3 best cherry blossom events and illuminations in Kyoto for 2026

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 cherry blossoms. 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 the late-blooming Omuro Sakura. So even if you missed the somei yoshino cherry blossoms at the end of March (according to the latest forecast), you can still catch these shorter trees flowering near the inner gate sometime around mid-April.

A historic Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto dating back to 1605, Kodaiji only opens for special night visits twice a year. This spring, the serene grounds will host a projection mapping showcase complete with synchronised illumination and immersive 3D sound.

The digital effects are more than just flashy graphics. The narrative-driven multimedia show celebrates the friendship of two historical figures: Matsu (Hoshun-in), wife of prominent samurai Maeda Toshiie, and Nene (Kita-no-Mandokoro), who established this temple to pray for the soul of her husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the great unifiers of Japan.

While this event is not strictly a cherry blossom illumination, the projection mapping show unfolds at Hashintei Garden in front of the Abbot’s Hall, next to a gorgeous weeping cherry tree that’s about 100 years old.