When it comes to sightseeing in Kyoto during spring, the cherry blossom trees are a must-see. The sight of cherry blossoms shining against the beautiful townscapes and temples is a unique sight in Kyoto. This year's cherry blossoms are expected to bloom from March 24th, and full bloom around April 4th. This time, we will introduce 5 popular cherry blossom spots in Kyoto and nearby restaurants! 🌸🍴
BENOIT Kyoto 
Inheriting the name of the long-established Parisian bistro "Benoit" that has been in business for over 100 years, it opened in Kyoto in 2020 at The Hotel Seiryu Kyoto Kiyomizu. The space is a fusion of Japanese and French culture, with a traditional French poiserie interior and a view of the “Yasaka Tower” in front of you. Incorporating seasonal flavors into traditional French bistro cuisine, you can enjoy modern French cuisine. The lunch menu starts at 5,500 JPY, and the dinner menu starts at 7,500 JPY.
🌸Nearby Sakura Spots：Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a classic spot to see the cherry blossoms. It is one of Japan's World Heritage Sites, with about 1,500 Yoshino Cherry and Yamazakura cherry blossom trees. The view of the cherry blossoms from the stage of Kiyomizu is spectacular.
Kyoto Tempura Endo Okazaki-tei
Located on the west side of Heian Jingu Shrine, this is one of Kyoto's most famous tempura restaurants. A modern space unified with traditional Japanese furnishings, there is a wide variety of seats, where you can choose between counter seats, table seats, and private rooms to suit any occasion. They use carefully selected ingredients such as local Kyoto vegetables, fresh seafood sent directly from the Seto Inland Sea and Wakasa Bay, and river fish from Lake Biwa. Limited bento box "Manpuku" (3,850 JPY) is offered at lunchtime, and for those who want to enjoy tempura at home, they also sell souvenir boxes from 3,240 JPY (*Reservation required) .
▼TEN-MUSUBI BENTO BOX (take out only)
🌸Nearby Sakura Spots：Heian Shrine
The highlights are Sakuranoen, where you can enjoy about 300 cherry trees, and bright red weeping cherry trees. On the nights of April 5th to 9th, it is lit up and a "Red weeping concert" is held. Tickets and details [here].
Gion Ishiya
Located in a perfect location where you can see the west tower gate of Yasaka Shrine is a popular yakiniku restaurant that is frequented by celebrities. You can taste Kyoto's brand Wagyu beef and ingredients unique to Kyoto at a reasonable price. During lunchtime, you can enjoy the umami of Kyoto meat in limited menus like, “Steak rice bowl” (starting at 1,800 yen) and “Kyo no Niku hamburger set ”(starting at 1,200 yen).
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🌸Nearby Sakura Spots：Maruyama Park
Maruyama Park is the oldest park in Kyoto. You can see the symbol "Gion weeping cherry tree". Weeping cherry trees are lit up after sunset from late March to early April (admission is free).
Ryugetsuan
Ryugetsuan is located in Marutamachi, Kawaramachi, just east of the Kyoto Imperial Palace. A chef who has honed his skills at a famous Japanese restaurant offers authentic Japanese cuisine at a reasonable price. You can enjoy kaiseki cuisine that focuses on A4-A5 ranked Kuroge Wagyu beef, the top brand of “Tochigi Wagyu beef”, as well as seasonal ingredients. Also, enjoy casual lunch menus such as "Tempura Zen" (1,800 yen) and "Lunchtime Kaiseki" (4,500 yen), as well as kaiseki courses from 4,500 yen to 10,000 yen at night.
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🌸Nearby Sakura Spots：Kyoto Gyoen・ Kamogawa river
Kyoto Gyoen, located in the middle of Kyoto, is a popular place for Kyoto citizens and tourists to relax. It is packed with highlights such as the “Ito sakura”, the “Shidare sakura of Izumi”, and the “Sato sakura”, which have been famous since the Muromachi period. In addition, you can see cherry blossoms along the Kamo River on foot from Kyoto Gyoen.
Yachiyo
This is a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Kyoto cuisine in a calm Japanese space. They offer Nanzenji's specialty: boiled tofu, seasonal ingredients, and seasonal dishes. The interior of the restaurant is fully equipped with tatami mats facing the famous Keage Incline and the Nanzenji Temple, as well as sunken kotatsu seats. You can enjoy your meal while gazing at the illuminated Seiryu garden. Lunch and dinner courses start at 2,900 yen.
🌸Nearby Sakura Spots：Keage Incline
The Keage Incline, which is located right next to Nanzenji Temple, is the site of a sloping railway that was built to operate ships. About 90 cherry blossom trees continue to cover the tracks.
NOTE: Due to the on-going COVID-19 Pandemic, the business hours of the shops above may differ from the hours listed on OpenRice JP. Please confirm with the shop directly before your visit.