A Cherry Blossom Walk: Sakura Spots Around Arashiyama to Enjoy While Strolling

Here is a guide to some lesser-known cherry blossom spots in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area, away from the busiest tourist routes. You can enjoy a relaxing walk along the path from Hankyu Arashiyama Station toward Matsuo Taisha Shrine, taking in the cherry blossoms, river, and mountain scenery at a slower pace. We will also introduce cherry blossom spots along the Randen Line, as well as some classic sightseeing places in the Arashiyama area, which we hope will be useful for your spring trip to Kyoto in 2027.

【If the season follows the usual pattern, cherry blossoms in Arashiyama in 2027 are expected to reach their best viewing period from late March to early April.】

Randen Cherry Blossom Tunnel | A Beautiful Sakura View from the Train

Along the Randen Kitano Line, between Utano Station and Narutaki Station, around 70 cherry trees line the tracks for approximately 200 meters. During the peak season, the blossoms form a beautiful tunnel of sakura, creating one of the most charming views along the railway. Since this scenery can only be fully enjoyed from inside the train, it is known as a hidden cherry blossom spot among those familiar with the area.

If you are sightseeing in Arashiyama, we highly recommend taking the Randen train and passing through this section. Even slightly after the peak bloom, you may be able to see cherry blossom petals dancing in the air as the train passes through, creating a different but equally beautiful atmosphere.

【Best time to see cherry blossoms】Late March to early April

【Fare】One way: Adults 250 yen / Elementary school students 120 yen

Seiryo-ji Temple | Enjoy Cherry Blossoms at a Temple Connected to The Tale of Genji

Located in the Sagano area, Seiryo-ji Temple stands on land connected to Minamoto no Toru, a Heian-period nobleman who is said to be one of the possible models for Hikaru Genji in The Tale of Genji.

Within the temple grounds, weeping cherry trees and Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms begin to bloom from around mid-March, creating a beautiful contrast with the historic temple buildings. The temple is also conveniently located about a 12-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, or just a 1-minute walk from the Saga Shakado-mae bus stop.

【Best time to see cherry blossoms】Mid-March to late April

【Admission】Adults 500 yen / Junior high and high school students 400 yen / Elementary school students 300 yen

Jojakko-ji Temple | Beautiful Weeping Cherry Trees on the Slopes of Mt. Ogura

Jojakko-ji Temple is located on the slopes of Mt. Ogura, a mountain well known in connection with the famous Ogura Hyakunin Isshu poetry anthology. In spring, the temple grounds are decorated with mountain cherry blossoms and Higanshidare weeping cherry trees.

The weeping cherry tree near the Niomon Gate is especially well regarded, and its beauty blends wonderfully with the natural mountain scenery surrounding the temple.

After climbing the stone steps inside the temple grounds, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Kyoto City. On clear days, you may even be able to see Mt. Hiei beyond the cherry blossoms, making this a highly recommended spot for those who want to enjoy both sakura and scenic views. Jojakko-ji Temple is about a 15-minute walk from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.

【Best time to see cherry blossoms】Mid-March to late April

【Admission】500 yen

Nison-in Temple | A Sakura-Lined Approach from the Main Gate to the Main Hall

Located at the foot of Mt. Ogura, Nison-in Temple is famous for its beautiful approach leading from the main gate to the main hall. During cherry blossom season, this path turns into a soft pink walkway and becomes a popular photo spot.

Beside the main hall, you can also find a late-blooming cherry tree called Nisonin Fugenzouzakura. This rare cherry blossom can be enjoyed over a relatively long period, from mid-March to early May, so visitors may still be able to enjoy sakura even if their travel dates do not match the usual peak bloom period.

Nison-in Temple is about a 15-minute walk from Randen Arashiyama Station.

【Best time to see cherry blossoms】Mid to late April

【Admission】Adults, junior high school students and older: 600 yen / Elementary school students and younger: Free ※Please confirm in advance

A Hidden Cherry Blossom Walking Route Along the Katsura River in Arashiyama

From Hankyu Arashiyama Station, cross Togetsukyo Bridge and walk for about 20 minutes in the direction of Matsuo Taisha Shrine. Along the way, you will find large cherry trees standing at comfortable intervals along the path. Since this area sees far fewer tourists than the central Arashiyama sightseeing route, it is a pleasant hidden walking course that can be enjoyed alone, with friends, or with family.

Walking all the way to Matsuo Taisha Shrine is about the distance of one train stop from Hankyu Arashiyama Station, but the experience of enjoying the cherry blossoms while strolling along the river is something you can only fully appreciate on foot. The view of the Katsura River, the open sky, and the mountains in the background gives you a real sense of Arashiyama’s natural charm.

This route is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy cherry blossoms slowly, away from the crowds. Since fewer people pass through this path, it is also a great place to take your time observing and photographing the blossoms.

【Togetsukyo Bridge to Matsuo Taisha Shrine: About 30 minutes on foot】

On the way to Matsuo Taisha Shrine, you will pass Matsuo Bridge. The Katsura River also flows beneath this bridge, just as it does under Togetsukyo Bridge. The view looking down from Matsuo Bridge has a different kind of beauty, so when you cross the bridge, we recommend taking a moment to enjoy the scenery from above.

