Table of Contents
Cherry Blossoms at Myokenji Temple
Basic Information
| Cherry blossom spot | Myokenji Temple |
| Best time to see the cherry blossoms | Late March – early April |
| Number of cherry trees | About 200 (Someiyoshino cherry trees and weeping cherry trees) |
| Open hours | Free in the grounds, 10:00-16:30 in the garden |
| Admission fee | Free in the grounds, 500 yen in the garden |
| Lighting up | Yes |
| Parking lot | Yes (parking fee required) |
| Location: 514 Myokenji-mae-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-0005 | 514 Myokenji-mae-cho, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-0005, Japan |
| Phone number | 075-414-0808 |
| Official website | https://www.shikaishodo-myokenji.org/ |
Features and Highlights
- Historic temple known as the first Nichiren Shu temple in Kyoto.
- The temple grounds are dotted with a stately main hall and a beautiful garden.
- Illuminated at night, you can enjoy a fantastic view of cherry blossoms.
Cherry blossoms at Myokenji are concentrated around the main hall and in the dry landscape garden, “Shikai Shodou no Niwa. In particular, the weeping cherry blossoms near the Kori and Hojo areas behind the main hall are a sight to behold.
The Shikai Shojo Garden is open to the public during the spring special viewing period, when exhibitions by contemporary artists are held. The collaboration of weeping cherry blossoms and Japanese umbrellas in the garden is a photo spot that is sure to be instagram-worthy.
Also, during the special nighttime viewing, the cherry blossoms in the grounds and the garden are fantastically illuminated, creating a different atmosphere than in the daytime.
Event Information
Spring Special Viewing
From March 23 to April 7, 2024, the temple will hold a special spring viewing. During this period, temple treasures will be open to the public and contemporary artists’ works will be exhibited.
| Events | Spring Special Open House |
| Schedule | March 23 (Sat) – April 7 (Sun), 2024 |
| Hours | Daytime 10:00 – 16:00 Evening session 18:00 – 20:00 |
How to get there
- City bus “Horikawa Teranouchi” stop, approx. 7 min. walk
- City Bus “Teranouchi” alighting, 5 min. walk
- 10 min. walk from Imadegawa Sta. on Subway Karasuma Line
Summary
Myokenji Temple is a cherry blossom viewing spot that combines history and beauty. The precincts of the temple are filled with magnificent cherry trees, and visitors can enjoy a quiet hanami (cherry blossom viewing).
The temple also offers a variety of events, such as nighttime lighting and special spring openings. Enjoy hanami to your heart’s content at this hidden spot away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto.
