Table of Contents
Cherry Blossoms at Shojuin
Basic Information
| Cherry blossom spot | Shojuin Temple |
| Best time to see the cherry blossoms | Early April to mid-April |
| Number of cherry trees | About 15 cherry trees (Someiyoshino, Yaezakura, Shidare-zakura) |
| Opening hours | 9:30-16:30 |
| Admission fee | 600 yen |
| Light-up | Special spring viewing “Kanzakura-kai” *Reservations required |
| Parking lot | Yes (free of charge, 60 spaces) |
| Location | 149 Kawakami, Okuyamada, Ujitawara-cho, Tsuduki-gun, Kyoto 610-0211 |
| TEL: 077-488-3601 | 077-488-3601 |
| Official website | http://shoujuin.boo.jp/ |
Features and Highlights
- Cherry blossoms can be viewed through the heart-shaped inome window.
- 160 ceiling paintings by Japanese-style painters are a highlight
- Enjoy viewing cherry blossoms while having tea and sweets
- Special viewing “Kanzakura-kai” (cherry blossom viewing party) is available by reservation only
The highlight of Shojuin is the view of cherry blossoms from the heart-shaped Inome Window. Inome windows have been used as architectural decorations at shrines and temples since ancient times, and are meant to ward off misfortune and invite good fortune. During the cherry blossom season, the inomoku-mado windows of Shojuin are filled with pink petals, creating a very beautiful sight.
In addition, Shojuin is decorated with 160 ceiling paintings by Japanese painters. The ceiling paintings are based on the themes of flowers and Japanese landscapes, and are very impressive.
The precincts of the temple are filled with 100-year-old cherry trees, and during the cherry blossom season, the entire precinct is tinged with pink.
Event Information
Spring Special Viewing “Kanzakura-kai” (Cherry Blossom Viewing Party)
The “Cherry Blossom Viewing Party” is held at Shosoin Temple when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. During the “Kansakura-kai”, the temple is lit up and visitors can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms in a different atmosphere than during the daytime.
The view from inside the Kyakuden is breathtaking, as the inome window is dyed in cherry blossom colors, filling the entire area as far as the eye can see, just like a sea of cherry blossoms. The nearly 100-year-old cherry trees on the side of the main hall are also a sight not to be missed.
For more details, please check the official website.
| Events | Kanoukai (cherry blossom viewing party ) |
| Schedule | Wednesday, March 27 – Friday, April 5, 2024 |
| Time | Part 1] 17:30-19:00 Part 2] 19:30 – 20:30 |
| Admission | 1,000 yen |
| Official website | https://shoujuin.boo.jp/ |
How to access
- 10 minutes by cab from Keihan Bus “Ishinchu-mae” stop.
If using a private car, free parking is available.
Summary
Shoju-in Temple is a new cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto, where visitors can view the cherry blossoms through a heart-shaped inome window. The precincts of the temple also include a guest house with 160 ceiling paintings by Japanese-style painters, and there is much to see. During the cherry blossom season, the temple is illuminated, so you can enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms in a different atmosphere than during the daytime.
Please visit Shojuin and enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms and traditional Japanese culture.
