Hi there!
Is April a good month to visit Kyoto?!
Yes, early April can be a great time to visit Kyoto if you are looking for cherry blossoms!
Since it’s nature, the exact time of the month that is best for the cherry blossoms in Kyoto can vary from year to year depending on when it starts to get warm.
But in general, there’s a good chance you will see vibrant cherry blossoms blooming if you visit Kyoto in early April!
You might see cherry blossoms from mid-March until mid-April, but again, it can vary.
And, Kyoto can be a perfect place to see cherry blossoms in Japan because there are lots of temples which can make for a perfect backdrop for cherry blossoms!
But you can see cherry blossoms all over Japan, so you don’t NEED to go to Kyoto to see them.
It does make for a perfect spot, though!
Now…
Things to do in Kyoto in early April
Again, your experience with Kyoto in April can vary based on whether the current year is warmer than usual (peak bloom will come sooner) or cooler than usual (peak bloom will come later).
I was in Kyoto in April in 2019. Pictures below are from April 5.
1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
2. Sannenzaka slope
3. Kodaiji Temple
4. Maruyama Park
5. Heian Shrine
6. Keage Incline
7. Philosopher’s Path
If this looks good to you, then see more details (aka pics!) for the Kyoto cherry blossom itinerary!
Or take a look at the Kyoto cherry blossom map for a potential walking route.
For some cherry blossom spots in Tokyo, consider a visit to a Tokyo river cherry blossom promenade, a Tokyo shrine, or a Tokyo temple!
And Osaka can be a day trip from Kyoto, and you might consider making it a trip to Osaka Castle Park full of cherry blossoms!
The time that you can see cherry blossoms across Japan vary by region, so be sure to look at the forecast for different cities you’re interested in!
HAPPY SEEING KYOTO IN APRIL!