Important reminder: We know cherry blossoms are mesmerizing, but at Arigato Travel, we kindly ask that you please don’t pick the petals or shake the sakura branches to take photos. There are plenty of lovely ways to capture beautiful pictures without harming or disturbing the trees. Thank you for helping us protect them!
Your day may have just started, but there’s already a buzz of excitement in the air, and for good reason: you’ve finally arrived in Kyoto, at the heart of hanami season, and you just know it’s going to be an unforgettable one. Dive into today’s blog and follow our one-day itinerary to make the most of this magical time of year while soaking up every moment of your trip!
Philosopher’s Path – Photo Credit: takuya kanzaki
Since it’s sakura season, your adventure simply has to begin at the Philosopher’s Path, where you can enjoy a wonderful, peaceful walk as you feel the fresh breeze and admire the beautiful cherry trees lining the path. Morning is the perfect time to experience it: the light is beautiful, the air is crisp, and the crowds are still fast asleep. Take your time, breathe in the scent of spring, and let Kyoto slow your pace.
Sakura-flavored cake and tea – Photo Credit: jreika
And for a little extra magic, wrap up your walk, step into a local Japanese café, and enjoy a tasty seasonal breakfast, such as a sakura-flavored drink or pastry. If you prefer other flavors, we recommend taking advantage of the fact that you’re in Japan and trying a delicious Uji matcha drink, from the neighboring city of Uji, just south of Kyoto, where some of the country’s most revered matcha is produced.
Nanzen-ji Temple in bloom – Photo Credit: Amstk
Keep the magic going with a scenic wander down to Nanzen-ji, one of Kyoto’s grandest temples, yet still wonderfully calm in its sprawling grounds. The massive wooden gate makes a dramatic entrance, and the old brick aqueduct adds a little “wait, are we still in Japan or have we travelled to Southern Europe?” twist to your photo collection. Blossoms drift around the temple buildings, giving the whole area a soft, cinematic glow. Take your time; this is the good stuff.
Keage Incline – Photo Credit: Dasian
From Nanzen-ji, stroll a little farther east, and you’ll reach the Keage Incline, an old railway track now famous for its cherry blossoms. In spring, the rails disappear under a fluffy pink tunnel, and everyone, from pro photographers to people just chilling, wanders along, soaking it all in. The mix of rusty tracks and soft petals gives the whole place a dreamy, slightly nostalgic feel. Take it slow, enjoy the moment, and don’t be surprised if you end up snapping way more photos than planned.
Okazaki Jikkokubune Boat Ride – Photo Credit: cowardlion
When your stomach starts hinting at lunchtime, follow it toward the Okazaki area, filled with charming cafés, noodle shops, and cozy local restaurants. After eating, enjoy a leisurely walk through Okazaki Park, where cherry trees line the paths, and the atmosphere is full of relaxed spring energy. If you’re feeling extra cute, hop on a canal cruise; it’s slow, scenic, and has peak hanami vibes. Click here for more details or to make a reservation.
As the afternoon light gets warmer, start heading north toward Demachiyanagi. It’s about a 30-minute walk, and along the way, Kyoto’s riverside charm really shines: willow trees, cherry blossoms, gentle water, and locals enjoying the breeze. Aim to arrive around 16:00 so you can soak in the riverside calm before your evening fun begins.
Enjoy the hanami with us – Photo Credit: Arigato Travel
And then… the perfect finale: your Kyoto Evening Hanami Tour, starting at 16:30! You’ll explore a laid-back local neighborhood, taste seasonal bites, wander under twilight blossoms, and finish with a delicious Kyoto-style dinner that makes the whole day feel complete. Watching the cherry trees glow in the evening light is the ultimate spring mood, calm, gorgeous, and a little bit magical! Not only that, our wonderful guide will share insights about hanami and the different trees that bloom during the season. Did you know that not all the trees you see are actually sakura trees?
By the end of the tour, you’ll have lived a full sakura day from soft morning pinks to golden-hour blossoms. It’s the kind of Kyoto day you’ll be thinking about long after the petals fall.
Feature photo credit: Peera_stockfoto
