Spring Kimono Stroll in Gion: A Perfect Cherry Blossom Viewing Plan
As many of you already know, Kyoto has numerous cherry blossom spots.
Recently, even people from overseas visit Kyoto just to see the cherry blossoms, and Kyoto’s spring offers breathtaking views that can impress the world!
We want you to take beautiful photos with the cherry blossoms!
At such times, to capture even more glamorous photos, we recommend renting a kimono and enjoying cherry blossom viewing in kimono attire ♡
Spring in Kyoto has a very pleasant climate, making it the perfect season for wearing kimonos!
There are places in Kyoto where you can easily rent kimonos near tourist attractions, so you can rent them without any hassle!
Kimonos are a must for a girls’ trip ♡
So, this time, we will introduce you to a model plan for cherry blossom viewing in Gion area, along with recommended cherry blossom spots where you can rent kimonos.
Recommended Kimono Rental at Rikawafuku Kimono Gion Store
Once you arrive in Kyoto, start by renting a kimono in Gion!
One advantage of renting kimonos in tourist areas is that you can start sightseeing right away without any wasted time.
Therefore, the recommended kimono rental shop is Rikawafuku Kimono Gion Store.
It’s conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station on the Keihan Electric Railway and a 10-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station on the Hankyu Railway. They offer various types of kimonos, so you will surely find your favorite one!
Once you change into a kimono at Rikawafuku Kimono Gion Store, start sightseeing right away ♡
When is the Best Time for Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto?
The best time to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto is from late March to early April. If you plan your Kyoto trip during this period, the cherry blossom viewing experience may vary, but you can still enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Next, we will introduce model sightseeing plans for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto, dividing them into full-day and half-day options.
Model Plan 1: Full-Day Plan
If you have the whole morning for sightseeing in Kyoto, we recommend renting a kimono first thing in the morning.
Rikawafuku Kimono Gion Store opens at 9:30, so make a reservation once your travel date is decided and rent a kimono.
By the way, except for the peak periods in March and November, same-day reservations are also possible, so it’s okay to decide on kimono rental after arriving in Kyoto!
Gion Shirakawa
After renting a kimono at Rikawafuku Kimono Gion Store, start by taking a stroll along the Shirakawa River, which is just a short walk from the shop.
It’s a designated traditional architectural preservation district with a charming townscape, and the weeping cherry blossoms in full bloom add to its beauty.
If you go in the morning, there are relatively few tourists, so you might be able to take pictures without people in them! There’s also a famous red bridge called Tatsumi Bridge (Tatsumibashi), so enjoy taking photos at various spots while strolling.
Ginkakuji Temple – Philosopher’s Path – Nanzenji Temple
Take a little detour to the famous Philosopher’s Path, a scenic walking path along the Lake Biwa Canal, stretching from Ginkakuji Temple to Nanzenji Temple.
Philosopher’s Path, chosen as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Roads, offers a different charm each season and is popular year-round. However, it boasts exceptional beauty in spring.
With approximately 430 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, lining the path, Philosopher’s Path becomes a sea of cherry blossoms during full bloom, creating breathtaking scenery!
Even after the cherry blossoms have fallen, the path remains enchanting, as the sakura petals cover the surface of the canal, turning it into a beautiful pink river. Therefore, Philosopher’s Path is a delightful cherry blossom spot to enjoy both during full bloom and afterward.
Nearby, you’ll find cafes and souvenir shops where you can take a break, have lunch, or do some shopping if you’re in the mood. If you still have time, consider visiting popular tourist attractions like Ginkakuji Temple and Nanzenji Temple.
By the way, if you head towards Nanzenji Temple, I recommend checking out the cherry blossoms at Keage Incline. The incline is a former railway track for transporting boats and has now been opened for leisurely walks.
The nostalgic atmosphere of the abandoned railway track and the cherry blossom tunnel make it a perfect match for your kimono rental, allowing you to capture photos that feel like stepping back in time!
Feel free to explore this area as well.
Riverside Cafe GREEN TERRACE
Riverside Cafe GREEN TERRACE is a place along Philosopher’s Path where you can enjoy lunch or coffee while gazing at cherry blossoms.
