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- Cycling to! Hidden Hanami Spots in Kyoto City
2025.02.20
Sightseeing Spot
SOTETSU FRESA INN
THE POCKET HOTEL
Cycling to! Hidden Hanami Spots in Kyoto City
This year will soon bring the arrival of spring, the season of cherry blossoms in full bloom in many parts of Japan. However, popular sightseeing spots in Kyoto, where there are many famous cherry blossom viewing spots, tend to be especially crowded. So, in order to avoid the crowds and enjoy the cherry blossoms in peace and quiet, we would like to introduce some of the hidden cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto that can be visited by cycling. We have included a map at the end for your reference.
Rental bicycles convenient for sightseeing in Kyoto
There are many bicycle rental stores in Kyoto City, so bicycles are one of the recommended ways to see the sights. Especially in areas dotted with places of interest, you can move freely and efficiently around the city. Also, if you choose a scenic route to ride on, you will be able to enjoy beautiful scenery while on the move. Experiencing a new style of sightseeing by bicycle or kickboard is also recommended.
[Kyoto City] Recommended bike rental stores near SOTETSU HOTELS
KYOTO ECO TRIP SHIJO KARASUMA
Address: 466 Kannondo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
Nearby Hotels ▶Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
KYOTO GOJO Cycle
Address:795-4 Nishihashizumecho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto-shi
Nearby Hotels ▶Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
▶THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
KURUTTO bicycle rental
Address:Avanti B2F 31 Nishisannocho, Higashikujo, Minami-Ku, Kyoto-shi
Nearby Hotels ▶Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi
■List of stores certified under the Kyoto City Rental Bicycle Business Certification System (as of July 2024) )
Address: 466 Kannondo-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi
Nearby Hotels ▶Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
KYOTO GOJO Cycle
Address:795-4 Nishihashizumecho, Shimogyo-Ku, Kyoto-shi
Nearby Hotels ▶Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
▶THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
KURUTTO bicycle rental
Address:Avanti B2F 31 Nishisannocho, Higashikujo, Minami-Ku, Kyoto-shi
Nearby Hotels ▶Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi
■List of stores certified under the Kyoto City Rental Bicycle Business Certification System (as of July 2024) )
SOTETSU HOTELS with dedicated port installation for [LUUP]
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
391-1 Shiogamacho, Gojodori-Sakaimachi-Nishiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Port location: Near the employee service entrance
391-1 Shiogamacho, Gojodori-Sakaimachi-Nishiiru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Port location: Near the employee service entrance
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi
11 Higashikujo-Nishisannocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Port for exclusive use: In front of the entrance
11 Higashikujo-Nishisannocho, Minami-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Port for exclusive use: In front of the entrance
[LUUP] details here.
Cycling Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto City
1. Kyoto Prefectural Office - Former Main Bldg.
Elegant weeping cherry trees stand quietly in the courtyard of the Old Main Building of Kyoto Prefectural Government. Located in the center of the city, it is easily accessible, but is a hidden spot that is surprisingly not well known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
The seven cherry trees blooming in the courtyard surrounded by the old main building, designated as a national important cultural property, are truly magnificent, and since visitors from other prefectures rarely have the opportunity to enjoy them, it is truly a hidden gem.
The Neo-Renaissance-style old main building, with its high front roof and symmetrical overhangs, allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the weeping cherry blossoms along with its graceful appearance. In addition to the main weeping cherry tree, the "Katamori Zakura," named after Matsudaira Katamori, who served as the guardian of Kyoto, also attracts visitors.
[Access]
Train / Bus: A 10 minutes on foot from Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line.
Bicycle: A 9 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma / A 14 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo / A 19 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi /A 13 minutes from THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
2. Hori-kawa riverside
A promenade runs along the Horikawa River from Nijo Castle to Ichijo-dori near Seimei Shrine, lined with rows of double-flowered cherry trees. The cherry blossoms along the Horikawa River can be enjoyed over a long period of time, beginning with the Kawazu cherry blossoms in mid-March and ending with the Satozakura cherry blossoms in late April.
