Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizudera)
Located in the Higashiyama district, one of Kyoto’s most popular areas, Kiyomizu Temple is about 20 minutes from Kyoto Station by bus or taxi. The temple sits partway up Otowa-yama, and in spring, around 1,000 cherry trees bloom across the grounds, blanketing the entire area in soft pink.
From the famous “Kiyomizu Stage” — the wooden platform that extends out over the hillside — the view below looks almost like a sea of clouds. The deep red of the three-story pagoda set against the pale cherry blossoms creates a scene that captures the essence of Japan’s four seasons.
Maruyama Park — About 20 Minutes on Foot
From Kiyomizudera, a leisurely 20-minute walk along the stone-paved lanes of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka brings you to Maruyama Park, tucked just behind Yasaka Shrine on the edge of the Gion area. It’s a beloved spot that captures the feel of Kyoto perfectly.
The centerpiece here is the grand weeping cherry tree, known as the “Gion Night Cherry.” After dark, the tree is illuminated, and the sight of those long branches cascading downward carries a certain dramatic beauty that stays with you.
Connecting the Two
The cherry blossoms at historic Kiyomizudera and the lively atmosphere of Maruyama Park offer two different ways to experience the season. The path between them — lined with machiya townhouses converted into shops — adds another layer to the experience, revealing more of Kyoto with every step. Whether in the soft afternoon light or under the glow of the moon at night, this stretch of the city holds scenery you can only encounter at this time of year.