They offer a menu with a focus on domestically sourced fresh noodles for pasta and homemade cakes, among other carefully selected items. So, it’s suitable for both lunch and coffee breaks when you need to relax.
The stylish, well-lit, and open interior, along with spacious seating, allows you to savor delicious food while enjoying the view of cherry blossoms. It’s a truly luxurious experience ♡, and I highly recommend it.
Model Plan 2: Half-Day Plan
If you plan to start sightseeing after having lunch, consider the following recommendations:
Let’s start by renting kimonos at Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Store and prepare for cherry blossom viewing!
Chion-in Temple (Chion-in)
Chion-in, just a short walk from Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Store, is the head temple of the Jodo sect.
It’s also known as a cherry blossom spot, so you can enjoy both sightseeing and cherry blossom viewing here.
The cherry blossoms within Chion-in can be found near the Sanmon gate and the Yuzen Garden.
The Sanmon gate of Chion-in is one of Japan’s largest wooden structures, and the cherry blossoms blooming beside it create a magnificent sight.
A classic way to take photos is to frame the cherry blossoms using the Sanmon gate as a “frame,” allowing you to easily capture charming cherry blossom photos.
Another spot within Chion-in is the Yuzen Garden, which requires an entrance fee. The garden was created to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the birth of Yuzen dyeing, and it offers various seasonal landscapes.
Although it doesn’t specialize in cherry blossoms, you can enjoy the essence of Kyoto while admiring the cherry blossoms here. It’s a relatively less crowded spot, likely due to the entrance fee, making it a relaxed place to explore.
Maruyama Park
After exploring Chion-in, continue to stroll through Maruyama Park, located just south of Chion-in.
It’s a popular cherry blossom viewing spot known for its weeping cherry trees and Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms. In spring, it gets crowded with cherry blossom enthusiasts and tourists.
Originally, the park has plenty of seating and serves as a resting place for tourists. However, during the cherry blossom season, it is crowded all day long, and you may find it challenging to secure a seat.
There are also food stalls that open, creating a festive atmosphere similar to a festival.
If you have some extra time, consider visiting Yasaka Shrine, which is a popular tourist attraction right next to Maruyama Park.
Dessert Cafe Nagrakuan
If your feet are tired and you’re looking for a sweet treat, then Dessert Cafe Nagrakuan within Maruyama Park is highly recommended.
This historic building, built during the Meiji era as a reception hall, offers light meals and cakes.
When it comes to Kyoto’s afternoon tea, this place is quite famous. If you have the time and appetite, don’t miss the afternoon tea!
The antique-style interior of the cafe complements kimono attire beautifully, allowing you to capture modern yet timeless photos inside the building.
While enjoying the view of cherry blossoms through the windows, indulge in an elegant time at this cafe!
Conclusion
How was it?
Kyoto offers numerous cherry blossom spots, but this time, I mainly introduced a model sightseeing plan centered around cherry blossom spots near Gion.
Kyoto can be enjoyed in every season, but spring, when beautiful cherry blossoms are in full bloom, is a season I’d love for you to visit!
Photos of you in a kimono against the backdrop of pink cherry blossoms will undoubtedly make your girls’ trip unforgettable ♡
Be sure to rent a kimono at Rikawafuku Kimono Rental Gion Store and explore the model sightseeing plan!
For more information on exploring Kyoto and its attractions while wearing a kimono, check out Recommended Kimono Exploration Information for Kyoto Girls’ Trips.
Author of this article
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku operates four kimono rental shops in Kyoto city, including locations in Arashiyama, Gion, Kiyomizu Temple, and in front of Kyoto Station. In 2023, they served over 230,000 customers in the Kyoto area!
They offer affordable plans, with a kimono dressing plan starting from 3,500 yen, and a hair setting plan from 5,500 yen.
Close to popular tourist spots such as Togetsukyo Bridge, Kiyomizu Temple, Yasaka Koshindo, and Yasaka Shrine!
Kyoto Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Gion Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Arashiyama Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kiyomizu Temple Store
Kimono Rental Rika Wafuku Kyoto Station Front Store
