Kyoto Prefecture is located in Japan’s Kansai region. When people talk about “Kyoto,” they are usually referring to Kyoto City, which is just one area within the prefecture. In recent years, however, another area known as “Sea of Kyoto” has gained attention. This refers to the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture, including cities such as Kyotango and Maizuru. Because of their different geographic locations, these areas experience noticeably different climates.

The Sea of Kyoto faces the Sea of Japan, resulting in generally cloudier weather throughout the year, with colder winters and heavier snowfall. Kyoto City, on the other hand, sits in a basin. Its most distinctive features are hot summers, cold winters, and significant temperature differences between day and night. Travelers visiting Kyoto City in summer or winter should prepare accordingly, with sun protection in summer and warm clothing in winter. Compared with those seasons, spring, when cherry blossoms bloom, is more stable and mild, making it one of the most comfortable times of year for sightseeing.

Up next, LIVE JAPAN’s Taiwan editor Nemi, who has lived in Japan for seven years, shares practical spring outfit ideas based on real experience, including sample photos and children’s outfit examples, to help travelers planning a spring trip to Kyoto.

By March, Kyoto begins to feel like early spring. Daytime temperatures gradually rise and can approach around 10°C (50°F), but once the sun sets, temperatures often drop quickly to below 10°C (50°F). If you plan to enjoy evening cherry blossom viewing or visit mountainous areas, it is a good idea to bring an extra outer layer to stay warm.

Compared with other seasons, spring weather in Kyoto is relatively stable, but rain is still possible. Packing a lightweight, foldable umbrella is recommended in case of sudden showers.

From mid-March, early-blooming cherry blossoms such as Kawazu-zakura can already be seen in parts of Kyoto. Travelers hoping to enjoy different varieties of cherry blossoms may want to stay a little longer or visit multiple spots to experience the diversity of sakura across the city.

Visiting Kyoto in spring is not only about waiting for cherry blossoms to begin opening in late March. This period is also filled with elegant early-spring highlights that are easy to miss. Early March marks peak plum blossom season in the city. At places like Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Jonangu Shrine, cascading weeping plum trees create dreamy scenes that rival cherry blossoms in beauty.

Early March also coincides with Hinamatsuri. At Shimogamo Shrine, visitors may witness the traditional Nagashi-bina ritual, a graceful ceremony passed down since the Heian period. For travelers hoping to see several of these early-spring sights scattered around Kyoto, joining a one-day bus tour is a convenient option. With transportation taken care of, it becomes an easy way to enjoy Kyoto’s most charming moments as winter gently gives way to spring.

In April, temperatures in Kyoto continue to rise, with average temperatures approaching around 20°C (68°F). Gentle sunshine becomes more consistent, making April an excellent month for strolling and outdoor sightseeing. Flowers are in full bloom across the city. Alongside the iconic pink cherry blossoms, visitors can also begin to see dreamy blue nemophila from late April. Popular flower-viewing spots throughout Kyoto are lively during this time, filled with visitors enjoying the peak of spring.

While daytime temperatures in April are pleasantly warm and ideal for exploring, temperatures can drop quickly after sunset. If you plan to enjoy evening cherry blossom viewing, bringing an extra outer layer or light cold-weather accessories is recommended to stay comfortable as the night cools down.

April is one of the best months to enjoy the outdoors in Kyoto, and it is also a great time to venture a little farther beyond the city center. Highly recommended is a spring trip north to the area known as the “Sea of Kyoto.” At Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, the roughly 3.6-kilometer sandbar becomes especially beautiful in April. Green pine trees line the shore alongside around 100 cherry trees, creating a rare scene where pine and sakura bloom together. In addition to the famous “Flying Dragon View,” taking the cable car up to Kasamatsu Park offers a breathtaking look at this pastel ribbon stretching across the sea.

