Browsing through the places in Kyoto, the historic old capital city of Japan, you might wonder where are the best spots to do your Hanami (Cherry Blossom vieweing) this coming spring. We pick out best five for you to choose from!
Gion (祇園), Kyoto's most famous geisha and maiko district located around Shijo Avenue between Yasaka Shrine in the east and the Kamo River in the west, is filled with many high-end dining establishments and ochaya (tea houses). For Cherry Blossom viewing, the Shirakawa Canal is the place to be, offering a quiet and serene environment.
Arashiyama is famous for its bamboo grove (you probably have seen or taken a lot of pictures yourself there!), but it also is a beautiful place to do Hanami (Cherry Blossom viewing)! With the background of Mount Arashi, you can sit along the Oi River bank and marvel at the beauty of the Sakura.
East of the Gion district stands Yasaka Shrine, the perfect place to dress up in Yukatas and Kimonos while doing your Cherry Blossom viewing. Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto's most famous shrines, and the adjecent Maruyama Park is the go-to place in Spring for Cherry Blossom viewing.
A breath of fresh air and the sound of the waters greets your senses as you walk along this famous riverbank. In the spring, the riverbank is filled with the white-pink petals of the Cherry Blossom trees, and is surely a romantic place to take a walk with your loved ones!
Just south of the Gion district, Kennin-ji Temple is a Japanese Zen temple. You can explore the interiors of the main buildings and enjoy a variety of gravel and moss gardens, and in the spring it is a wonderful alternative for your Cherry Blossom viewing session.
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