Kyoto Sakura Light-up (Picture Book)

Central Shidare-Sakura in Maruyama Park

Cherry blossom viewing is not restricted to the daylight hours. A number of places in Kyoto have special Light-ups for this purpose. Some of them, like Maruyama Park and the Shirakawa River are publicly accessible, while for the Light-ups on the grounds of Kiyomizudera, Kodaiji, or Nijo Castle, you have to buy a ticket. The Sakura Light-ups are often spectacular and afford a different view of the Sakura. In short, they are not to be missed!

Lit gate at Kiyomizudera

Especially the temple and castle grounds which are dark all around transform into an enchanted world of magic at night. The character of these places changes completely, so that even places I had visited before seem completely different. Especially Kodaiji and Kiyomizudera, which are located on the hillside are spectacular.

Weeping cherry in the dry landscape garden of Kodaiji

Kodaiji has one beautiful weeping cherry tree located in a dry landscape zen garden. But also the rest of its grounds are striking at night. Essentially any tree, including bamboo, looks magical when lit from below at night.

Bamboo grove at Kodaiji

Also some of the cherry trees along the Shirakawa river are lit in the evening hours and invite for a nice stroll in traditional atmosphere.

Along Shirakawa

The large grounds of Nijo Castle are home to a variety of different cherry trees (the red shidare-sakura and also some of the others were not quite far enough along as of today). Apart from the trees, also the lit moat which throws the reflection of its water ripples against the massive castle walls is a magical sight.

Weeping Cherry at Nijo Castle

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