Nearby, Ine no Funaya also welcomes spring in April. Rows of traditional wooden boathouses reflect softly on the blue sea, framed by cherry blossoms, creating a calm and romantic atmosphere. Because cherry blossoms in the Sea of Kyoto tend to bloom slightly later than in central Kyoto, this area can be a pleasant surprise for travelers who miss peak bloom in the city. For a truly different Kyoto memory, this blend of blue seas and pink blossoms is not to be missed.

As Kyoto moves into May, the gentle warmth of spring gradually shifts toward the softer feel of early summer. Average temperatures approach around 20°C (68°F), with daytime highs reaching roughly 25°C (77°F), creating comfortably warm conditions. This is one of the best times to stroll through the historic city and enjoy Kyoto’s fresh greenery at its peak.

Because Kyoto sits in a basin, summers can become hot and humid, but May falls just before the rainy season begins. During this calm window, shades of green spread across the city, the air feels noticeably fresher, and sightseeing is especially pleasant. At the same time, the chance of rain increases in May, so carrying a lightweight, foldable umbrella is recommended in case of sudden afternoon showers. With a little preparation, May offers a relaxed and comfortable way to experience Kyoto at its greenest.

A visit to Kyoto in May is all about experiencing the city at its most vibrant, when fresh greenery known as shinryoku fills temples, gardens, and mountainsides. This period also coincides with Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto’s three major festivals. During the grand procession, participants dressed in elegant Heian-period court attire move slowly through the streets, creating a scene that feels like stepping back more than a thousand years in time.

May also marks the official start of Kamogawa’s riverside dining platforms. Enjoying a meal on a terrace beside the river, with a cool early-summer breeze drifting by, is a seasonal pleasure unique to Kyoto. The relaxed atmosphere and scenic setting make it an unforgettable way to experience the city after sunset.

This is also an ideal month to wear a light-colored lace kimono and explore places such as Tofuku-ji Temple or Jojakko-ji Temple in Arashiyama. Unlike the soft pink tones of cherry blossom season, May’s vivid green maple leaves create a refreshing contrast with historic temple buildings, producing especially striking photos and a calming visual experience. Although daytime temperatures are mild, Kyoto’s basin climate means evenings can feel noticeably cooler. When choosing a kimono, pairing it with a lightweight lace shawl adds elegance while providing extra warmth after sunset, ensuring your early-summer Kyoto stroll remains both comfortable and stylish.

Planning a spring trip to Kyoto? Below, our Japan-based editor Nemi answers some of the most common questions travelers have about visiting Kyoto in spring, from cherry blossom timing to weather and rain.

Cherry blossom timing in Kyoto varies by variety and location. The earliest blooms, such as Kawazu-zakura, can usually be seen from around early March. More common varieties like Somei Yoshino typically begin blooming from late March. Cherry blossoms in mountainous areas tend to bloom later than those in flatter parts of the city, so choosing viewing spots based on your travel dates makes it easier to enjoy these once-in-a-lifetime spring scenes.

Spring temperatures in Kyoto gradually warm up over the season. March, which overlaps with cherry blossom season, can still feel cool, with noticeable temperature swings between day and night, so bringing a jacket is recommended. By May, temperatures are much closer to early summer and heavy clothing is usually unnecessary. However, rainfall becomes more frequent in May, so carrying a compact umbrella is a smart precaution.

Compared with other seasons, spring in Kyoto generally has a lower chance of rain. That said, showers are still possible, especially in May as the rainy season approaches. Bringing a foldable umbrella and having a backup plan for rainy days will help keep your schedule on track.

Spring in Kyoto sits perfectly between the fading blossoms and the arrival of summer heat. With the city’s basin geography, this season avoids the intense summer humidity and offers mild, comfortable temperatures that are ideal for strolling, sightseeing, and flower viewing. Carrying a small umbrella also allows you to enjoy Kyoto even during an unexpected spring shower, turning it into part of the experience.

One final tip: late April through early May coincides with Golden Week, one of Japan’s busiest holiday periods. Some shops may close, adjust reservation systems, or sell out quickly due to crowds. If you plan to visit during this time, advance planning is essential to avoid disappointment.