FebruaryBaikasai (Plum Blossom Festival)
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on February 25 (outdoor tea ceremony 10:00–15:00)
Every year on February 25 (Feb 25 in 2027)
Cherry Blossoms · Kansai
Heian Jingu Shrine Garden
Kyoto CityShrine🌸 Typical peak: Early Apr – Mid Apr✦ Night sakura
Overview
Overview
Heian Jingu Shrine in Okazaki, known for its striking vermilion buildings, is surrounded by a large Japanese garden, the Shin-en, which is a famous cherry blossom spot. In spring, red weeping cherries bloom mainly in the South Garden, peaking in early to mid-April, slightly later than most cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
- Address
- 97 Okazaki Nishitenno-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8341
- Official website
- https://www.heianjingu.or.jp/map/garden/
Tours & tickets for this areaPR
Peak Time
When to See the Blossoms
Typical peakUsually early to mid-April
March
April
May
Bloom dates shift with each year’s temperatures. Check the “Sakura Dayori” bloom reports on Kyoto Kanko Navi for the latest conditions
Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.
Highlights
Highlights
The red weeping cherries of the South Garden are the main highlight. Deep pink blossoms hang from drooping branches, and as you walk through the large garden surrounding the shrine buildings, the scenery changes from place to place.
📷 Best views
South Garden
The part of the garden where red weeping cherries bloom
Illumination
Night illumination
- Period
- Has been held for a few days in early April (organizer varies by year)
In 2026, the garden and other areas were lit up as “Heian Jingu Sakura Oto Yoru” from Apr 1–5, 18:15–21:00 (paid, advance tickets available)
Hours
Opening hours
Garden (Mar 1–Sep 30)8:30–18:00
Last entry 17:30
Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.
Admission
Admission
Garden admissionAdults ¥600, children ¥300
Visiting the shrine grounds (other than the garden) is free
Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.
Tips
Tips for travelers
- ✓It’s within walking distance of the southern end of the Philosopher’s Path (Nanzenji side) and the Okazaki Canal
Access
Getting there
- Nearest station / bus stop
- Higashiyama Station (Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line)About a 10 min walk
- Okazaki Koen Bijutsukan / Heian Jingu-mae (Kyoto City Bus routes 5, 32, 46)
Crowds
Crowds & best times
- Busiest
- The garden is crowded during the cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April)
Weather
Temperature & what to wear
- Typical temperatures
- April normals in Kyoto: high 20.1°C, low 9.2°C (JMA)
- What to wear & bring
- Some days a light jacket is enough during the day, but mornings, evenings and the night illumination are cold, so bring an extra layer
Rules
Hanami rules & etiquette
- !Tripods and monopods are prohibited in the garden during the cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April)
- !Eating and drinking on the grounds are generally prohibited
- !Drones are completely prohibited without prior permission
- !No photography from the Daigokuden toward the Main Hall
- !Pets must be carried or kept in a carrier (assistance dogs allowed)
Where to Stay · Agoda
Places to Stay near Heian Jingu Shrine GardenPR
PR9.2リッチモンドホテルプレミア 京都四条
★★★★Check rates on Agoda15,007 reviews2.9 km from center
PR9.4クロスホテル京都 (ORIX HOTELS & RESORTS)
★★★★Check rates on Agoda10,416 reviews1.4 km from center
PR9.2京王プレリアホテル 京都烏丸五条
★★★★Check rates on Agoda10,583 reviews2.9 km from center
PR9.2相鉄フレッサイン 京都四条烏丸
★★★★Check rates on Agoda8,848 reviews2.6 km from center
PR9.1ホテルグレイスリー京都三条
★★★★Check rates on Agoda8,981 reviews1.7 km from center
PR9.2ソラリア西鉄ホテル京都プレミア 三条鴨川
★★★★Check rates on Agoda7,988 reviews1.2 km from center
Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.
Events
Events & festivals in Kyoto City
February
MayAoi Matsuri
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on May 15 (postponed to the 16th if it rains; if it also rains on the 16th, the procession is canceled). Preliminary rites such as Yabusame horseback archery (May 3) and the Saio-dai purification ceremony (May 4) are held in early May
2027: May 15 (held every year on May 15; postponed to the 16th if it rains)
May–OctoberNoryo Yuka / Kawadoko (Kamogawa & Kibune)
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Kamogawa Noryo Yuka usually runs May 1 – October 15, and Kibune Kawadoko usually runs May 1 – September 30 (season and hours vary by restaurant). In 2026, Kamogawa Noryo Yuka runs until October 15
JulyGion Matsuri
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Usually July 1–31 (Yamahoko procession: Saki Matsuri July 17, Ato Matsuri July 24; Yoiyama eves: Saki Matsuri July 14–16, Ato Matsuri July 21–23)
AugustGozan Okuribi (Kyoto Five Mountains Bonfires)
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on August 16 (from 20:00)
2027: Aug 16 (Mon)
OctoberJidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
Every year on October 22 (postponed to the 23rd if it rains)
2026: Oct 22 (Thu). Postponed to Oct 23 if it rains
Attractions
Attractions in Kyoto City
AquariumKyoto Aquarium
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
An inland aquarium in Umekoji Park, within walking distance of Kyoto Station. Its exhibits explore Kyoto's waterside nature and how it connects, from the "Kyoto River" to the "Kyoto Sea." With a dolphin stadium and jellyfish displays, it's an easy stop between Kyoto sightseeing spots.
ZooKyoto City Zoo
Kansai ・ Okazaki, Kyoto
A city-run zoo inside Okazaki Park, home to Heian Shrine and several art museums. In its compact grounds you can see elephants, gorillas, and wild animals from Kyoto's forests. Admission is free for junior high students and younger, and just ¥750 for adults.
ExperienceNintendo Museum
Kansai ・ Uji
A museum in Uji, Kyoto, that displays Nintendo's products through the years and lets you play hands-on exhibits. Tickets are date- and time-specific and must be reserved in advance, through a monthly lottery or first-come, first-served sales of slots that open up. If you want to include it in your itinerary, applying from the lottery 3 months before your visit is the surest way.
☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendlyAdvance, date-specific tickets required
Theme parkUZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE
Kansai ・ Uzumasa
Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a samurai-drama theme park that opened in 1975, reopened on March 28, 2026 as UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE after the first phase of its renewal. It is now an immersive park for adults built around the concept of wandering into Kyoto in the Edo period, with the second phase scheduled to open in spring 2027. It stays open until 21:00.
Cherry Blossoms
Cherry Blossoms in Kansai
RiversideShukugawa Park (Shukugawa Riverside Green Space)
Kansai ・ Nishinomiya, Hyogo
🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr
✦ Night sakura
Park
Temple
ParkMaruyama Park (Gion Shidare-zakura)
Kansai ・ Kyoto City
🌸 Typical peak: Late Mar – Early Apr
✦ Night sakura
Castle
Mountain
Castle
Avenue & old town
Temple
Mountain
LakePeak periods, hours, prices and access are based on official sources such as the spot’s own website, local governments and tourism associations. Bloom conditions and event details can change, so check the official website before you go.
Last checked: 2026-10-06
