Kyoto in pink: Experience the cherry blossom season like a local
Join a local for an authentic cherry blossom experience. Discover secret sakura spots, enjoy a traditional picnic, and immerse in the beauty of hanami
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Experience Overview
Time:
4 hoursWhat to expect:
Fully tailored to your preferencesLanguage:
Hosted in English (Other languages may be requested)Meeting point:
FamilyMart; Kyoto Gion - Your host will be waiting in front of the convenience storeCancellation:
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring:
- We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
- Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.
What’s Included:
What’s Excluded:
Key Highlights:
- Join a local for authentic cherry blossom viewing, a beloved Kyoto spring tradition.
- Explore Maruyama Park's serene paths surrounded by stunning sakura.
- Visit quieter spots in Kyoto Gyoen National Garden away from tourist crowds.
- Experience traditional hanami picnicking under cherry trees.
- Hear cultural stories revealing the deep significance of sakura season.
- Discover lesser-known yet breathtaking spring viewing locations.
- Create lasting memories connecting with Kyoto's vibrant seasonal traditions.
What travelers think of our Kyoto experiences
What you’ll do
Experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to delve into Kyoto's celebrated hanami tradition, the Japanese custom of enjoying cherry blossoms in their full glory, just like the locals do. Your host, deeply acquainted with Kyoto's hidden gems, will guide you through a serene journey of sakura discovery, away from the usual tourist paths.
Your adventure begins at Maruyama Park, renowned for its expansive cherry blossoms. While it’s a popular spot, your host knows the secret trails leading to tranquil corners where you can admire the blossoms in a peaceful ambiance. It’s here that you’ll first experience hanami, appreciating the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms in a serene setting.
Next, you'll meander to Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, a quieter, less-explored locale where cherry trees bloom in graceful solitude. This spot offers a serene retreat from the city's bustle, allowing you to fully immerse in the beauty and tranquility of the sakura season.
The journey then takes a delicious turn at the Daimaru depachika. A depachika, or underground food market, is a culinary treasure trove where your host will assist you in selecting the perfect obento. These lunch boxes are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual delight, often incorporating sakura-themed delicacies that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Armed with your chosen obento, your host will lead you to a peaceful spot within the park or a nearby hidden gem for a quintessential hanami picnic. Under the canopy of cherry blossoms, you'll savor your meal and listen to your host’s stories and insights. This experience is not just about enjoying the cherry blossoms but also understanding the deep cultural significance behind this cherished Japanese tradition.
Throughout this experience, you'll connect with Kyoto’s heart and soul during its most magical season. It’s an authentic, immersive dive into the city’s springtime allure, far beyond the reach of any ordinary sightseeing tour. You'll walk away not just with memories, but with a profound understanding and appreciation of Kyoto’s hanami culture.
Real Stories, Real Connections
Whispers by the Waterfall: Friends in Nature's Embrace
A Day of Discovery: Embracing Nature's Serenity
Joyful Wanderings in Kyoto's Enchanted Forest
Sunlit Smiles in Kyoto's Tranquil Courtyard
Blossom Moments: A Spring Picnic Under Cherry Trees
Radiant Smiles in the Starlit Evening
Harmony in the Cascade's Gentle Murmur
Pathway to Serenity: A Hidden Garden Escape
Bamboo Bliss: Friends Embracing Nature's Majesty
Journey Through Kyoto's Timeless Torii
Beneath the Bloom: A Tranquil Escape
Emerging Through the Wishful Archway
Morning Stroll by Tower Bridge: A Timeless Encounter
Tranquil Retreat: Guests in a Zen Garden
Charmed Moments Beneath the Pagoda
Bonds and Beauty at a Historic Site
Joyful Stroll in Japan's Historic Streets
Sky Painted in Gold: A Stroll at Dusk
Friends Amidst the Serenity of the Bamboo Forest
Family Adventure in Kyoto
Sweet Escapades and Smiles
Family Adventures at the Five-Tiered Temple
Harmony in Front of the Tranquil Statue
Exploring Timeless Beauty Together
Serenity Amongst Towering Bamboo
Ink and Attitude: Celebrating Friendship in Style
Emerging Through Wishes: A Journey to Tranquility
Smiles Amidst the Serenity of Kyoto
Family Moments at the Vibrant Torii Tunnel
Evening Stroll in Enchanting Kyoto
Captivated by Tradition: A Moment at the Temple
A Dazzling New Year Celebration
A Day of Smiles and History in Kyoto
Family Adventure by the Golden Temple
Smiles in a Bamboo Wonderland
Capturing Joy: A Serendipitous Smile at the Fushimi Inari Shrine
Surrounded by centuries of tradition
Night Lights & Lantern Legends
Charmed in Gion
Hidden shrines and heartfelt connections
Golden Hour at Kiyomizu-dera
Ice Cream Break in Old Kyoto
Morning Light & Timeless Streets
Pagoda Strolls & Smiles All Around
Fushimi Inari, the Insider Way
Family Roots at Yasaka Shrine
A Table Full of Stories
New Friends in Old Streets
Tempura & Togetherness
The Fox Shrine Crew
Sannenzaka Strolls & Big Grins
Wagyu, Wasabi & Wonderful Company
Kyoto’s Rooftops & Reflections
Walking through the iconic Fushimi Inari gates
Big smiles and even bigger stories
Soft Steps & Serene Views
From ancient torii gates to new friendships
A wintery evening stroll and some of the best street snacks in the city
Wandering through a forest of giants
A day filled with culture and laughter
Wandering Kyoto’s shopping arcades
Golden hour, cherry blossoms, and two friends soaking up Kyoto’s quiet charm
A Cozy Culinary Moment tucked into a quiet Kyoto alley
The perfect view to end a perfect Kyoto day.
Family adventures down Kyoto’s most charming slope
Pagoda Postcard Vibes
Lunch with a local – and two new ramen lovers officially converted
Nothing bonds like good food and great company in Kyoto
Walking through these thousand torii gates
A Ryokan-Style Feast
Tucked away in Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove
Playful Spirits at Fushimi Inari
Matcha Dreams Come True
Cocktails with a view
A walk through time
Rural charm and cultural calm
