Spring in Kyoto: Sakura, Geisha & Dances

Springtime in Japan’s cultural capital, Kyoto, is one of the most popular times to travel throughout the year. With cherry blossom season upon us and national holidays like Golden Week, there is plenty to do throughout the spring season.

From March to May, the city bursts into color as cherry blossoms blanket historic temples, serene gardens and bustling streets. With mild temperatures and a festive atmosphere, spring in Kyoto is perfect for first-time visitors ready to explore its traditional geisha districts, attend traditional festivals and savor seasonal delicacies.

Peruse our recommendations for enjoying spring in Kyoto this March, April or May! 

Spring in Kyoto is synonymous with cherry blossoms, or sakura, which typically begin blooming around late March and reach full bloom in early April. This fleeting beauty draws visitors from around the world, eager to experience hanami (flower viewing) under blooming cherry trees. 

Maruyama Park, the Philosopher’s Path and Kiyomizu-dera Temple are some of the most iconic spots for sakura viewing. 

Find out more: Japan’s Cherry Blossom Forecast

It is also customary to eat seasonal foods such as sakura mochi, a sweet rice cake wrapped in cherry leaves, adding to the festive atmosphere. You can even experience an authentic hanami picnic and a Kyoto food tour to see the city’s best cherry blossom viewing spots. 

Note: It’s important to plan ahead and book accommodations early, as this is the busiest season in Kyoto.

However, Kyoto in spring isn’t just about cherry blossoms. The season also brings vibrant festivals, cultural performances and delightful springtime cuisine. 

Visitors can witness the elegant Geisha performances and participate in traditional tea ceremonies surrounded by blooming gardens. With a harmonious blend of tradition and natural beauty, springtime in Kyoto offers an unforgettable experience for travelers.

As one of the city's best preserved historic districts, the Southern Higashiyama District is the best area to see nighttime temple illuminations. During April, to link up with cherry blossom season, special evening temple and garden illuminations can be seen at Shoren-in, Kodai-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. 

Each of Kyoto’s five geisha districts hosts a major series of dance performances once a year, with four of these captivating events taking place in the spring. One of the most intimate and unique is the Kitano Odori, held by the geisha houses of the northern Kamishichiken Geisha District in late March. 

Unlike larger performances, the Kitano Odori offers a more personal glimpse into the refined art of Kyoto’s geiko and maiko. The dance is always enchanting, capturing a timeless beauty that feels less like stepping back in time and more like stepping out of time itself. 

From April 2 to 17, the Kyo Odori Geisha Dance lights up the spring season in Kyoto. Hosted by the Miyagawa-cho Geisha District, this event is the second-largest and grandest geisha dance in the city. It offers a first-rate performance in every way, showcasing the elegance and skill of Kyoto’s maiko and geiko. 

Watching the Kyo Odori is an unforgettable experience, immersing visitors in the beauty and tradition of Kyoto’s geisha culture.

Sake lovers should join the Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in the historic Fushimi Sake District, for a taste of the area’s famous high-quality sake. The tour includes tastings and insights into the brewing process, a tour of the Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum, and a walk around the Fushimi Sake District to explore traditional shops and find the best bottle of sake to take back home.

See a sneak peek of the tour and the 400-year-old sake brewery on our YouTube channel!

Book Kyoto Sake Brewery Tour in Fushimi Sake District

When visiting Kyoto in spring, it's the perfect time to watch a geisha show! This geisha show and lunch service in Gion offers an immersive cultural experience in Kyoto's historic geisha district. 

Guided by a local expert, visitors explore Gion’s landmarks and learn about the history, culture and customs of geisha. The tour concludes with a traditional Japanese lunch featuring a choice of tempura, sushi or karaage, accompanied by a captivating geisha performance. 

Book Geisha Show & Lunch in Gion (Kyoto)

Take a deep dive into Kyoto’s culinary and cultural heritage on a Gion and Pontocho food and culture tour this spring. 

Stroll through the historic geisha districts of Gion and Pontocho with a knowledgeable guide, discovering hidden gems and traditional teahouses. Indulge in seasonal obanzai dishes, Kyoto-style izakaya fare, and a traditional shime meal of soba or udon, each crafted with local ingredients. 

This tour beautifully blends history, culture and exquisite food, making it the quintessential Kyoto experience.

Book Kyoto: Gion & Pontocho Traditional Food & Culture Tour

Spring weather in Kyoto is generally mild and comfortable, making it an ideal season for sightseeing; not too cool and just before the intense summer heat. 

Below are the average spring temperatures in Kyoto:

Rain is relatively infrequent, but light showers are possible, especially in May. It is advisable to carry a light raincoat or an umbrella for unexpected drizzles. The mild weather enhances the enjoyment of outdoor activities, including visiting gardens and temples.

It’s best to dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures throughout the day. Light, breathable clothing is suitable for the daytime, while a sweater or jacket is recommended for cooler mornings and evenings. 

Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring temples and gardens. Don’t forget sunscreen and a UV umbrella for sun protection, as spring days can be quite sunny. 

Additionally, carrying a reusable water bottle and light snacks can be convenient while exploring. Based on experience, making a picnic out of monthly themed conbini treats is the best way to enjoy the breezy weather and seasonal blooms.

Find out more: The Ultimate Guide Japanese Convenience Stores

A half-day walking tour through Japan’s matcha capital and the birthplace of the tea ceremony, Uji is known to produce the best matcha. The Uji Tea Inspiration Tour offers a serene and educational journey through Kyoto’s historic Uji district. 

Guided by a local expert, visitors explore scenic temples, stroll along the picturesque Uji River, and learn about Japan’s rich tea culture. The experience includes a traditional tea tasting at a gyokuro tea house paired with Japanese sweets, providing an authentic taste of Uji’s renowned green tea. 

