For three days only, from April 4 to April 6, 2025, experience the stunning cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshino, one of Japan’s most famous sakura spots, from the sky with a Helicopter Sightseeing Tour.

Departing from Kirinuji Heliport in Tenkawa Village, Nara Prefecture, this approximately 10-minute flight offers a rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking pink landscape of Yoshino’s cherry blossoms in full bloom from above.

In addition to the sightseeing tour, a special helicopter service will operate between Yao Airport and Kirinuji Heliport in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture. This approximately 30-minute flight runs once per day in each direction, offering a convenient and scenic way to reach Yoshino. The one-way fare is 40,000 yen.

Cherry blossoms on Mount Yoshino typically reach peak bloom in early April. According to the Japan Weather Association, cherry blossoms in Nara are expected to start blooming around March 26, 2025 (as of February 23, 2025).

Viewing the sakura from above offers a completely different perspective from the usual hanami on the ground—an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss.

The Arashiyama and Sagano areas are home to stunning cherry blossom spots, including Tenryu-ji Temple, where around 200 Somei Yoshino and wild cherry trees bloom, and Osawa Pond, east of Daikaku-ji Temple, where vibrant Yaezakura (double-flowered cherry blossoms) create a breathtaking scene.

One of the best ways to take in the beauty of this area is aboard the Sagano Romantic Train. This nostalgic sightseeing train offers a leisurely ride through Kyoto’s picturesque spring landscapes, making it a must-try hanami experience.

Originally used as a small freight train for transporting goods, the Sagano Romantic Train was designed to run on tracks laid in areas inaccessible to trucks or regular trains. Today, it has been transformed into a sightseeing train, offering a slow-paced ride along the Hozu River, allowing passengers to fully immerse themselves in the seasonal beauty of the gorge.

Along the route, approximately 700 cherry trees line the tracks, blending beautifully with the wild mountain sakura along the Hozu River. The 25-minute journey showcases breathtaking sakura highlights, including the Sakura Tunnel near Torokko Kameoka Station and the mountain cherry blossoms visible from Torokko Hozukyo Station.

For a more immersive experience, Car No. 5, known as the Rich Car, features an open-air design with no windows and a glass-paneled ceiling, allowing passengers to enjoy the refreshing breeze and the natural sounds of the river and birds.

Cherry blossoms in Arashiyama typically bloom from mid-March to late April. According to Weathernews, sakura in Kyoto’s Arashiyama area are expected to start blooming around March 27, 2025, and reach full bloom around April 3, 2025 (as of February 23, 2025).

For a unique hanami experience, consider viewing Arashiyama’s cherry blossoms from the water. The Hozugawa River Boat Ride offers a breathtaking journey through Kyoto’s scenic gorge, surrounded by seasonal beauty.

This historic river route was originally developed by Kyoto merchant Suminokura Ryōi, who sought to connect Tanba and Kyoto by water transport, making it a vital trade route. Over time, it evolved into a popular sightseeing attraction, allowing visitors to enjoy the ever-changing beauty of Hozugawa throughout the seasons.

Cherry blossoms bloom in abundance along the Hozu River, creating a breathtaking scene as you glide downstream through the gorge. This scenic boat ride offers a truly immersive way to experience Kyoto’s spring beauty from a unique perspective.

Sakura along the river typically peak from late March to mid-April. The journey takes approximately 90 minutes, though duration may vary depending on water levels—ranging from about 60 minutes in high water conditions to 110 minutes in low water. In case of rain, the boats operate with protective canopies, but trips may be canceled due to flooding or severe weather.

Beyond Kyoto’s Hozugawa River Cruise, Osaka—known as the “City of Water”—also offers a unique cherry blossom viewing experience from the river. The Aqualiner, Osaka’s sightseeing water bus, runs a special limited-time Osaka Castle Hanami Cruise during sakura season, taking passengers on a 40-minute journey past famous waterfront landmarks like Osaka Castle and the Mint Bureau.

The Okawa River, which flows through central Osaka, is lined with stunning cherry trees, and the cruise passes beneath several bridges, offering dynamic views of the city in bloom. For an even more open-air experience, the Aqua Mini Osaka Castle Hanami Cruise offers a 25-minute scenic ride aboard an open-top boat for uninterrupted views of the blossoms.

According to the Japan Weather Association, cherry blossoms in Osaka are expected to start blooming around March 25, 2025 (as of February 23, 2025).

From March 14 to April 13, 2025, Nijo Castle will host NAKED meets Nijo Castle 2025 Sakura, a nighttime-only immersive art event produced by the creative company NAKED, INC..

Set against the backdrop of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, the event blends digital art with nature, illuminating approximately 300 cherry trees from 50 varieties, ranging from wild species to cultivated hybrids. This unique fusion of historical beauty and cutting-edge creativity transforms Nijo Castle into an enchanting, immersive sakura experience.

At the Important Cultural Property Karamon Gate, a spectacular projection mapping show, Spring’s Awakening, will bring to life Nijo Castle’s guardian deity, the sakura-protecting dragon, as it awakens to announce the arrival of spring. In addition, seven zones across the castle grounds—featuring historic buildings and iconic cherry blossom sites—will be illuminated with mesmerizing sakura-themed digital art.

Near the South Gate and Ninomaru Palace Courtyard, visitors can enjoy a variety of sakura-inspired sweets, drinks, alcoholic beverages, and classic hanami food from festival-style stalls.

