Kyoto Cherry Blossom Light-ups 2026: Magical Spring Illuminations

Cherry Blossom Light-ups: A Highlight of Spring in Kyoto

Kyoto's cherry blossoms attract thousands of visitors each year. But did you know that many iconic spots in the city hold cherry blossom illuminations at night?

For a short time in spring, many temples and shrines stay open until 21:00 or 22:00 so that visitors can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in the evenings.

According to early forecasts, Kyoto's cherry blossoms are expected to start blooming around March 25 in 2026 and reach their blooming peak around April 2.

In this article, we introduce 10 of the best places to see cherry blossom light-ups in Kyoto this spring.

10 Cherry Blossom Light-ups in Kyoto

1. Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026
2. Gion Shirakawa
3. Maruyama Park
4. Toji Temple
5. Heian Jingu Shrine
6. Okazaki Canal
7. Kiyomizudera Temple
8. Kodaiji Temple
9. Rokkakudo Temple
10. Hirano Shrine

1. Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026

Picture from the Nijo Castle official website

The Nijo Castle grounds are home to about 300 cherry trees across 50 different varieties. Because these range from early-blooming Kanhi-zakura and Somei Yoshino to late-blooming Sato-zakura and weeping cherries, visitors can enjoy peak blossoms for at least one month.

The Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026 runs from March 19 to April 19, offering a diverse range of events. Daytime visitors can join a stamp rally across the grounds, explore cultural programs, and browse the Kyoto Specialty Products Exhibition, which showcases heritage shops from across the city.

The atmosphere shifts at night with Nijo Castle 2026 SAKURA NIGHTS, an illumination event featuring projection mapping and a rare nighttime viewing of the National Treasure, Ninomaru Palace.

A highlight of the evening is the limited-run immersive theatre production Jogeki, directed by Academy Award winner Junichi Yasuda, alongside several new nighttime installations throughout the castle.

Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2026
Dates: March 19 - April 19, 2026
Hours: 8:45 - 17:00
Light-up hours: 18:00 - 22:00 (last entry 21:00)

Admission: Separate daytime and nighttime sessions; a ticket is required for each.

Regular ticket: Adults: 1,300 yen, Junior high / high school students: 400 yen, Elementary school students: 300 yen
*Includes admission to the Ninomaru Palace. Admission to the Honmaru Palace requires a separate fee and reservation. Some programs require additional fees.

Ticket prices for the illumination event will be announced around mid-February.

Website of Nijo Castle 2026 SAKURA NIGHTS: https://www.symunity.co.jp/nijojo_sakura_nights2026/en/

2. Gion Shirakawa Yoizakura Light-up

Photo by Pixta

Every year, Gion Shirakawa transforms into a captivating sight as illuminated cherry blossoms add a magical touch to spring.

The Shirakawa riverside, lined with charming cobblestones, is home to several types of cherry blossom trees, including weeping cherry trees and early blooming varieties.

Local residents take pride in illuminating these blossoms, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that attracts visitors from near and far. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking reflections in the river while soaking in the beauty of Gion, one of Kyoto's most iconic districts, which is easily accessible from nearby stations.

Gion Shirakawa Yoizakura Light-up
Dates: March 27 – April 5, 2026
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Light-up hours: 18:00 – 22:00
Access: 5-minute walk from Keihan Gion Shijo Station; 3-minute walk from Sanjo Keihan Station. For those arriving by bus, it's about a 5-minute walk from the Gion bus stop and a 10-minute walk from Shijo Kawaramachi.
Official website: https://www.instagram.com/kyoto_gion_yoizakura/

3. Maruyama Park

Photo by Pixta

Maruyama Park, located near Gion's Yasaka Shrine, bursts into a breathtaking display of cherry blossoms each spring. At the park’s heart stands the illustrious Gion Shidarezakura, which has been mesmerizing visitors for over seventy years as it is illuminated each night during the spring.

This stunning tree, a descendant of a revered weeping cherry that thrived for over 200 years, captivates with its graceful beauty.

