Uploaded June 2015 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Cherry blossoms, known as "sakura" in Japan, have the power to pull thousands of visitors to Kyoto from across the globe. Why?
Sakura is a sign that spring has arrived, and just like spring, the flowers bring a vibrancy and sense of new life in to the city. Due to heavy rain and general grey weather sakura viewing conditions this year were not considered to be at their best, but we wanted to show you that rain or shine, sakura in Kyoto still puts on a beautiful show and is definitely worth traveling a million miles or more for. What do you think, Kyoto Fans? Which scenes from the video are your favorites?
00:22 - Maruyama Park
00:34 - Philosopher's Path
00:58 - Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge & Kotokikichaya Mochi Shop)
01:09 - Haradani-en Garden
01:32 - Okazaki Canal
01:56 - Kamogawa River
02:08 - Heian Shrine
02:19 - Taizo-in
02:30 - Daikaku-ji
02:42 - Keage Incline
02:54 - Kiyamachi-dori
03:06 - Hirano Shrine
To see more of what Kyoto has to offer, check out our website:
discoverkyoto.com
Cherry blossoms, known as "sakura" in Japan, have the power to pull thousands of visitors to Kyoto from across the globe. Why?
Sakura is a sign that spring has arrived, and just like spring, the flowers bring a vibrancy and sense of new life in to the city. Due to heavy rain and general grey weather sakura viewing conditions this year were not considered to be at their best, but we wanted to show you that rain or shine, sakura in Kyoto still puts on a beautiful show and is definitely worth traveling a million miles or more for. What do you think, Kyoto Fans? Which scenes from the video are your favorites?
00:22 - Maruyama Park
00:34 - Philosopher's Path
00:58 - Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge & Kotokikichaya Mochi Shop)
01:09 - Haradani-en Garden
01:32 - Okazaki Canal
01:56 - Kamogawa River
02:08 - Heian Shrine
02:19 - Taizo-in
02:30 - Daikaku-ji
02:42 - Keage Incline
02:54 - Kiyamachi-dori
03:06 - Hirano Shrine
To see more of what Kyoto has to offer, check out our website:
discoverkyoto.com
![Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Ninna-ji Temple [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/oO7SqyKi7CE/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms at Ninna-ji Temple [4K]
When it comes to sakura season in Kyoto, you have a lot of options when it comes to the type of flowers youd like to see. Weeping cherry trees, double-flowered cherry trees, mountain cherry trees... and Omuro cherry trees! This particular type of sakura is shorter than others, features white blossoms, and blooms later than most other types. Ninna-ji temple in northwestern Kyoto is famous for their grove of Omuro Sakura, and the sight of the temples pagoda over a sea of flowers is iconic. Dont miss Ninna-jis cherry blossoms in late April!
To see more of Ninna-ji Temple and how to get there, check out our page:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/ninna-ji")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-ji [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pMFqMyTvPWE/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Autumn 2016 Tōfuku-ji [4K]
Kyotos autumn leaves (kōyō) are some of the most famous in the country, and one of the most popular places to view the changing colors is at Tōfuku-ji temple. One of the citys Five Great Zen Temples, Tōfuku-ji was founded in 1236 and is home to a famous series of gardens and one of the oldest Sanmon Gates in Japan. When it comes to seasonal delights, however, go to Tōfuku-ji for their gorgeous mini-valley filled with maple trees. The Tsūten-kyō Bridge crosses over this rich sea of colors, allowing visitors to feel as if they are floating on a sea of red autumn leaves.
To see more of Tōfuku-ji and how to get there, check out our page: https://www.discoverkyoto.com/places-go/tofuku-ji/
Music: Autumn Piano by SuricateBand")
![Beautiful Kyoto: Plum Blossom Viewing Spots (Kitano Tenmangū, Jōnangū & Zuishin-in) [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pXa0g1zRX98/mqdefault.jpg "Beautiful Kyoto: Plum Blossom Viewing Spots (Kitano Tenmangū, Jōnangū & Zuishin-in) [4K]
See more beautiful plum blossoms at our website:
https://www.discoverkyoto.com/event-calendar/march/plum-blossoms/
Though Japan may be famous for its cherry blossoms, those knowledgeable about their greenery are aware that there are actually many more flowering trees and plants that are popular for seasonal viewing nationwide.
The precursor to the blooming of sakura, ume (plum trees) were introduced from China hundreds of years ago and come in shades from pure white to dark pink. Plums are a popular food in Japanese cuisine, and you will find them in many forms from your tea to pickles in the center of your rice balls. In addition, plum trees were thought to ward off danger, and it was once common to plant them in the northeast corner of gardens, that direction being considered most susceptible to misfortune.
Plum blossoms may be difficult to distinguish from cherry and peach to the untrained eye, and similar to those other flowering trees they have a somewhat short lifespan. Still, plum trees bloom slightly longer and are usually visible from the colder month of February down through March. Events such as plum viewings and tea ceremonies are also held around this time. If you’re in Kyoto during this season, be sure to keep your eye out for these cheerful flowers blooming despite the chill in the air.")
![Kyoto Arts: Calligraphy in Kyoto [4K]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ryjyXFo34fQ/mqdefault.jpg "Kyoto Arts: Calligraphy in Kyoto [4K]
People often conceptualize calligraphy as a means to an end, viewing it simply as a type of penmanship used to achieve fancy lettering. But to Kawao Tomoko, a prominent calligrapher based in Kyoto, practicing the art of calligraphy is a gateway to so much more. Discover how she preserves techniques and traditions that have been passed down for centuries while also applying her talents to express herself creatively and meaningfully as an artist in today’s world.")
