Table of Contents
Cherry Blossoms in Chion-in Temple
Basic Information
| Cherry blossom spot | Chion-in Temple |
| Best time to see the cherry blossoms | Late March to mid-April |
| Number of cherry trees | About 250 cherry trees (Someiyoshino, yamazakura, weeping cherry, etc.) |
| Opening hours | 9:00-16:30 |
| Admission | Free in the precincts, Yuzen-en: Adults 300 yen, Hojo Garden: Adults 400 yen |
| Light-up | Spring Light-up 2024 : March 23 (Sat.) – April 3 (Wed.), 2024 |
| Parking | No parking (use nearby toll parking lots) |
| Location | 400 Hayashi-shita-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto, 605-8686, Japan |
| TEL | 075-531-2111 (Chion-in Temple) |
| Official website | https://www.chion-in.or.jp/ |
Features and Highlights
- Spectacular view from the national treasure Sanmon Gate
- Elegant weeping cherry trees in Yuzen-en Garden
- Someiyoshino cherry blossoms reflected on the steep slope of Otokozaka
- Illuminated at night, creating a fantastic atmosphere
The cherry blossoms surrounding the 24-meter-high National Treasure Sanmon Gate, the symbol of Chion-in Temple, are breathtakingly beautiful. In the Yuzen-en Garden, a recreation of the garden of a noble lord in the Heian period (794-1185), weeping cherry trees are reflected on the surface of the pond, creating a charming atmosphere.
Around the Mikado Hall, which is located at the top of a steep staircase, visitors can enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms in a tranquil setting.
Event Information
Spring Light-up 2024
During this period, the precincts of the temple, including the Sanmon gate, Yuzen-en Garden, and the National Treasure Mikado, will be fantastically lit up. Visitors can fully enjoy viewing the cherry blossoms at night.
| Event Information | Spring Light-up 2024 |
| Schedule | Saturday, March 23 – Wednesday, April 3, 2024 |
| Hours | 17:45 – 21:30 (registration closes at 21:00) |
| Admission | Adults (high school students and older): 800 yen, Children (elementary and junior high school students): 400 yen |
How to get there
- From JR Kyoto Station, take City Bus No. 206 to “Chion-in-mae” bus stop, 5 min. walk.
- From Hankyu Kawaramachi Station, take routes 12, 46, 201, or 203, alight at “Chion-in-mae” and walk 5 minutes.
- 10 minutes walk from Gion-Shijo Station of Keihan Railway
Popular nearby spots
Maruyama Park (10-minute walk)
Conveniently located near Gion, one of Kyoto’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots.
Yasaka Shrine (approx. 15 min. walk)
One of the most famous shrines in Kyoto, also known for its cherry blossoms.
Kodaiji Temple (approx. 20 min. walk)
This temple was built by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and is popular for its illuminated cherry blossoms.
Summary
The cherry blossoms at Chion-in, where history and beauty merge, are a springtime tradition in Kyoto. Enjoy Chion-in Temple in spring with its collaboration of the national treasure Sanmon Gate and cherry blossoms and fantastic nighttime cherry blossom lighting. There are many cherry blossom viewing spots in the surrounding area, so be sure to enjoy the charm of spring in Kyoto to the fullest.
