Table of Contents
Cherry Blossoms at Joushouji Temple
Basic Information
| Cherry blossom spot | Joushouji Temple |
| Best time to see cherry blossoms | Late March – Late April |
| Number of cherry trees | About 100 cherry trees (Someiyoshino, yamazakura, beni-edachire, etc.) |
| Hours of operation | 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Admission fee | Adults 400 yen, elementary school students 200 yen |
| Lighting up | None |
| Parking lot | No parking lot |
| Location | 1, Takagamine Kitatakagamine-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8468, Japan |
| Phone: +81-75-492-6775 | 075-492-6775 |
| Official website | http://tsakae.justhpbs.jp/joshoji/toppage.html |
Features and Highlights
- A breathtaking view of approximately 100 cherry trees decorating the temple grounds
- Experience history and culture at the site associated with Yoshinotayu
- Experience Kyoto’s traditions at the Yoshino Tayu Hanakkuyo, a springtime tradition
Cherry blossoms at Josho-ji Temple can be seen everywhere on the temple grounds, including the approach to the temple, the temple gate, and the Yoshinomon gate. The Yoshino cherry blossoms around the Yoshino Gate are especially beautiful, planted in memory of Tayu Yoshino. The cherry blossoms, which range from the pale pink of someiyoshino cherry trees to the deep red of yamazakura cherry trees and the dainty red of beni-edahare (weeping cherry trees), are in full bloom and fascinate visitors.
Josho-ji Temple is also known as the place associated with Tayu Yoshino, and his tomb and other relics are on display in the temple grounds. During the cherry blossom season, a “Yoshino Tayu Hanakkuyo” (flower offering ceremony) is held in which women dressed in Yoshino Tayu costumes parade through the temple grounds, offering visitors a firsthand experience of Kyoto’s traditional culture.
Yoshinotayu Hanakkuyo” to experience Kyoto’s traditional culture
Every year on the second Sunday in April, the “Yoshino Tayu Hanakkuyo ” is held. Tea offerings and a tea ceremony are held, and women in Yoshino Tayu costumes parade through the precincts of the shrine. This is a rare opportunity to experience Kyoto’s traditional culture.
How to get there
To get to Josho-ji Temple, it is convenient to take a city bus from Kyoto Station.
From Kitaoji Station, take Kyoto City Bus No. Kita 1 for about 18 minutes, get off at Takagamine Genkoan-mae bus stop, and walk about 2 minutes.
Popular Spots in the Surrounding Area
There are many other cherry blossom viewing spots in the vicinity of Josho-ji Temple. Genkoan, about a 15-minute walk away, is famous for its tunnel of cherry blossoms, which is recommended to visit in combination with Josho-ji Temple.
Hirano Shrine, about 10 minutes away by car, is also one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, with approximately 400 cherry trees in bloom.
Conclusion
Jyosho-ji Temple is one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto, with approximately 100 cherry trees in full bloom and the history and culture associated with Yoshinotayu.
During the cherry blossom season, why not experience a taste of spring under the cherry blossoms in full bloom and experience Kyoto’s traditional culture?
