewing, continues to be a popular destination attracting many visitors each spring.

Within the temple grounds, you'll find various types of cherry blossoms. This includes the weeping cherry tree, Somei Yoshino, wild cherry tree, and double-flowered cherry tree, allowing visitors to savor the beautiful spring scenery.

Daigoji Temple Cherry Blossom Guide

1. Best Time to View Cherry Blossoms at Daigoji
2. Recommended Spots to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms at Daigoji
3. Events Related to Cherry Blossoms at Daigo-ji
4. Access and Crowd Information
5. Frequently Asked Questions

Best Time to View Cherry Blossoms at Daigoji

The cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple typically reach their peak bloom from late March to early April. For reference, in 2024, the entire temple grounds were in full bloom in early April.

Around 700 cherry blossom trees, including weeping cherry trees (Shidare-zakura), Japan's most common Somei Yoshino variety, wild cherry trees (Yamazakura), and double-flowered cherry trees (Yaezakura). Visitors can enjoy a variety of blossoms within the temple grounds.

The blooming period until when the petals begin to fall lasts about 2 to 3 weeks. In particular, a large number of domestic and international tourists visit on weekends, creating a lively atmosphere.

From the weeping cherry trees at the main gate announcing the arrival of spring, to the beautiful cherry blossom tunnel reflecting on the stone pavement in front of the Reihokan Museum, and the weeping cherry in the Reihokan Garden, each spot offers a rewarding seasonal experience.

Please note that even on weekdays, crowds are expected during the peak blooming period. If you'd like to enjoy the cherry blossoms in a more peaceful environment, we recommend visiting in the early morning or evening.

Best Spots to Enjoy Cherry Blossoms at Daigoji

Now, let's take a look at three recommended spots for enjoying the cherry blossoms at Daigo-ji: the Cherry Blossom Tunnel, Ugetsu Chaya, and the Weeping Cherry at Reihokan.

1. Cherry Blossom Tunnel

Photo by Pixta
Daigo-ji has four entrances: the main gate, the black gate, the south gate, and the north gate.

Passing through the main gate leads you to the approach to the west main gate (Nio Gate), known as Sakura Baba, where you can stroll while enjoying the magnificent cherry blossom avenue.

It creates a beautiful cherry blossom tunnel when in full bloom. It showcases a stunning contrast between the pink blossoms and the historic stone pavement.

If you are visiting for the first time, why not take some photos while walking through the cherry blossom tunnel?

2. Ugetsu Chaya

Photo by Pixta

Located next to the main gate of Daigo-ji, Ugetsu Chaya is a resting spot where you can enjoy Kyoto cuisine while taking in the beautiful cherry blossoms.

Around Ugetsu Chaya, there are shops selling traditional sweets and souvenirs. There are also casual tea houses, making it an ideal place to take a break when you feel a bit hungry.

In the spacious grassy area, you can spread out a picnic blanket or set up your lunch while viewing cherry blossoms in a relaxed style.

Taking a moment to rest while watching the cherry blossom petals flutter in the wind is a luxurious experience unique to Daigo-ji.

*Please note that Ugetsu Chaya and some of the shops may not be open during certain periods. For the latest information, please check the official website.

3. Weeping Cherry Tree at Reihokan

Photo by Pixta
The Reihokan Museum at Daigo-ji is an important facility that houses over 100,000 temple treasures. This includes 75,537 national treasures and 430 important cultural properties.

It exhibits numerous valuable cultural artifacts such as statues, paintings, and crafts, making it highly recommended to visit alongside your cherry blossom viewing.

Surrounding the Reihokan Museum are over 40 cherry blossom trees, with particular attention drawn to the Daigo Weeping Cherry Blossom.

The magnificent appearance of the weeping cherry tree can be enjoyed not only from the exterior of the building but also from within the Reihokan Museum itself.

During the cherry blossom season, it transforms into a hit hanami spot where visitors can enjoy precious cultural properties and vibrant cherry blossoms.

Events Related to Cherry Blossoms at Daigoji

Photo by Pixta
During the cherry blossom season at Daigo-ji, a special event related to Toyotomi Hideyoshi called Toyotomi Hideyoshi's cherry blossom-viewing parade (“Ho-Taiko Hanami Gyoretsu") is held.

Reproducing the cherry blossom viewing event at Daigo that was hosted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1598, Toyotomi Hideyoshi's cherry blossom-viewing parade takes place on the second Sunday of April each year, becoming a springtime tradition at Daigo-ji.

Approximately 100 people dressed in period costumes, portraying Hideyoshi and his wife, Nene later called Kodai-in, parade under the full-bloom cherry blossoms, bringing the splendor of the Momoyama period to modern times.

On a specially erected stage in front of the main hall, traditional dance and Noh performances are held. Visitors can experience the hanami atmosphere of that era each year.

While there are some free viewing areas, please note that an admission fee of 1,500 yen (tax included) is required for the Sanbo-in Garden, the temple precincts, and the Reihokan Garden.

Access and Crowd Information

Accessing Daigoji Temple by train is convenient. Here are two routes below:

JR Tokaido Line (Biwako Line) / Kosei Line: JR Kyoto Station → Yamashina Station → Daigo Station
JR Nara Line: JR Kyoto Station → Rokujizo Station → Daigo Station

If you are heading from JR Kyoto Station using the JR Tokaido Line (Biwako Line) / Kosei Line, transfer at Yamashina Station to the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line and get off at Daigo Station.

If you are heading from JR Kyoto Station using the JR Nara Line, transfer at Rokujizo Station to the Kyoto City Subway Tozai Line and get off at Daigo Station.

While it's possible to access by bus, please note that buses can be incredibly crowded. Plus, the surrounding road often experiences traffic jams. Therefore, we recommend taking the train when traveling.

Daigoji Temple

22 Daigohigashioji-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 601-1325

Enjoy Spring in Kyoto

Daigoji Temple is registered as a World Heritage Site. It is a representative cherry blossom spot in Kyoto, boasting approximately 700 cherry trees in full bloom.

From late March to early April, various types of cherry blossoms such as the weeping cherry tree, Somei Yoshino variety, wild cherry tree, and double-flowered cherry tree bloom successively. You can enjoy different expressions of the blossoms during spring.

Upon stepping into the temple grounds, the elegant cherry blossoms unfold and captivate visitors with their beauty each year.
Passing through the cherry blossom tunnel along the stone-paved approach, you will encounter a variety of cherry blossom landscapes, including the weeping cherry trees at the Reihokan Museum and the Sanbo-in Garden.

If you want to experience the cherry blossom viewing that Toyotomi Hideyoshi loved, be sure to visit Daigo-ji Temple.