The 11 Best Day Trips from Kyoto to see Cherry Blossoms

For many visiting the Kansai region of Japan, Kyoto is the crown jewel destination. The ancient capital is filled with culture, history, and, of course, beautiful scenery, but the same can be said about Kansai as a whole.

Kyoto's central location within the region makes it a great base for those exploring the greater area, as there are a medley of destinations that are easily accessible thanks to the well-connected public transportation. During springtime especially, the soothing pink hues of cherry blossoms (sakura in Japanese) are sprinkled throughout Kansai, andthere are great day trips to take from Kyoto that host this iconic floral scenery. Here are some of our favorite places nearby Kyoto to visit for cherry blossoms!

Greater Kyoto Prefecture

While the name "Kyoto" may initially conjure up imagery of the historic city, this city is actually the capital of the greater prefecture of the same name! Kyoto Prefecture has gorgeous nature throughout and charming towns and villages laced throughout mountains and alongside the coast. Of course, these locations outside of the main city are also great for springtime sakura scenery!

1. Uji

2. Miyami Kayabuki no Sato

Seeing cherry blossoms at Miyama Kayabuki no Sato in northern Kyoto feels like stepping into a living postcard of rural Japan. The village is famous for its preserved thatched-roof farmhouses, and in early spring, soft pink sakura trees bloom around the traditional homes, rice fields, and narrow country lanes.

Unlike the bustling hanami spots in central Kyoto, Miyama offers a quiet, charming atmosphere where you can hear birdsong and the rustle of the breeze through the thatch as petals drift gently to the ground. The contrast between the delicate blossoms and the rustic, centuries-old architecture creates a timeless scene, making it an especially enchanting place to experience cherry blossom season at a slower, more reflective pace. The village is around 2 hours from central Kyoto City via the JR Hiyoshi Line and then a local bus.

• Miyamachokita, Nantan-shi, Kyoto 601-0712, Japan

Osaka Prefecture

Though Kyoto is the city in Kansai that generally gets the most tourism, Osaka City and the greater prefecture are actually the most populated places in the region. Both Osaka City and Osaka Prefecture have great places to see cherry blossoms, many of which are within one hour of Kyoto by train!

3. Osaka Castle Park

Thanks to the reconstruction of the castle tower in 1931, the park has been enlarged and covers an area of 105 hectares. With its 300 Yoshino cherry trees, the park is an oasis in the city center. It also has a forest of 1,270 plum trees, which bloom earlier in the year.

• Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Japan 540-0002
• 350 yen for entry
• Illumination from 17:00 to 21:00

4. Banpaku Park (Universal Exhibition Park)

Banpaku Park is often listed as one of the 100 best places for hanami by the Japanese Cherry Blossom Association, Sakura no Kai. During the sakura season, around 200,000 people come to admire the 5,500 cherry blossoms in the park. It's the ideal place to have a picnic under the cherry blossoms!

• Senribanpaku-koen, Suita, Osaka, Japan 565-0826
• Banpaku Sakura Matsuri, end of March until the beginning of April, from 09:30 to 21:00
• Entry 250 yen
• Illumination from 17:00

5. Shitennoji

6. Currency Museum Garden (Japan Mint Museum)

In the garden of the Currency Museum, an alley of cherry trees attracts visitors. Over 560 meters, 350 cherry trees from 130 different species line this charming alley. A hundred late cherry trees, yae-zakura, can also be admired. The Currency Museum, Japan Mint Museum, is open to visitors for the rest of the year: you can discover the history and production of Japanese coins and medals.

• 1 Chome-1-79 Tenma, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0043
• Free entry
• Illuminations from 17:00 to 21:00

Nara Prefecture

Nara was actually the capital of Japan before Kyoto was established as such in the Heian Era. With the Kintetsu-Kyoto Line, going to Nara from Kyoto takes only around 30 to 40 minutes, making it ideal for a day trip! Check out these spots for cherry blossoms in one of Kansai's most beloved prefectures!

7. Nara Park

Nara Kôen is famous for its 1,200 deer grazing freely on more than 500 hectares. The park also has several interesting hanami spots, but we recommend the one near the entrance to Tôdai-ji Temple, along the river. You can then continue your walk with a visit to the temple and its famous Great Buddha statue.

• 469 Zoshicho, Nara City, Nara Prefecture 630-8501, Japan

8. Mount Yoshino

Located 50 km south of Nara, Mount Yoshino (Yoshinoyama in Japanese) is the site with the most cherry trees in all of Japan: 30,000! One of the mountain's slopes is even called "One glance, a thousand trees."

This astonishing concentration attracts some 20,000 people every day during the week of flowering for hanami.Take the opportunity to visit some of the temples that make this sacred site famous in Japan.

• 2430 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3115

9. Mount Wakakusa

For a view from above, head to Mount Wakakusa, located in the northern part of Nara Park. Rising to an altitude of 342 meters, it offers a unique panorama of the entire city, which can be enjoyed both day and night.

Allow between 30 and 40 minutes to climb on foot. In winter, the mountain is the scene of the Yamayaki festival, which sets its slopes ablaze on the fourth Saturday in January.

• 57 Kasuganocho in Nara City, Nara Prefecture
• 150 yen

Hyogo Prefecture

Hyogo Prefecture borders Kyoto Prefecture to the west and is home to notable cities such as Kobe and Himeji. Both of these destinations are prominent stops on the Shinkansen bullet train, which makes them convenient to access for JR Pass holders; however, local trains also make the journey nice and easy!

10. Himeji Castle

11. Tatsuno Park

Each year from around early to mid-April, the park comes alive with a "tunnel" of around 3,000 cherry trees in full bloom, lining the pathways and creating sweeping swathes of soft pink petals that delight visitors as they stroll under the branches.

During the Tatsuno Sakura Festival, many people come to picnic, take photos, and enjoy the blossoms both during the day and in the evening when some areas are illuminated.

• 69-1, Tatsunochoshimokajo, Tatsuno-shi, Hyogo, 679-4162, Japan.
• Free entry
• Illumination from 6 PM to 9 PM during the festival season

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