New for 2025, a dedicated picnic area will be introduced at Sakura no Sono (Cherry Blossom Garden). This special space is exclusively available to those who purchase a Picnic Set—which includes a cherry blossom-shaped Sakura Leisure Sheet, a drink, and a snack—available for same-day purchase at the South Gate Area.

Hanami isn’t just for the daytime—Kyoto is home to many stunning nighttime sakura spots. Illuminated cherry blossoms take on a completely different charm, creating a dreamy and otherworldly atmosphere.

One of Kyoto’s most famous cherry blossom spots, Maruyama Park features a traditional strolling Japanese garden surrounded by historic teahouses and restaurants. At the heart of the park stands the iconic Shidare Zakura (weeping cherry tree), known as Gion no Yozakura (Gion’s Night Sakura). Bathed in soft lights, it transforms into a breathtaking spectacle after dark.

Illumination Period: Typically late March to mid-April

Kodaiji Temple was built by Nene, the wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to honor his memory. The temple is renowned for the Shidare Zakura (weeping cherry tree) in Hashin-tei Garden, which takes on a mesmerizing glow during seasonal nighttime illuminations held in spring, summer, autumn, and winter.

2025 Spring Nighttime Special Viewing
・Event Period: March 14 – May 6, 2025
・Illumination Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM (Last entry at 9:30 PM)
・Admission: Adults 600 yen / Junior high & high school students 250 yen

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Toji Temple is famous for its magnificent Fuji Zakura, a vibrant double-petaled weeping cherry tree. During the nighttime illumination, the temple’s towering Five-Story Pagoda—the tallest in Japan—along with the Kondo (Golden Hall) and Kodo (Lecture Hall), are beautifully lit, creating a breathtaking scene.

Nighttime Sakura Illumination & Special Evening Viewing of Kondo & Kodo
・Event Period: March 15 – April 13, 2025
・Illumination Hours: 6 PM – 9:30 PM (Last entry at 9 PM)
・Admission: Adults & high school students: 1,000 yen / Junior high school students & younger: 500 yen

At Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto’s third-floor Kappo Restaurant "Ryozen", guests can enjoy a limited-time Sakura Afternoon Tea from March 14 to April 10, 2025.

The menu features sakura-themed treats, including Sakura Chocolate made with cherry leaves soaked in fresh cream overnight to extract the scent of sakura, and finished with sakura powder, as well as Sakura Cream Tarts. There are also savory delights like Sakura Shrimp Tempura and Sakura Salmon Sushi, all presented in an ohjū (traditional tiered bento box), a key highlight for any hanami celebration.

Guests can also enjoy the experience of grilling Kyo-Nofu skewers made from Kyoto’s unique fresh tofu on a small shichirin grill, savoring the smoky aroma while enjoying the tastes of spring.

For beverages, we recommend 7T+ (Seventy Plus)’s Yaezakura Tea, made from the rare double-flowered cherry blossoms harvested once a year in Kyoto. This tea offers a fragrance that perfectly captures the essence of Japan’s spring.

Event Details
・Venue: Banyan Tree Higashiyama Kyoto, 3rd floor Kappo Restaurant "Ryozen"
・Event Dates: March 14 – April 10, 2025
・Hours: Café, Noon – 4 PM (Last Order at 3 PM)
・Price: 7,100 yen (including tax and service charge)

At the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto’s lounge, the Spring Afternoon Tea Set will be available from March 1 to April 30, 2025.

The set includes nine varieties of sweets, such as Strawberry Shortcake, Strawberry Daifuku, and Citrus Roll Cake, along with nine savory items. Guests can enjoy a selection of drinks, including coffee, four types of tea, three herbal teas, and three non-alcoholic cocktails.

In addition, two exclusive sweets will be available. Spring Day is a vibrant dessert featuring sweet and light strawberry mousse and meringue infused with the fragrance of sakura, capturing the essence of spring. The second treat, Citrus and Brioche Chocolate Parfait, combines the rich flavor of alcohol-soaked brioche chocolate with the refreshing tang of citrus. To finish, brandy is flambéed before your eyes, creating a live performance as the meringue is enveloped in blue flames.

Event Details
・Venue: Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto, Lounge (1st Floor / All-Day Dining Kaza)
・Event Dates: March 1 – April 30, 2025
・Hours: 10 AM – 9 PM (Dessert Last Order: 6 PM, Spring Afternoon Tea Set Last Order: 5 PM)
・Price: Spring Afternoon Tea Set: 5,555 yen
(Limited to 10 sets per day, includes free-flowing drinks, 120-minute time limit); Spring Day (À la carte): 2,530 yen (With drink: 3,036 yen, includes coffee, tea, or chamomile tea); Citrus and Brioche Chocolate Parfait (À la carte): 2,783 yen (With drink: 3,289 yen, includes coffee, tea, or chamomile tea)

In the Kansai region, there are many unique hanami experiences, such as cruising, riding the Sagano Romantic Train, or taking a helicopter tour to enjoy the cherry blossoms. You can also enjoy nighttime illuminations at temples and shrines or indulge in sakura-themed sweets and gourmet offerings at luxurious hotels. With so many diverse experiences and events to choose from, there's something for everyone. Keep in mind that Kyoto and Nara can get extremely crowded during the cherry blossom season, so be sure to plan ahead and leave extra time for travel!

(Note: This article was originally created in March 2023 and updated in February 2025. For the latest information, please check the official websites.)