Kansai Cherry Blossom Elite Guide (2025) 🌸✨

#cherryblossom25 I was lucky with this cherry blossom trip, successfully avoiding the crowds and visiting some absolutely beautiful cherry blossom spots! If you're planning to go next year, make sure to refer to my summary: Must-Visit Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto Back Segi Canal (背割堤) Why visit: The number one cherry blossom spot in Kyoto! With 1.4 kilometers of ancient cherry trees, it's truly breathtaking, and one of the trees is even recommended by National Geographic. Be sure to get there early – I recommend arriving by 7 a.m. to avoid the crowds and fully enjoy this sea of blossoms! 🌸 To-ji Temple (東寺) Why visit: A 1400-year-old temple, the night cherry blossoms here blend perfectly with the temple’s ambiance. The lighting is elegant and understated, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful night cherry blossom experience! 🛕✨ Daigo-ji Temple (醍醐寺) Why visit: Famous for its weeping cherry trees, Daigo-ji's cherry blossoms bloom earlier than most other places. When we visited (April 4th), the peak bloom was already over, but the sight of cherry blossom petals falling was still stunning! 🍃🌸 Keage Railway + Nanzen-ji Temple + Philosopher's Path (蹴上鉄道+南禅寺+哲学之道) Why visit: These are Kyoto's cultural landmarks with a rich history, but they can get crowded, which reduces the chances of great photos. If you're looking for a quieter experience, it’s best to avoid peak times. 📷 Kamogawa River (鸭川) Why visit: Although the cherry blossoms are fewer here, Kamogawa Park is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The area is full of people reading, playing sports, cycling, or simply relaxing. It’s the epitome of slow living in Kyoto. 📖🎶 Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) Why visit: Behind Yasaka Shrine, there’s a park with an ancient cherry tree that’s said to be hundreds of years old. It’s absolutely stunning when in full bloom! 🌿 #travel