Daigoji Temple, located in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, boasts a long history as the head temple of the Daigo school of Shingon Buddhism, and was registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the "Cultural Monuments of Ancient Kyoto" in 1994.

Founded in 874 (Jogan 16) by Kukai's disciple and grandson of Rigen Daishi Shoho, this temple houses numerous national treasures and important cultural properties, and is also famous as the venue for the "Daigo Cherry Blossom Viewing" event that marked the final years of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's life.

In this article, we'll introduce everything you need to know about the cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple, from the best places to see them and access information to the perfect spots to post on social media.

Why Daigoji Temple's cherry blossoms are so attractive

The founding of the temple by Rigen Daishi Shobo and Toyotomi Hideyoshi's "Cherry Blossom Viewing at Daigo"

Daigoji Temple was founded by Rigen Daishi Shobo, a disciple of Kukai, and has been highly esteemed as the head temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. In 1598, Toyotomi Hideyoshi held the "Daigo Cherry Blossom Viewing" event in his later years, which resulted in the transplanting of 700 cherry trees (according to accurate records) into the temple grounds, creating a gorgeous scene that would later come to symbolize Momoyama culture.

The story of Hideyoshi holding a large-scale cherry blossom viewing party at this temple is one of the main reasons why it attracts so many worshippers and tourists.

Cultural value as a World Heritage Site

Daigoji Temple is known as a treasure trove of cultural assets, housing 75,537 national treasures and 430 important cultural properties. The five-story pagoda, built in 951, is the oldest wooden building in Kyoto and has been designated a national treasure, while the gardens of Sanboin Temple, Omote Shoin Temple, and Karamon Gate have also been designated national treasures and special scenic spots. In 1994, it was registered as a World Heritage Site as one of the "Cultural Assets of Ancient Kyoto," and its high historical and artistic value is guaranteed. Although it is known as a famous cherry blossom spot, Daigoji Temple is unique in that it allows visitors to see so many cultural assets up close.

Points that make Daigoji Temple's cherry blossoms beautiful

A variety of cherry blossoms spread across the entire temple grounds

Approximately 1,000 cherry trees are planted within the grounds of Daigoji Temple, and you can enjoy a variety of varieties such as weeping cherry, Yoshino cherry, and double-flowered cherry. Sanboin Garden is said to have been designed under the instructions of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the combination of the cherry blossoms and architecture reminiscent of the splendor of the Momoyama period creates a fascinating sight.

The contrast between the pink flowers and the temple's iconic structures, such as the five-story pagoda, Bentendo Hall, and Niomon Gate, is so beautiful you'll want to take pictures wherever you walk.

Famous cherry trees including the "Large Weeping Cherry Tree" at the Reihokan Museum

The "Great Weeping Cherry Tree" that stands tall in the garden of the Reihokan Museum is 180 years old and boasts an overwhelming scale of 24m in length. Its presence, combined with the tranquility of the moss-covered Japanese garden, creates an atmosphere that seems as if it has come out of a picture scroll.

Furthermore, there are also some Yoshino cherry trees over 100 years old scattered around the park, allowing you to enjoy a spring atmosphere that is a little different from the elegance of the weeping cherry trees.

When is the best time to enjoy the cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple?

Peak flowering from late March to early April

Daigoji Temple's cherry blossoms are usually at their best from late March to early April. The early-blooming Kawazu cherry blossoms are the first to bloom, followed by weeping cherry blossoms, Yoshino cherry blossoms, and double-flowered cherry blossoms. The spring scenery, in which the temple grounds are enveloped in a gradation of pink, draws many visitors.

In particular, it is expected that the peak of congestion will occur around the second Sunday in April (April 13th in 2025), when the "Toyo Taiko Cherry Blossom Viewing Procession" will be held, so we recommend planning early.

Nighttime illuminations and special viewing events

In 2025, the cherry blossoms at Reihokan Garden and Sanboin Temple are scheduled to be illuminated at night for two days, Thursday, March 27th and Friday, March 28th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (last admission at 8:30 p.m.).

In addition, special night viewing is held in spring and autumn, and a plan that includes a souvenir (1,300 yen) is also available. The illuminated cherry blossoms look completely different from daytime, creating a fantastical sight, so if you have the chance, be sure to experience it.

