Kyoto Cherry Blossom Light-ups 2025: 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 29 in 2025 and reach their blooming peak around April 7.

In this article, we introduce 10 of the best places to see cherry blossom light-ups in Kyoto in spring 2025.

10 Cherry Blossom Light-ups in Kyoto

1. NAKED meets Nijo Castle Sakura 2025
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. NAKED Meets Nijo Castle Sakura 2025

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NAKED meets Nijo Castle Sakura 2025 is an immersive cherry blossom art event held at the historic Nijo Castle from March 14 to April 13, 2025.

Highlights include approximately 300 cherry trees of around 50 varieties, along with stunning art installations that seamlessly blend nature and creativity.

A key attraction is the projection mapping show featuring the Sakura Dragon God at the Karamon Gate. Additionally, there are seven cherry blossom zones enriched with NAKED's artistic creations.

Guests can also enjoy cherry blossom-themed food and explore a dedicated picnic area, creating an enchanting experience amid the sakura.

NAKED meets Nijo Castle Sakura 2025
Dates: March 14 - April 13, 2025
Hours: 8:45 - 17:00
Light-up hours: 18:00 - 22:00 (last entry 21:00)

Admission:
1) Early Bird Discount Ticket
Monday to Thursday: Adults 1,600 yen, Children (under 12 years of age) 800 yen
Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays: Adults 2,000 yen, Children (under 12 years of age) 1,200 yen

2) Regular Prices
Monday to Thursday: Adults 2,000 yen, Children (under 12 years of age) 1,000 yen
Friday to Sunday and Public Holidays: Adults 2,500 yen, Children (under 12 years of age) 1,500 yen

*Same-day tickets may be limited and can be purchased at the venue. For the dates of March 22, March 29, April 5, and April 12, a specific date ticket is required.

Access: The event is held at Nijō Castle, Nijojocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. For easy access, take a train to Nijojo-mae Station (Nijo-jo Castle). From the station, it takes approximately 3 minutes on foot to reach the event.

Official website: https://event.naked.works/nijojo/spring/en/

2. Gion Shirakawa

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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
Dates: March 28 – April 6, 2025
Hours: 24 hours
Admission: Free
Light-up hours: 17:00 – 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: http://www.gionsakura.com

3. Maruyama Park

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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

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Toji Temple invites visitors to experience its stunning illuminations during the cherry blossom season, a beloved annual event from March 15 to April 13, 2025.

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.

In addition to the breathtaking blossoms, the Treasure Museum, marking its 60th anniversary, will feature remarkable artifacts, including the Twelve Heavenly Folding Screen, which was designated a national treasure, allowing guests to explore Toji Temple's rich 1,200-year history.

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 15 – April 13, 2025
Hours: 8:00 - 17:00 (Last entry at 21:00)
Admission Fee: Adults 1,000 yen, children 500 yen
Light-up hours: 18:00 - 21:30
Access: 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station; 7-minute walk from Toji Station (Kintetsu-Kyoto Line).
Official website: https://toji.or.jp/exhibition/2025_spring/

5. Heian Jingu Shrine

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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 Kurenai Shidare 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 2 - 6, 2025
Light-up hours: 18:15 - 21:00 (Last admission 19:30)

Admission Tickets (Minami-jinen Garden):
- Price: In Advance 1,500 yen, Same-day 2,000 yen *includes access to view illuminated cherry blossoms.
- Details: No access to the East Shrine Garden. Charges apply for elementary school students and older; preschoolers are free. Entry dates are unspecified.

Concert Tickets:
- Price: Advance: 3,000 yen, Same-day: 4,000 yen *Includes access to the East Shrine Garden (concert area) and South Shrine Garden (cherry blossom light-up).
- Details: Charges apply for elementary school students and older; preschoolers are free. Admission is available for specific dates and times.

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://www.heianjingu.or.jp/

6. Okazaki Canal

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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 13, 2025
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/

7. Kiyomizudera Temple

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Kiyomizudera Temple transforms into a breathtaking spectacle during its cherry blossom illuminations from March 25 to April 3, 2025.

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 25 - April 3, 2025
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/en/visit/special_night_viewing/

8. Kodaiji Temple

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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 14 - 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

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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 22 - April 13, 2025
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