The Horikawa River was constructed at the same time as the construction of Heian-kyo, and has been used as a waterway for the daily lives of the citizens, but it has long lost its water source. However, with the completion of the “Horikawa Waterfront Environment Improvement Project” in 2009, the flow of water was restored. The area from Moto-Shoganji Bridge to Ichijo-Kubiki Bridge was developed as a “water park,” providing a luxurious space where visitors can stroll while viewing the cherry blossoms.
【Access】
Train / Bus: A 11 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line.
Bicycle: A 7 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma to the intersection of Higashi-horikawa Dori and Oshikoji Dori /A 12 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo / A 16 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi /A 10 minutes from THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
3. Tenjin-gawa riverside
Tenjin River Cherry Blossom Lane is a row of cherry trees of Someiyoshino that stretches about 1 km between Shijo and Gojo. There are not many tourists here, and it is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot for locals. Especially on the east bank, there are many parts that have been turned into a promenade, allowing visitors to see the cherry blossoms at a closer distance. One of the main attractions of this area is that visitors can enjoy walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
Since benches are placed here and there, many visitors enjoy eating their lunch when the weather is fine.
"Fujiyama Pudding" a favorite of tourists and locals alike, is located nearby, so you can also enjoy take-out curry and pudding!
【Access】
Train / Bus:A 15 minutes walk from Nishikyogoku Station on Hankyu Kyoto Line to Fujiyama Pudding.
Bicycle: A 17 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma /A 20 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo /A 23 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi /A 18 minutes from THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
4. Katsura-gawa riverbed (Katsura-gawa Ryokuchi Park)
The most spectacular cherry blossom viewing spot is located between Katsura Ohashi Bridge and Kuze Bashi Bridge, near the JR railroad bridge. Proceeding south from the east side of Katsura Ohashi Bridge, you will pass through “Katsuragawa Ryokuchi Park,” where you will find an approximately 800-meter-long row of cherry trees.
Two types of cherry trees, Someiyoshino and Kawazu-zakura, are planted here, and when they bloom at the same time, visitors can enjoy the fantastic beauty of the two different shades of cherry blossom colors. Kawazu-zakura are early bloomers, so it depends on temperature and weather conditions whether you can see both types of cherry blossoms at the same time.
【Access】
Train / Bus: To the Katsura River riverbed, take Kyoto City Bus No. 33, get off at “Katsura Ohashi”, about 1 min. walk, or JR Kyoto Line “Nishioji” station, about 20 min. walk.
Bicycle: A 22 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma/A 23 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo/A 17 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi/A 21 minutes from THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO.
*Estimated travel time is based on Google map.
Elegant weeping cherry trees stand quietly in the courtyard of the Old Main Building of Kyoto Prefectural Government. Located in the center of the city, it is easily accessible, but is a hidden spot that is surprisingly not well known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
The seven cherry trees blooming in the courtyard surrounded by the old main building, designated as a national important cultural property, are truly magnificent, and since visitors from other prefectures rarely have the opportunity to enjoy them, it is truly a hidden gem.
The Neo-Renaissance-style old main building, with its high front roof and symmetrical overhangs, allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the weeping cherry blossoms along with its graceful appearance. In addition to the main weeping cherry tree, the "Katamori Zakura," named after Matsudaira Katamori, who served as the guardian of Kyoto, also attracts visitors.
[Access]
Train / Bus: A 10 minutes on foot from Marutamachi Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line.
Bicycle: A 9 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma / A 14 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo / A 19 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi /A 13 minutes from THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
2. Hori-kawa riverside
A promenade runs along the Horikawa River from Nijo Castle to Ichijo-dori near Seimei Shrine, lined with rows of double-flowered cherry trees. The cherry blossoms along the Horikawa River can be enjoyed over a long period of time, beginning with the Kawazu cherry blossoms in mid-March and ending with the Satozakura cherry blossoms in late April.