Tips for enjoying the cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple even more!

A photo spot perfect for social media

Large weeping cherry tree at Reihokan

The branches drooping like a waterfall are a spectacular sight. The contrast with the moss garden is beautiful, and if you aim for the soft light of morning and evening, you can take a dramatic shot.

Five-story pagoda and cherry blossoms

The composition of the weeping cherry blossoms and Yoshino cherry trees against the backdrop of Kyoto's oldest wooden building, built in 951, is sure to be a hit on social media. We recommend taking advantage of the tower's height (about 38m) and taking photos from an angle looking up.

Bentendo and cherry blossoms reflected in the pond

The collaboration between the vermilion-painted Bentendo Hall and the cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface is a classic spot for taking pictures that are full of atmosphere. On days with little wind, you can also expect to see a water reflection.

Cherry blossom trees in front of Niomon Gate

The combination of the vermilion gate and the pink cherry blossoms creates a striking contrast of colors, making it perfect for those who want to fully experience the feeling of spring. When it is crowded, you will need to wait in line, so please be considerate of others.

Enjoy not only the cherry blossoms but also historical documents

The cherry blossom viewing experience will be more profound if you pay attention not only to the gorgeous rows of cherry trees and weeping cherry blossoms, but also to historical buildings such as the Sanboin Garden, which Toyotomi Hideyoshi was directly involved in, and the five-story pagoda, a national treasure. You can also touch precious Buddhist statues and historical documents in the Reihokan Museum, so experience the history of Daigoji Temple with all your senses.

Access information to Daigoji Temple

Public transport/car route

Train and bus:

About 10 minutes walk from Daigo Station on the Tozai Subway Line
Take the bus from JR Kyoto Station and get off at Daigoji-mae stop.

car:

About 20 minutes from the Kyoto Higashi IC on the Meishin Expressway. Parking is 2,000 yen for large vehicles and 700 yen for regular cars. It is recommended to use public transportation as the parking lot tends to fill up during the cherry blossom season.

Admission fees and opening hours

Visiting hours:

March 1st to 12th, 1st Sunday: 9:00 to 17:00
Winter (outside the above period): 9:00-16:30

Admission fee:

Spring combined ticket (Sanboin, Reihokan and Garan): Adults 1,800 yen / Middle and high school students 1,300 yen / Elementary school students and younger free

Regular period: Adults 1,000 yen / Junior and senior high school students 700 yen

During cherry blossom season, a combined ticket is often required, and admission fees are set higher than during normal times. There are some cherry blossom viewing spots that can only be found in paid areas of the temple grounds, so be sure to check the type of ticket available in advance.

▼Location of Daigoji Temple

Walking courses and gourmet food around Daigoji Temple

Walking courses and surrounding temples and shrines

The standard walking route around Daigoji Temple is to visit Sanboin Temple → Five-story Pagoda → Bentendo Hall → Reihokan. During cherry blossom season, you can enjoy the beautiful collaboration of flowers and historical buildings wherever you walk.

There are other temples and shrines in the area where you can enjoy the cherry blossoms, such as Bishamon-do Monzeki and Kaju-ji Temple, so if you have time, we recommend visiting them too.

Enjoy spring in Kyoto with sweet shops and specialty dishes

In the Fushimi area, there are several shops where you can enjoy Kyoto cuisine and seasonal Japanese sweets such as sakura mochi. If you stop by between shrine visits and take a break over some matcha green tea and sweets, you'll be able to recover from the fatigue of cherry blossom viewing.

There are also snack and souvenir shops scattered around the temple, so it might be fun to look for local specialties and spring-only goods.

summary

Daigoji Temple is a place where historical romance and cherry blossoms come together, and was the setting for the "Daigo Cherry Blossom Viewing" held by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in his later years. The temple grounds are home to around 1,000 cherry trees, and the appeal is that you can enjoy a variety of varieties, including weeping cherry, Yoshino cherry, and double-flowered cherry, all at once.

In addition, there are many other sights to see, such as the five-story pagoda, the oldest wooden structure in Kyoto, and the Sanboin Garden, which is associated with Hideyoshi. The spring scenery of Daigoji Temple, where history and culture live on, is sure to enrich your soul.