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5 Amazing and Less Crowded Cherry Blossom Spots Near Kyoto in 2024
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Visiting Kyoto during the spring is wonderful, but everywhere you go, the streets will be packed with crowds of people. We'll introduce five great spots to leisurely view cherry blossoms in Kameoka, only 20 minutes away from JR Kyoto Station in spring 2023.
Cherry Blossom Spots Near Kyoto
Cherry blossoms are the symbol of spring in Japan. The pink blossoms have charmed the viewers for ages. Spring is also one of the most popular seasons for visiting Kyoto. However, it is also one of the most crowded seasons, and it does become quite difficult to see the blossoms at your own pace.
In this article, we will feature five cherry blossom viewing spots in Kameoka, a city that can be reached in only 20 minutes from Kyoto Station by train. The cherry blossom season of Kameoka is forecast to last from the end of March until early April.
Book the JR Pass to explore Japan conveniently!
5 Amazing Cherry Blossom Spots Near Kyoto
1. Riding the Sagano Romantic Train
2. Nango Park
3. Izumo Daijingu Shrine
4. Yawaragi no Michi in Kameoka
5. Kameoka Sports Park
1. Riding the Sagano Romantic Train
Picture courtesy of Kameoka City Tourism Association
The first place we recommend is the view from the Sagano Romantic Train that connects Arashiyama and Kameoka. The view from the train going through a tunnel of cherry blossoms is simply breathtaking.
You will see a grand panorama of seasonal views extending outside of your window that can only be seen during the spring. Lately, there has been an increase of passengers riding the train, so it is recommended to reserve train tickets in advance. (For more information, please go to their website.)
2. A 5-Minute Walk From Kameoka Station! The Castle Moat Area in Nango Park
Picture courtesy of Kameoka City Tourism Association
Nango Park is only five minutes away from JR Kameoka Station. There are around 50 cherry blossom trees along the remaining moat (*1) of the former Kameyama Castle, which was built under the warlord Mitsuhide Akechi in 1577.
*1 Hori: the moat built on the outer rim of the castle preventing enemies and animals from entering.
Picture by Pixta
Depending on the time of the day, you will be able to see local high school students and fishermen spending their time casually here. It is a great spot to immerse yourself in the daily life of Kameoka city.
3. Izumo Daijingu Shrine
Picture courtesy of Kameoka City Tourism Association
This is Izumo Daijingu Shrine (Japanese), dedicated to the guardian deity of human relationships.
Located approximately 10 minutes by car or bus from JR Kameoka Station, it is in an area called Chitose.
There is the belief that two people who are meant to have a relationship are attracted to each other by a mysterious force. However, according to the Izumo Daijingu Shrine's website (Japanese), a ”relationship nor only refers to a connection between a man and a woman, but also to the connection between one's well-being and the growth of all life forms, and the happiness of all”.
The spring water flowing within the shrine grounds is also famous and some people travel from afar bringing bottles to fill up. This spring water is rich in minerals and is said to be good for the health.
4. The Best Cherry Blossom Spot in Kameoka! Yawaragi no Michi - Nanatanigawa Outdoor Activity Center
Picture courtesy of Kameoka City Tourism Association
Yawaragi no Michi is our favorite cherry blossom viewing spot. There are 1,500 trees with 30 different types of cherry blossoms extending for about 1 km. Many visitors come to this spot to witness the beauty of the streets covered in pink blossoms.
The sakura park nearby also has 280 trees with 28 different types of cherry blossoms as well.
This area is also an outdoor activity center, so you can also enjoy camping or barbecue as well. (Reservations are needed.)
Enjoying a barbecue while viewing the cherry blossoms will surely be a memorable experience.
5. Enjoy the Sakura Leisurely at Kameoka Sports Park
Picture by Pixta
Those who would like to spend time relaxing while viewing cherry blossoms should head to the Kameoka Sports Park. This is a flower-viewing spot only known by a handful of people.
There is also a convenience store nearby where you can pick up some snacks and drinks for your sakura picnic.
Avoid Kyoto's Crowds and See Cherry Blossoms in Kameoka
Picture courtesy of Kameoka City Tourism Association
How did you like the spots introduced here? These lesser-known areas in Kameoka are ideal to enjoy viewing the blossoms leisurely.
Consider renting a bike or a car from a shop nearby and go on a bike ride or a drive while viewing the cherry blossoms.
At the Yawaragi no Michi - Nanatanigawa Outdoor Activity Center and the Kameoka Sports Park, the cherry blossoms are usually lit up at night between 19:00 and 22:00. Seeing is cherry blossoms at night is quite a sight as well!
Cherry blossom festivals are held at Nango Park and the Yawaragi no Michi - Nanatanigawa Outdoor Activity Center at the beginning of April. The events feature stage events and food stalls. Why not take a trip outside of the busy city of Kyoto to Kameoka to see cherry blossoms?
Book the JR Pass to Explore Japan Conveniently!
Kyoto / Kameoka 「遠くて近い」を探りながら、肌で感じる面白さを綴っていきたいです。
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