21 December 2016 – For many, thoughts of Japan in spring time instantly conjures visions of the pink cherry blossom that sweeps the country each year, and the former capital city Kyoto is one of the greatest places to view this stunning seasonal change. To help visitors enjoy the best of the flora, Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau has shared its guidance on where UK travellers should head to in spring 2017.

For some of the most striking views of the blossom, or "Hanami" as it is locally known, the banks of the Kamo-gawa River are a good starting point for those who are new to Kyoto. The waterway, which runs through the city centre, becomes lined with cherry blossom each spring and further enhances Kyoto's incredibly serene and charming ambience. More specifically, the area between Kitayama and Kita-oji are renowned for being especially beautiful places from which the blossom can be appreciated, and visitors and locals alike have been paying homage to the spot for centuries.

Away from the water, there are several parks in Kyoto where blossom can be found in all its glory. Maruyama Park is beloved for the dramatic weeping cherry trees it has played home to since they were planted in 1949 and the spectacular events held there in the evenings between March and April provide an unforgettable experience. For an experience like a true Kyotoite, visitors can also go to this park in the Gion district to savour a lunchtime picnic of Japanese delicacies and sake under the blossom-laden branches.  

To combine traditional sightseeing with Hanami, the shrines and temples throughout Kyoto are also perfect places to marvel in the blossoms in spring time. In the west of Kyoto lies a highly photogenic hidden gem – Oharano Shrine. For just two or three precious days a year, the cherry blossom comes into bloom here, producing one of the most spectacular spring sights in the city. Known as 'Sengan-sakura,' which translates as a thousand wishes, viewing the petals at this location is supposed to bring the beholder's dreams come true.  Elsewhere at the Hirano-jinja Shrine, the hundreds of flourishing trees can be seen both during daylight or once the sun has set, when celebrations amid the illuminated scenes carry on into the night.

For more information on Kyoto, visit  kyoto.travel/en.

-ENDS-

Notes To Editors

Photo Captions (From Left to Right):
Image 1: Gion Shirakawa during spring blossom season. Image courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Image 2: 'Sengan-sakura' at Oharano Shrine. Image courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Image 3: Ninna-ji Temple during spring blossom season. Image courtesy of Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau.

About KCVB
Kyoto Convention and Visitors Bureau is the official partnership for international tourism representation of the City of Kyoto, Japan. Kyoto's diverse history and reputation as Japan's original capital and cultural centre provide a wealth of opportunities for tour operators and travel agents.  The city is home to the Imperial Palace whilst also being the only place where 'real' geishas can still be seen, its old temples and Zen gardens interspersed with urban living means that Kyoto is a striking contrast of heritage and modern city.  Its location just 25 minutes from Osaka and 2hrs 15 minutes from Tokyo, make it easily accessible from Japan's two main international gateways.

Travellers can now take advantage of the 'City of Kyoto Visitors Host' service, whereby interpretation guides specialising in the history and culture of the city, can be booked to enrich visitors' experience and alleviate the pressure of day-trip planning. For more information, visit http://kyoto.travel/en/latest_news/42.  

For more information or imagery, please contact:
McCluskey International 
Fiona Anderson / Libby Hughes
T: 020 8747 2170
E: kyoto@mccluskey.co.uk