Book Uncovering Uji: Premium Tea, Shrines & Spirituality in Kyoto

Experience an authentic Japanese tea ceremony in a serene garden at the Hakusasonso Hashimoto Kansetsu Garden and Museum in Kyoto. Led by tea master Junko Sophie Kakizaki, this intimate ceremony combines tradition, art and nature. 

Participants learn tea ceremony etiquette, savor matcha with traditional wagashi sweets, and explore the scenic Japanese garden and gallery. It’s a peaceful cultural immersion perfect for those seeking a deeper connection to Kyoto’s traditional heritage.

Book Tea Ceremony in a Japanese Painter's Garden – Kyoto

Learn the art of traditional tea ceremony, matcha, and wagashi-making in a Kyoto home. Set in a serene, authentic setting, this hands-on activity emphasizes mindfulness and harmony, capturing the essence of Japanese hospitality. It’s an unforgettable way to connect with Kyoto’s cultural heritage.

Delve into the rich history of Japanese tea with an interactive experience near Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine. Guided by a professional English-speaking instructor, this immersive session equips attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the Japanese tea ceremony and the skills to recreate matcha in their own homes.

Book Tea Ceremony, Matcha & Wagashi Making in a Kyoto Home

When in Kyoto, you must try its famed kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki meals are traditional multi-course meals that start at a minimum of seven courses! Made with seasonal vegetables, fresh caught seafood, and even kobe beef, kaiseki is not only celebrated for its superb ingredients, but artful presentation. 

One of our favorite kaiseki restaurants is the Michelin-lauded Gion Fukushi located in Kyoto’s Gion district. 

Reserve Gion Fukushi

Find out more: Kyoto’s best kaiseki restaurants

Get an insider tour of Kyoto’s iconic Nishiki Market led by Hiroshi, an expert local guide. This immersive experience takes you through over 15 stalls, showcasing Kyoto’s culinary heritage, from fresh seafood to traditional sweets. 

Learn about the history and cultural significance of Nishiki’s famed tsukemono (pickles) and sample a variety of street foods, including seafood skewers, takoyaki and sashimi, paired with a shot of sake. 

Book Kyoto’s Kitchen: Nishiki Market Food Tour With Hiroshi

Visitors can also enjoy sweet creations like matcha zenzai, mochi and matcha ice cream, as well as matcha cakes and wagashi. These inventive delicacies highlight Kyoto’s mastery of balance, blending the bitterness of matcha with sweet and savory flavors.

Find out more: Unique matcha foods in Kyoto

Kyoto’s vibrant street food scene offers a delicious blend of traditional and modern flavors. From matcha-infused treats and yuba tofu skin to wagyu beef skewers and takoyaki, the city’s bustling food stalls cater to every palate. 

Popular spots include Nishiki Market, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka near Kiyomizudera Temple, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Seasonal festival foods at events like the Gion Festival also provide unique street food experiences. Keep the foodie tour going by searching for Kyoto’s best street food and exploring local markets.

Since spring is a peak season, we’d recommend getting everything booked early to avoid price hikes closer to cherry blossom season. Also note that the Golden Week holidays are the busiest and most expensive time to visit Kyoto. 

If you want to avoid price hikes and the crowds, book a visit another time.

If you’ve seen cherry blossoms before and are happy to avoid the crowds and reduce your travel costs, avoid the sakura season!

For budget-conscious travelers, visiting before or after the cherry blossom peak can significantly reduce costs while still enjoying pleasant weather and other blooming flowers.

Maruyama Park is Kyoto’s oldest public park and one of the most popular spots for cherry blossom viewing in spring. Located next to Yasaka Shrine, the park is known for its iconic weeping cherry tree, which is beautifully illuminated at night during the hanami season. 

With serene ponds, strolling paths, and traditional teahouses, Maruyama Park is perfect for leisurely walks or picnics under the cherry blossoms, capturing the festive spirit of spring in Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple, perched on Otowa Mountain, offers breathtaking panoramic views of Kyoto framed by blooming cherry blossoms. Its iconic wooden stage, supported by hundreds of pillars, creates a picturesque setting surrounded by sakura trees. 

In spring, the temple grounds are particularly enchanting, making it a must-visit spot for capturing the beauty of Kyoto’s cherry blossom season.

Arashiyama is famous for its lush bamboo forest and scenic beauty, but in spring, it transforms into a cherry blossom paradise. The area around the Katsura River and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge is lined with sakura trees, creating a stunning backdrop for boat rides and strolls. 

Visitors can also explore nearby temples and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere, making Arashiyama a must-visit destination during spring in Kyoto.

Gion, Kyoto’s historic geisha district, exudes traditional charm year-round, but spring adds a magical touch. The streets are adorned with blooming cherry blossoms, and the wooden machiya houses enhance the nostalgic atmosphere. 

Strolling through Gion, visitors may catch a glimpse of geiko and maiko on their way to evening appointments. This is also the perfect time to enjoy seasonal kaiseki cuisine in local establishments.

Kyoto Botanical Garden, spanning over 240,000 square meters, showcases an impressive collection of flora. In spring, the garden is adorned with vibrant cherry blossoms, including rare varieties. 

With expansive lawns, themed gardens, and conservatories, it offers a tranquil escape amidst blooming flowers. 

Spring in Kyoto is a magical blend of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and seasonal delights. From cherry blossom viewing and traditional festivals to culinary tours and tea ceremonies, Kyoto in spring offers a rich and immersive travel experience you won’t want to miss! 

Create your own spring Kyoto itinerary and plan your visit early to secure the best accommodations and make the most of this vibrant season. 

Staying outside Kyoto? Here are the best spring activities to do while in Japan and get a taste for must-try spring foods and treats you can only enjoy during the season.