The Horikawa River was constructed at the same time as the construction of Heian-kyo, and has been used as a waterway for the daily lives of the citizens, but it has long lost its water source. However, with the completion of the “Horikawa Waterfront Environment Improvement Project” in 2009, the flow of water was restored. The area from Moto-Shoganji Bridge to Ichijo-Kubiki Bridge was developed as a “water park,” providing a luxurious space where visitors can stroll while viewing the cherry blossoms.
【Access】
Train / Bus: A 11 minutes on foot from Imadegawa Station on the Kyoto Municipal Subway Karasuma Line.
Bicycle: A 7 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma to the intersection of Higashi-horikawa Dori and Oshikoji Dori /A 12 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo / A 16 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi /A 10 minutes from THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
3. Tenjin-gawa riverside
Tenjin River Cherry Blossom Lane is a row of cherry trees of Someiyoshino that stretches about 1 km between Shijo and Gojo. There are not many tourists here, and it is a popular cherry blossom viewing spot for locals. Especially on the east bank, there are many parts that have been turned into a promenade, allowing visitors to see the cherry blossoms at a closer distance. One of the main attractions of this area is that visitors can enjoy walking through a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
Since benches are placed here and there, many visitors enjoy eating their lunch when the weather is fine.
"Fujiyama Pudding" a favorite of tourists and locals alike, is located nearby, so you can also enjoy take-out curry and pudding!
【Access】
Train / Bus:A 15 minutes walk from Nishikyogoku Station on Hankyu Kyoto Line to Fujiyama Pudding.
Bicycle: A 17 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma /A 20 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo /A 23 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi /A 18 minutes from THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
4. Katsura-gawa riverbed (Katsura-gawa Ryokuchi Park)
The most spectacular cherry blossom viewing spot is located between Katsura Ohashi Bridge and Kuze Bashi Bridge, near the JR railroad bridge. Proceeding south from the east side of Katsura Ohashi Bridge, you will pass through “Katsuragawa Ryokuchi Park,” where you will find an approximately 800-meter-long row of cherry trees.
Two types of cherry trees, Someiyoshino and Kawazu-zakura, are planted here, and when they bloom at the same time, visitors can enjoy the fantastic beauty of the two different shades of cherry blossom colors. Kawazu-zakura are early bloomers, so it depends on temperature and weather conditions whether you can see both types of cherry blossoms at the same time.
【Access】
Train / Bus: To the Katsura River riverbed, take Kyoto City Bus No. 33, get off at “Katsura Ohashi”, about 1 min. walk, or JR Kyoto Line “Nishioji” station, about 20 min. walk.
Bicycle: A 22 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma/A 23 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo/A 17 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi/A 21 minutes from THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO.
*Estimated travel time is based on Google map.
A little further afield, visit a hidden cherry blossom viewing spot.
After enjoying cycling in Kyoto City, we recommend taking a train or bus to visit hidden cherry blossom viewing spots in the suburbs.
Address: 26-1, Aosaijonouchi, Nagaokakyo-shi, Kyoto
Access: Get off at Nagaokakyo Station on the JR Kyoto Line, and take Hankyu Bus No. 6, 7, 20, or 22 at the West Exit bus stop, or Hankyu Bus No. 6, 7, 20, or 22 at Nagaoka Tenjin Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, and get off at “Asahigaoka Home-mae” bus stop.
*The route will change depending on the time.
*There are no parking lots in or near Komyoji Temple, so please use public transportation if you wish to visit the temple.
Access: Get off at Nagaokakyo Station on the JR Kyoto Line, and take Hankyu Bus No. 6, 7, 20, or 22 at the West Exit bus stop, or Hankyu Bus No. 6, 7, 20, or 22 at Nagaoka Tenjin Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, and get off at “Asahigaoka Home-mae” bus stop.