Enjoying Cherry Blossoms Along the Riverside in Arashiyama

Near Matsuo Bridge, you can go down the steps and get closer to the riverside.

The riverbank is also known as a casual spot where people can enjoy barbecue-style outdoor meals. There are supermarkets and convenience stores within walking distance, making it easy to buy food and enjoy a simple outdoor experience.

Please note that barbecues are prohibited near the park area, and visitors must always take their trash home and follow the rules of the area.

Compared with the area near Togetsukyo Bridge, the water level here is relatively shallow and the current is usually calmer. In summer, you may even see people fishing nearby. How about enjoying some peaceful riverside time in a quieter part of Arashiyama, away from the busiest tourist spots?

Enjoy a Meal at kyocafe chacha Arashiyama Before Viewing the Cherry Blossoms

At kyocafe chacha, we mainly serve Kyoto-style waffles that can be enjoyed by both children and adults.

Guests can enjoy our original Morning Plate, as well as sweet plates made with seasonal fruits and other ingredients.

We are located just a 5-minute walk from Hankyu Arashiyama Station. Before going out to enjoy the cherry blossoms, why not relax and have a meal at kyocafe chacha?

Enjoy Cherry Blossoms and Visit One of Kyoto’s Oldest Shrines Near Arashiyama

The large torii gate of Matsuo Taisha Shrine is so impressive that it can be seen even from a distance. Once you pass through the gate, a wide straight path stretches ahead, lined with cherry trees on both sides. During spring, this approach becomes especially beautiful.

After walking along this path, you will find another torii gate, and beyond that is the main shrine building. The large torii gate is truly impressive, and we highly recommend seeing it in person.

Matsuo Taisha Shrine is said to have more than 1,300 years of history and is known as one of Kyoto’s oldest shrines. It is also famous as a shrine dedicated to the deity of sake.

Toward the left side of the main shrine area, you can find sake barrels donated from all over Japan. Stacked high together, they create a powerful and artistic-looking wall of sake barrels, making this a wonderful photo spot.

Highlights Inside the Shrine Grounds

A short distance from the main shrine area, there is an exhibition facility called the Sake Museum. Here, visitors can learn about the history of sake and see tools that were actually used in sake brewing in the past.

At the front of the museum, a screen shows videos of Matsuo Taisha Shrine’s festivals and Shinto rituals, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the shrine.

There are also various spiritual spots throughout the shrine grounds. One of the most famous is the Omokaru-ishi, a bell-shaped stone used to tell whether your wish may come true depending on how heavy the stone feels when you lift it. Anyone can try it casually and enjoy this unique form of fortune-telling.

You can also find the Koun no Futagoi, a pair of stone carp statues said to bring good luck and success when touched. The Koun no Nadegame, or lucky turtle statue, is also said to offer similar blessings.

Matsuo Taisha Shrine also has a unique type of fortune-telling unlike anything you will usually find at other shrines. It is called Shofuku Taru Uranai, or “Good Fortune Barrel Fortune-Telling.”

After paying an offering fee at the shrine office, you receive three arrows and shoot them toward a barrel-shaped target to receive your fortune. The offering fee is 500 yen. The area is easy to find, as the large target is set up near the building where the shrine attendants are located. Since this is such a unique experience, why not try shooting an arrow at the barrel and see what fortune awaits you?

Scenic Spots at Matsuo Taisha Shrine in Arashiyama

Many visitors leave after praying at the main shrine, but Matsuo Taisha Shrine has much more to explore. To the back right of the main shrine building, there is a path leading toward Reiki no Taki, a sacred waterfall located close to Mt. Matsuo, which is worshipped as the shrine’s sacred mountain.

As you continue along the path, you will see sacred water flowing from the mouth of a large turtle statue on your right. The water is known for its good quality and can be drunk directly. Many local people bring containers and take this sacred water home for drinking. The shrine also sells containers for the sacred water for 100 yen each.

If you continue straight ahead, you will find a row of small branch shrines. After praying there, you can proceed toward Takigozen, the area in front of the sacred waterfall.

At Takigomae, stone steps lead upward toward a narrow torii gate. The steps are designed to be easy to climb, making them accessible for children and elderly visitors as well.

Once you climb the steps, the atmosphere changes completely. The area becomes quiet and still, with clear air and rich nature all around. It almost feels as if you have stepped into a different world.

Usually, visitors wait at the bottom of the steps until the person before them comes back down, then take turns going up to pray. While waiting, there is still something interesting to look for. To the left of the waterfall is a mysterious rock called Tengu-iwa, which is said to resemble the face of a tengu. There is also a legend that the face looks different depending on who sees it, so please try looking for it during your visit.

In The End

Some of the places introduced here are a little away from the central Arashiyama area, but the cherry blossom spots along the Randen Line, the area around Matsuo Bridge, and Matsuo Taisha Shrine are all wonderful places worth visiting as part of your Kyoto trip.

If you are looking for a more relaxed way to enjoy Kyoto and Arashiyama in spring, away from the busiest crowds, we hope you will take the time to enjoy a peaceful walk through this beautiful area.