KYOTO CHERRY BLOSSOM

Arashiyama is a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. Arashiyama is focused around the Oi River which forms a backdrop to the district. Arashiyama is famous its "Moon Crossing Bridge" (Togetsukyo Bridge), cherry blossom and World Heritage Site, Tenryuji Temple.

Daigoji Temple is famous for its five storied pagoda, cherry blossom viewing in spring and a traditional Japanese garden. Daigoji Temple, a classic Japanese Temple, is located in Kyoto. Daigoji Temple is a designated "Special Place of Scenic Beauty" and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Kasagiyama Natural Park is located in the mountains to south east of Kyoto, near the boarder of Kyoto Prefecture and Nara Prefecture. Kasagiyama Natural Park is most famous for its cherry blossom and is considered one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Ninnaji Temple is the head temple of the Omuro School of the Shingon sect Buddhism, which was founded on the orders of Emperor Koko and completed in 888. Ninnaji Temple, located in Kyoto, features a five storied pagoda and a treasure house which contains many National Treasures. Ninnaji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Anrakuji Temple is very popular in cherry blossom season, early summer for its azaleas and late autumn for its leaves of red and orange. Anrakuji Temple Kyoto is located along Kyoto's Philosopher's Walk.

Heian Jingu is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto. Heian Jingu is famous for having the largest torii in Japan and its beautiful Japanese garden which features a pond and stunning cherry blossom.

Hirano Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Kyoto which is famous for its gardens and trees. Hirano Shrine is a popular place to view cherry blossom in late March and early April. Hirano Shrine was established in 794AD by Emperor Kammu and has been the site of an annual cherry blossom festival since 985AD. Some of the buildings at Hirano Shrine date back to the 17th century.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple is notable for its vast veranda, that offers impressive views of the Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the best known sights of Kyoto, being particularly popular in cherry blossom season when the main hall is surrounded by a carpet of blossom. Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Koshoji Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Soto sect. Koshoji Temple is a training centre for the Eiheiji School, was moved to its current site in Uji from Fukakusa in Kyoto in 1648 after it had been destroyed after repeated wars. Kyoto is most famous for its Kotozaka Slope, which leads from the main gate and is lined with cherry blossoms in the spring.

Kyoto Prefectual Botanical Gardens are said to be one of the best botanical gardens in Japan. Kyoto Botanical Gardens were established in 1924 and are set on an extensive 24 hectare site. The Kyoto Botanical Gardens features 12,000 kinds of plants including the very popular cherry blossom, a conservatory, a large lawn and childrens playground.

Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) - The Imperial residence when Kyoto was the capital of Japan. Kyoto Gosho features a beautiful and highly acclaimed strolling traditional Japanese garden designed by Kobori Enshu.

Maruyama Park is the main location for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Kyoto. Maruyama Park is located next to Yasaka Shrine in the Gion District.

Nijo Castle in Kyoto includes Nimomaru Palace and the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several beautiful Japanese gardens. Nijo Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Philosopher's Walk Kyoto is the name given to a 2km-long path through north-eastern Kyoto. Philosopher's Walk Kyoto travels along a path next to a small river lined with cherry blossom trees passing five significant temples and two shrines.

Sanzenin Temple is a Buddhist temple of the Tendai sect, located in northern Kyoto. Sanzenin Temple is famous for its beautiful gardens that feature a moss garden, Autumn foliage and cherry blossom in Spring. Sanzenin Temple, also known as Kajii Monzeki, is one of the five Tendai Monzeki temples which in the past always had a chief priest who was a member of the Imperial family. Sanzenin Temple was first established in 985 and also features the distinctive thatched Ojo-Gokuraku-in which enshrines the Amida trinity statues.

Tenryuji Temple is the head temple of the Tenryu sect of Rinzai Zen Buddhism and the most important Zen temple in Kyoto. Tenryuji Temple possesses many Important Cultural Properties and features an extensive garden which is particularly beautiful in cherry blossom season and is designated as "Special Places of Scenic Beauty". Tenryuji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities)" listing.

Yoshimine-dera Temple, located in western Kyoto, is the 20th temple on the Saigoku Kannon pilgrimage. Yoshimine-dera Temple features herbal baths said to help neuralgia suffers, given the temple the common name of "Neuralgia Temple". While Yoshimine-dera Temple does feature some cherry blossom, it is most famous for it Autumn foliage.