Although the original tree was lost in 1947, the current tree, nurtured from seeds planted in 1949, reaches an impressive height of 12 meters. As night falls, the illumination casts a spell, making it an unmissable gem for all who visit.

Maruyama Park Cherry Blossom Light-up
Dates: Late March - Early April
Hours: 24 Hours
Admission: Free
Light-up hours: 18:00 - 22:00
Access: 10-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station; 14-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station (Hankyu Line). Additionally, city bus route 206 from Kyoto Station brings you directly to the Gion stop, followed by a short 10-minute walk to the park.
Official website: https://kyoto-maruyama-park.jp/

4. Toji Temple

Photo by Pixta

Toji Temple invites visitors to experience its stunning illuminations during the cherry blossom season, a beloved annual event from March 14 to April 12, 2026.

Renowned for its beautiful crimson weeping Fujizakura tree, the temple presents this striking bloom against the backdrop of its Five-Story Pagoda, creating a picturesque scene.

Nighttime illuminations will enhance the beauty of the cherry blossoms, with visiting hours from 18:00 to 21:30, making this a perfect opportunity to celebrate nature and heritage.

Toji Temple
Dates: March 14 – April 12, 2026
Light-up hours: 18:00 - 21:30 (Last entry at 21:00)
Admission Fee: Adults 1,000 yen, children 500 yen
Access: 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station; 7-minute walk from Toji Station (Kintetsu-Kyoto Line).
Official website: https://toji.or.jp/exhibition/

5. Heian Jingu Shrine

Picture courtesy of PR Times

Heian Jingu Shrine is home to a charming promenade lined with approximately 300 cherry trees. During nights in spring, the shrine becomes a canvas of delicate blooms bathed in ethereal light.

Each year, for a couple of days in March, the celebrated Heian Shrine Benishidare Concert features vibrant music performances. Under the moonlight, beautiful music fills the air as cherry blossoms sway gently, their reflections dancing on the shrine's pond.

Guests are invited to wander through the illuminated gardens, allowing the serene ambiance of the shrine to envelop their senses and create unforgettable memories amid nature's splendor.

Heian Jingu Shrine Cherry Blossom Light-up
Dates: April 1 - 5, 2026
Light-up hours: 18:15 - 21:00 (Last admission 19:30)

Admission Tickets (Minami-jinen Garden):
In advance 1,500 yen, same day 2,000 yen *includes access to view illuminated cherry blossoms.
*The Benishidare Concert requires a separate fee.
*This ticket does not provide access to the East Shrine Garden. Charges apply for elementary school students and older; preschoolers are free. Entry dates are unspecified.

Access: From Kyoto Station, take the 86 bus route to Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan / Heian Jingu-mae. The shrine is a 1-minute walk from the bus stop.
Official website: https://pr.kyoto-np.jp/event/benishidare/

6. Okazaki Canal

Photo by Pixta

The Okazaki Canal connects Kyoto's Kamo River to Lake Biwa, which is located east of Kyoto City. In spring, this waterway dazzles with cherry trees in full bloom, offering a breathtaking spectacle.

Traditional Japanese boats known as jikkokubune glide through the water, allowing passengers to float beneath a stunning canopy of blossoms. The round trip lasts about 30 minutes, providing a fresh perspective of the scenery and historical sites in the area.

As night falls, the illuminated cherry blossoms reflect beautifully off the tranquil river waters, creating a magical atmosphere.

This enchanting experience perfectly blends the beauty of nature with the rich history of the area, making it a must-visit for all who seek unforgettable moments.

Okazaki Canal
Dates: March 20 - April 15, 2026
Light-up hours: 18:30 - 21:30
Admission: Free
Boat rides: Adults: 2,000 yen, Elementary School Students: 1,000 yen, Children (3 years old and over): 500 yen
Access: 7 minutes on foot from Keage Station on the Tozai Subway Line.
Official website: https://kyoto-tabi.or.jp/tour/260320jfe/

7. Kiyomizudera Temple

Photo by Pixta

Kiyomizudera Temple transforms into a breathtaking spectacle during its cherry blossom illuminations from March 27 to April 5, 2026.

