As the cold weather at last fades away and the sun starts regaining its reign, Kyoto bustles with opportunities to enjoy not only its stunning landscapes wherever you look but also its inviting festivals and events. Whether you are seeking what nature has best to offer, visiting the city’s mesmerizing temples and shrines, or simply feeling like strolling around the soul of Japan, here’s a list of things that will show you Japanese traditions and exuberance to their fullest.
The giant weeping cherry tree at Maruyama Park – Photo Credit: Kyoto Maruyama Park
Hanami: Enjoy the Sight of Cherry Blossoms
As the days begin to get longer, the white sceneries turn green – or, rather, pink! Welcome to Sakura season! Although the full blooms in Kyoto are expected to occur on March 31st, Japan’s iconic petals should endure until around early April. Since cherry trees are ubiquitous in the old capital, you should have no problem finding them in many of the must-see spots (here’s a nice list we made). But if you want the traditional Hanami experience, don’t skip going to the most famous spot in Kyoto, Maruyama Park with its well-known weeping cherry tree. Until April 9th, this giant weeping sakura is lit up during the evening.
Dates: the park is open every day, but the Sakura illumination goes on until April 9th.
Location: Maruyamacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto 605-0071, Japan
Time: lit up between 6pm~10pm (the park is open the entire day)
Fees: Free
Website (in Japanese): https://kyoto-maruyama-park.jp/
Boat ride in the Okazaki Canal – Photo Credits: Kyoto Travel Agency Cooperative Association on Facebook
Okazaki Canal Jikkokubune Boat Ride and Hanami
If, on top of sightseeing, you are up to trying something a little different, we recommend the Okazaki Canal, where you can book the Jikkokubune boat ride and enjoy the majestic, yet delicate, row of cherry trees planted on its margins. Not only is it near the magnificent Heian Shrine but you can also get a boat ride along the canal or even climb the 582-meter-long Keage Incline lined with Sakura trees.
Dates: March 20th – April 14th
Location: Nanzenji Kusakawacho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8437
Time: 9:30 am ~ 4:30 pm
Fees (boat ride):
- ¥2,000 for adults
- ¥1,000 for children between 6~11
- ¥500 for children under 6
Website: https://kyoto-tabi.or.jp/tour/240320jfe/
Find your style at the Heian Antique Market – Photo Credits: heiannominoichi
Heian Antique Market
If antiques are your thing, you certainly can’t miss this item on our list. Right next to the previous boat ride attraction, located in Okazaki Park, you can find the Heian Antique Market. Assembled every month, the market has nearly 100 booths where you can find not only second-hand clothes but also antique items from around the world – an incredible opportunity to find the most unique and traditional pieces of decoration, art, and so forth!
Date: April 17th
Location: Okazaki Saishojicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto, 606-8342, Japan
Time: 9 am ~ 4 pm
Fees: free
Website: https://www.heiannominoichi.jp
Geisha performers bring life to the stage – Photo Credits: Miyako Odori
Miyako Odori Geisha Performance
A distinctive element of Japanese culture, the geisha (or geiko, as referred to in Kyoto) are female artists who perform highly artistic and deep-rooted Japanese traditional dances, music, and even the widely popular Tea Ceremony. If you want to enjoy a very celebrated spring tradition in Kyoto, you can’t miss the 150th edition of the Miyako Odori, one of the greatest productions when it comes to geisha performances. With three daily shows, three times a day, you can easily find a time to experience the best of Japanese traditional art that suits you. For an extra fee, you can even indulge yourself by participating in a tea ceremony.
Dates: April 1st ~ April 30th
Location: The Gion Kobu Kaburenjo
Time: 12:30 pm (first show), 2:30 pm (second show) and 4:30 pm (third show)
Fees:
- regular seat: ¥4,000
- premium seat: ¥6,000
- premium seat + tea ceremony: ¥7,000
Website: https://miyako-odori.jp/english/
Traditional clothing and music make the atmosphere truly unique – Photo Credits: Hirano Ninja
Oka-Sai Sakura Festival
A millennium-old tradition, the Oka-sai Sakura Festival is an event that has happened every spring since 985 in the Hirano Shrine. This shrine was founded when Kyoto became the capital of Japan in 794. Hosting alluring gardens with over 50 species of cherry blossom trees, the shrine holds on April 10th the oldest festival in Kyoto. The traditional matsuri starts with an opening ceremony after which you can witness a ritual in front of Emperor Kazan’s mausoleum. Finally, followed by a rich procession with traditional music, kimonos from varied eras, and horse-mounted warriors.
Date: April 10th
Location: 1 Hirano Miyamotochō, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8322, Japan
Time: Starts at 10am~3:30pm
Fees: Free
Website: https://www.hiranojinja.com/home/gaiyo/nentyugyoji/okasai
Tour participants enjoying adorable scenery and local foods – Photo Credits: Arigato Travel
Local Food and Historic Area Food Tour
If you want to spend the day strolling, learning about the region, and savoring the flavorful and special local cuisine while enjoying the hanami experience, you have come to the right place! One of our limited edition tours takes place between mid-March and April 10th, taking you to gorgeous sights, and exquisite local foods whilst wandering through Kyoto’s historical neighborhood of Demachiyanagi. If handmade noodles, local sake, and traditional desserts are your thing, don’t miss the opportunity to join us for the Cherry Blossom Season 2024!
Date: March 18th ~ April 10th
Location: Demachiyanagi area
Time: 4:15 pm ~ 7:30 pm
Fees: ¥23,000 (adults)/ ¥11,500 (children 3~12)/ free (children up to 3 years old)
Website: https://arigatojapan.co.jp/tours/evening-hanami-cherry-blossom-time-in-kyoto/
Cherry trees, spring festivals, shrines and promenades are now covered with the beauties of the season. Kyoto is a unique place to be around in April, whether you are into natural landscapes like Maruyama Park, or into the traditional culture, magically present in the Oka-sai festival and the Miyakodori. The old capital is a go-to place even for those visitors who want to experience a boat ride, antique market or, of course, local food. If you are around Kyoto this April, don’t miss out on the opportunity to see the seasonal beauties of the city and eat the local foods the city has developed throughout the years!
Feature photo credit: Japan Heritage/The Lake Biwa Canal
If you’re coming to Kyoto to check any of these events out, why not join a culinary tour and discover the city as a local?
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