Cherry Blossoms · Tokyo & Around

Kongo-zakura at Rinnoji Temple

NikkoFamous single tree🌸 Typical peak: Late Apr – Early May

Overview

Kongo-zakura is a cherry tree designated a National Natural Monument, standing in front of Sanbutsudo Hall at the World Heritage Nikkozan Rinnoji Temple. A mutant variety of yamazakura estimated to be about 500 years old, it peaks from late April to early May, after Tokyo’s cherry blossoms have fallen.

Address: 2300 Sannai, Nikko, Tochigi 321-1494 (in front of Sanbutsudo Hall, Rinnoji Temple)
Time needed: About 30 min
Official website: https://www.rinnoji.or.jp/news/kon20181208.html

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Peak Time

When to See the Blossoms

Typical peakUsually late April to early May

March

April

May

It usually starts blooming around Apr 20 and reaches full bloom around the 28th, but this varies greatly by year. Check the Rinnoji official website for the latest information

Peak times are typical guides. Blooming and full bloom shift with each year’s temperatures.

Highlights

This large tree, about 10 m tall with a trunk about 5.7 m around, is known for its white flowers and strong fragrance. Multiple trunks rise from its base, giving it a distinctive shape, and you can see it from in front of Sanbutsudo Hall without an admission ticket.

📷 Best views

In front of Sanbutsudo Hall

See the Kongo-zakura together with the large Sanbutsudo Hall

Hours

Opening hours

Rinnoji visiting hours (April–October)8:00–17:00

Hours can change during the cherry blossom season and for events. Check the official website before you go.

Admission

Viewing the Kongo-zakuraFree

Separate admission to enter Sanbutsudo Hall and other halls

Prices may change. Check the official website before you go.

Tips

Tips for travelers

✓It blooms later than Somei-yoshino, so it’s a good option if you’ve missed peak bloom in Tokyo
✓It is in the same Nikko shrine and temple area as Nikko Toshogu and Futarasan Shrine, so it’s easy to combine with a tour of the World Heritage sites

Access

Getting there

Nearest station / bus stop: Shodo Shonin-zo-mae or Shinkyo bus stop (about 10 min from Tobu-Nikko Station on the World Heritage Meguri bus)Within about a 10 min walk
By car & traffic restrictions: Rinnoji parking lot (regular cars ¥500 per day)
Getting back: Roads in central Nikko get congested during holidays, so taking the bus and train is recommended

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Crowds

Crowds & best times

Busiest: When peak bloom coincides with Golden Week, the whole Nikko shrine and temple area gets crowded
Quieter times: Weekday mornings

Weather

Temperature & what to wear

Typical temperatures: Okunikko normals: April high 10.1°C, low 0.2°C; May high 15.3°C, low 5.5°C (JMA). The Rinnoji area (about 600 m above sea level) is about 4–5°C warmer than this
What to wear & bring: Mornings and evenings are cold, so bring a heavy jacket even in spring

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Events

Events & festivals in Nikko

May

Nikko Toshogu Shrine Grand Spring Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Nikko

Every year on May 17 and 18 (fixed dates as a Shinto ritual)

2027: May 17 (Mon) – May 18 (Tue)

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Attractions

Attractions in Nikko

Theme park

EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura

Tokyo & Around ・ Nikko / Kinugawa

A cultural theme park that recreates an Edo-period townscape. Stroll through a town where staff dressed as villagers go about their lives, watch plays and ninja shows, and experience Edo culture firsthand. Popular with international visitors, it's a place to both watch and join in.

Theme park

TOBU WORLD SQUARE

Tokyo & Around ・ Kinugawa

A miniature theme park in Kinugawa Onsen that recreates famous buildings and World Heritage Sites at 1/25 scale. With 102 structures from 22 countries and regions, you can feel like you're traveling around the world in about half a day. Dogs are also welcome.

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Cherry Blossoms

Cherry Blossoms in Tokyo & Around

Garden

Sankeien Garden

Tokyo & Around ・ Yokohama

🌸 Typical peak: Mid Mar – Early Apr

✦ Night sakura