Ninnaji Temple, Kyoto

One of Kyoto’s most prestigious temples and a Unesco World Heritage Site, Ninnaji dates back more than a millenium to the year 888. Historically, many Imperial Family members served as head priests here, earning the temple its nickname, the Omuro Imperial Palace. This royal heritage is on display in the Goten, the former head priest’s residence, whose design features resemble those of an imperial palace. Come spring, Ninnaji is popular for another reason – its lush varieties of sakura. For the two most prevalent species, head to the Kondo main hall for the iconic somei yoshino and the bell tower for the weeping cherry blossoms. But what Ninnaji is particularly known for is its collection of late-blooming cherry blossoms, especially the distinctive Omuro-zakura. So even if you missed the somei yoshino cherry blossoms, you can still catch these shorter trees flowering near the inner gate sometime around mid-April. Check the temple's website for the blooming status before you go.