Pretty in pink: Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom season
Pretty in pink: Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom season
Pretty in pink: Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom season
Pretty in pink: Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom season
Pretty in pink: Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom season
Pretty in pink: Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom season
Pretty in pink: Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom season
Pretty in pink: Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom season
Pretty in pink: Kyoto’s Cherry Blossom season

What you'll do

When the famous flowers are newly bloomed, the only way to celebrate cherry blossom season is with a hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnic. With your host explaining the traditions surrounding this festive but fleeting time of year, head to a convenience store, a street food stall at Nikishi Market, or to one of Japan’s best-kept secrets: an underground food hall called a depachika. Here, you’ll browse for tasty picnic treats like sushi, bento boxes, and two seasonal hanami must-haves: bamboo shoots and pastel pink sakura mochi, the season’s favorite rice cakes. Pick the perfect spot in a park or garden to feast with families gathered together in a tangible atmosphere of excitement, joy, and hope.

 

Where you’ll go

In some Japanese cities, locals have to head to a park or garden to view cherry blossom trees; in Kyoto, they’re everywhere. You may be spoilt for choice, but luckily, your local insider knows exactly where to find the very best hanami picnic spots under the boughs of blooming sakura. You could stay in central Kyoto, and set up your spread of delicious springtime snacks in the botanical gardens, or you could relax under the shade of a cherry blossom tunnel at tranquil Lake Biwa canal. For an extra-festive experience, take a 20-minute train ride south of the city center to the Yawata Cherry Blossom Festival, or head a further 20 minutes off the beaten track to Yodo River Park, where a cherry blossom-lined road makes for a magical stroll. 

 

 

  • Private & 100% personalized tour

  • 4 hours

  • Matched to your ideal host

  • Walking Tour

  • Hosted in English (On request: Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, Spanish)

  • Meet at your accommodation or a central location

Experience outline

  • Visit Kyoto’s favorite cherry blossom-viewing locations with a local host to guide you
  • Shop for your own personalized picnic to be enjoyed under the boughs of a blooming cherry blossom tree
  • Take part in a Japanese tradition at one of the most festive times of the year
  • Stay in the city, or head further out to some truly spectacular viewing locations
  • Shop for delicious picnic food at a depachika – an underground food hall – or a 400-year-old market

Things to know

What’s included

  • Private and personalized experience
  • 4 hours with a host
  • Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
  • Local knowledge, insights and advice
  • A traditional Japanese picnic (bento box, shared sushi platter, Japanese sweets, two drinks)
  • Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options)

What’s not included

  • Food and drinks, other than the ones included above
  • Tickets to any attractions
  • Transportation costs
  • Gratuities (optional)

Cancellation

  • Cancel 14 days before the experience for a full refund
  • Worry-free cancellation terms: book with peace of mind knowing that you can cancel for free up to a day before the experience and receive a full refund.

Photos taken by our hosts and guests

City Unscripted guests photos

Reviews

    We spent the day with Machi and we loved our time with her. She was friendly, kind and super patient. The cherry blossom was incredible and it was made even better by having a local guide to show us around.

    April 2018

    Nadia H

See more reviews

Meet our local hosts in Kyoto. One of them will tailor this experience to your wishes!

We’ll expertly match you to your best suited host based on your interests, personality and the experience vibe you’re after.

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