*The route will change depending on the time.
*There are no parking lots in or near Komyoji Temple, so please use public transportation if you wish to visit the temple.
Komyoji Temple, the head temple of the Nishiyama Jodo Sect, is located in Aohirotani at the foot of Nishiyama in Nagaokakyo City. It is said to be the place where Honen Shonin taught “Namu Amidabutsu” (Amitabha) for the first time in Japan, and has a deep history. The temple is also known as a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, and cherry blossoms gracefully greet visitors as they walk up the stone pavement of the main approach to the temple.
The vast temple grounds boast the largest temple complex in Rakusai, with major buildings scattered throughout the mountain and connected by corridors. 17 buildings are registered as city-designated cultural properties. The cherry trees planted in the mountain include Someiyoshino, shidarezakura (weeping cherry), and yamazakura (mountain cherry), and the beautiful scenery of the So-mon, Onnazaka (main approach to the temple), Mieido (main hall), and Amida Hall, together with the cherry blossoms, will captivate visitors.
The vast temple grounds boast the largest temple complex in Rakusai, with major buildings scattered throughout the mountain and connected by corridors. 17 buildings are registered as city-designated cultural properties. The cherry trees planted in the mountain include Someiyoshino, shidarezakura (weeping cherry), and yamazakura (mountain cherry), and the beautiful scenery of the So-mon, Onnazaka (main approach to the temple), Mieido (main hall), and Amida Hall, together with the cherry blossoms, will captivate visitors.
Address: 1372, Oharano Koshio-cho, Saikyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Access: JR Kyoto Line “Mukomachi Station”, Hankyu Bus No. 66 (for Yoshimine Temple), “Yoshimine Temple” stop, 8 minutes walk
Take Hankyu Kyoto Line, get off at Higashi Mukomachi Station, take Hankyu Bus No. 66 (bound for Yoshimine Temple), get off at “Yoshimine Temple” bus stop, and walk 8 minutes.
Access: JR Kyoto Line “Mukomachi Station”, Hankyu Bus No. 66 (for Yoshimine Temple), “Yoshimine Temple” stop, 8 minutes walk
Take Hankyu Kyoto Line, get off at Higashi Mukomachi Station, take Hankyu Bus No. 66 (bound for Yoshimine Temple), get off at “Yoshimine Temple” bus stop, and walk 8 minutes.
Yoshimine Temple is located halfway up Mt. Shaka in the Nishiyama mountain range and is famous as the 20th temple of the 33 sacred places in the western part of Japan, and is also one of the famous cherry blossom viewing spots.
The best time to view the cherry blossoms is in mid-April throughout the temple grounds, especially in the Hakusan Sakura Garden, where nearly 50 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees and someiyoshino cherry trees, are in full bloom.
Various varieties of cherry trees, including higanzakura, shidarezakura (weeping cherry), yamazakura (mountain cherry), and botanzakura (botan cherry), are planted on the temple grounds, and visitors can enjoy the blossoms at slightly different times from early to late April.
The best time to view the cherry blossoms is in mid-April throughout the temple grounds, especially in the Hakusan Sakura Garden, where nearly 50 cherry trees, including weeping cherry trees and someiyoshino cherry trees, are in full bloom.
Various varieties of cherry trees, including higanzakura, shidarezakura (weeping cherry), yamazakura (mountain cherry), and botanzakura (botan cherry), are planted on the temple grounds, and visitors can enjoy the blossoms at slightly different times from early to late April.
By visiting some of Kyoto's hidden cherry blossom viewing spots by bicycle or kickboard, you can avoid the crowds and enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in peace and quiet. Spend a special and memorable moment in a place with a rich natural environment and historical background. We invite you to embark on a journey to rediscover the charm of Kyoto along with its natural beauty.
* Information as of February 2025.
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