Are you planning to visit Kyoto in March? And thinking about what to see and where are the nice places to go? Kyoto is wealthy in Japan’s ancient culture and was Japan’s capital for a long period of time. It is also known for its numerous traditional temples, gardens, and shrines. If you want the ambiance of old Japan, Kyoto is one of the best places you can visit in Japan.
And in this article, I would like to share with you some places you can visit in March where some events, festivals, and other activities that are held in Kyoto.
March in Kyoto
March in Kyoto is the beginning of spring. There are different types of climates, but definitely not hot weather; sometimes it’s cold, cool, or warm. it is one of the best times to visit and explore Kyoto. Aside from Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan with many hotspots to see the beauty of the cherry and plum blossoms.
Many tourists visit Kyoto during this season to experience the viewing of Sakura blossoms that last a week in full bloom. Aside from that, you can also enjoy unique foods that are only available during spring or cherry blossom season. Many festivals are also held in the month of March and some events are held in famous places. Here are the 10 best things to do in Kyoto in March.
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1. Visit Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine (貴船神社) is open throughout the year. All seasons are a good time to visit (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), and it is well-known for having stone stairs with red lanterns that most tourists enjoy. Kifune shrine has three shrines which are the Main Shrine, Rear Shrine, and Yui no Yashiro Shrine.
Official Website: https://kifunejinja.jp/en/info/
2. Cherry Blossoms Viewing Spots
Usually, the first cherry blossoms in Kyoto are around mid-March. However, there are the best seasons to view the cherry blossom depending on the area and climate, and the peak season the full bloom of the cherry blossom last only one week.
Many tourists visit during this time to experience and see the cherry blossom. There are many beautiful places around Kyoto which has great cherry blossom viewing spots. Here are some places in Kyoto for viewing cherry blossoms, some of them fully bloom in early April.
Maruyama Park– is the oldest park in Kyoto and is also known as a main spot for cherry blossom viewing. Beautiful during spring and a great place to walk around.
Tetsugaku no Michi– or also known as “Philosopher Walk” is a pedestrian path along with a cherry tree-lined canal of Lake Biwa canal. One of the good spots for viewing cherry blossoms.
3. Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
One of Kyoto’s most famous sights. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (竹林の道) is filled with mystical bamboo paths, making it one of the popular spots along with the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple. It is also nice to visit during the spring. Apart from the amazing towering bamboo around, there are also beautiful spots in the area where you can view cherry blossoms.
4. Cherry Blossoms Festivals
In the Spring season there are cherry blossom festival held in various areas of Kyoto and it usually starts in the month of March. And here are some festivals that you can visit.
Nijo Castle Sakura Festival 2023: This is one of the top cherry blossom viewing in the city with almost 500 cherry trees of different types. The festival is held from late March to Mid of April and you can also view the cherry blossoms at nighttime with its illuminated cherry trees.
Ninnaji Flower Festival– The Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto is known for its cherry blossoms called Omuro Sakura which are one of the families of cherry trees with the characteristic of large blossoms of flower and sweet scent. The Ninnaji flower festival is usually held from mid-March to early May.
5. Okazaki Canal Boat Rides
Jikkokubune is a traditional style boat in Kyoto during the cherry blossom season and is also one of the tourist hotspots in the area. The canal connects Lake Biwa and Kamo River in Kyoto. This canal boat ride is one of the best you can experience when you visit Kyoto and one of the best ways to see the cherry blossom.
There are cherry trees that bloom early in the spring season and this March they have a new arrival plan from March 18 to April 13, 2023. The Jikkokubune boat will leave every 15 minutes from the Nanzenji boat pier. It is better and recommended to book in advance.
Official Website: https://kyoto-tabi.or.jp/events/jkkfn/_en/