Table of Contents
Cherry Blossoms at Kuramadera Temple
Basic Information
| Cherry blossom spot | Kuramadera Temple |
| Best time to see the cherry blossoms | Early April to mid-April |
| Number of cherry trees | About 500 trees (Yaezakura, Someiyoshino, Yamazakura, Shidarezakura, etc.) |
| Opening hours | 9:00-16:00 |
| Admission Fee | Entry: 500 yen ( flat fee) Cable car (one-way): Adults 200 yen, elementary school students and younger 100 yen |
| Light-up | No lights |
| Parking lot | No parking (use nearby parking lots) |
| Location | 1074 Kurama Honmachi, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 601-1111 |
| TEL: 075-741-2003 | 075-741-2003 |
| Official website | http://www.kuramadera.or.jp/ |
Features and Highlights
- A breathtaking view of approximately 500 cherry trees in full bloom
- Unshu-zakura ” cherry blossoms blooming between evergreen trees
- Historic walking paths dotted with historical sites of Ushiwakamaru
The cherry trees at Kuramadera Temple are called ” unshu-zakura. This name does not refer to a specific variety of cherry tree, but rather to the way the cherry blossoms are dotted among the evergreen trees, resembling the saddle ornaments of horses in the Heian period (794-1185).
A number of unshu-zakura cherry trees bloom in the plaza in front of the main Kondo hall. Beautiful single and double blossoms, white and red, can be seen. On both sides of Dabotou near the Dabotou cable station, dark red weeping cherry trees adorn the pagoda.
Kuramadera Temple is also dotted with historical sites of Ushiwakamaru. History buffs will find plenty to see here, including ” Yoshitsune Koshikakeishi,” where he met Benkei, and “Ushiwakamaru Shugyo no Taki,” the waterfall where Ushiwakamaru did his ascetic training.
Spring Event “Hanakkuyo” (Flower Offering)
Every year from mid-April to late April, Kuramadera Temple holds the “Hanakkuyo” (flower offering) event. In thanksgiving to the deity, flowers, tea, and songs and dances are offered to the deity. On the middle day of the Hanakuyo, the Hanakai Ceremony is held and the procession of offerings of flowers and tea heads to the main shrine where cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
How to get there
- Short walk from Kurama Station on the Eizan Railway (Niomon Gate)
Enjoy the fusion of history and nature at Kuramadera Temple
Kuramadera’s unshu-zakura cherry blossoms are a springtime tradition in Kyoto. The beautiful contrast between the approximately 500 cherry trees in full bloom and the evergreen trees is well worth seeing. Combined with the historical site of Ushiwakamaru and events such as flower offerings, Kuramadera in spring is a fascinating sightseeing spot that blends history and nature.