During these special night viewings, visitors can marvel at the temple’s stunning architecture illuminated against the night sky, with a radiant blue beam symbolizing the merciful compassion of Kannon Boddhisatva, to whom the temple is dedicated.

The illuminated cherry blossoms create a mesmerizing contrast with the historic three-story pagoda, enhancing the ethereal ambiance. Open until 21:30 (with the last entry at 21:00), this captivating experience offers not only a glimpse of natural beauty but also an enchanting perspective on Kyoto’s rich cultural heritage.

Kiyomizudera Temple
Dates: March 27 - April 5, 2026
Light-up hours: 18:00 - 21:30 (Last entry 21:00)
Admission: 500 yen
Access: From Kyoto Station, take the 206 City Bus Kitaoji from the Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) via Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Once you get off at Kiyomizumichi, the temple is an 11-minute walk away.
Official website: https://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/event/yakan.php

8. Kodaiji Temple

Picture courtesy of PR Times

From mid-March to early May, Kodaiji Temple offers a captivating experience through its special nighttime viewings.

The temple's stunning weeping cherry trees in the Hashin-tei Garden are illuminated, enhanced by mesmerizing projection mapping effects. Open from 17:00 to 21:30, this magical transformation showcases the temple’s serene beauty and rich history.

Founded in 1606 by Hideyoshi Toyotomi in memory of his wife, Nene, Kodaiji is celebrated for its remarkable Zen architecture and picturesque gardens. It is a must-visit destination where guests can also enjoy the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

Kodaiji Temple
Dates: March 13 - May 6, 2025
Hours: 9:00 - 17:00
Admission: 600 yen
Light-up hours: 17:00 - 22:00 (Last entry at 21:30)
Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station. About 15 minutes on foot from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station.
Official website: https://www.kodaiji.com/

9. Rokkakudo Temple

Rokkakudo Temple, located in central Kyoto near the Shijo Avenue, is a historic temple recognized as the birthplace of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. Established in the 6th century, it is one of Kyoto’s oldest temples.

Each spring, around mid-April, Rokkakudo hosts illuminated cherry blossoms from 18:00 to 21:00, featuring 20 cherry trees, including a striking weeping cherry.

Visitors can also enjoy an Ikebana exhibition, making it a perfect destination for experiencing Kyoto's seasonal beauty. Easily accessible near Karasuma Oike and Karasuma Stations, Rokkakudo offers a charming glimpse of springtime Kyoto.

Rokkakudo Temple
Dates: Early April
Light-up hours: 18:00 – 21:00
Admission: Free
Access: 4-minute walk from Karasuma Oike Station (Karasuma Line).
Official website: https://www.ikenobo.jp/rokkakudo/

10. Hirano Shrine

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by fumiko fukunaga (@fumiko.fukunaga)

Hirano Shrine, established in 794, is one of Kyoto's oldest Shinto shrines, holding significant historical and cultural importance. Originally built to honor the deity of agriculture, it has served local communities for centuries.

Renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms, the shrine features over 400 sakura trees that attract visitors during its annual Cherry Blossom Festival in early April.

The area is lit by swaying lanterns, creating a magical ambiance, while food stalls invite guests to relax under red umbrellas, savoring delicious offerings as they admire the mesmerizing blooms.

Hirano Shrine
Dates: March 28 - April 12, 2026
Light-up hours: sunset - 21:00
Admission: Free, 500 yen for the cherry blossom garden.
Access:
- By Bus: From Kyoto Station, take city bus routes 205 or 50 and get off at Kinugasa Koumae; the shrine is 3 minutes away on foot from here.
- By Train: 7-minute walk from Kitano Hakubaicho Station (Keifuku Electric Railway Kitano Line).
Official website: https://www.hiranojinja.com/

Enjoy the Magic of Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto

We hope you'll enjoy Kyoto’s enchanting cherry blossom illuminations based on our recommendations above. Whether you’re in tranquil parks or vibrant temples, Kyoto’s cherry blossoms will leave a lasting impression.

Main image by Pixta