Daigoji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site founded in 874, is renowned as a cherry blossom spot famous for the “Daigo no Hanami” event held by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It is one of Kyoto’s most popular cherry blossom viewing locations, especially known for its beautiful weeping cherry blossoms. The impressive “Taiko Weeping Cherry” and other stunning blossoms are a highlight here.
This article will share the highlights of Daigoji Temple, along with some personal photographs.
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Getting to Daigoji Temple from Kyoto Station
The most convenient way to get to Daigoji Temple from Kyoto Station is by taking the direct bus. From the H4 bus stop at Kyoto Station, you can board the Keihan bus that goes directly to Daigoji Temple.
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Take the Keihan Bus directly to Daigoji Temple from the H4 bus stop at Kyoto Station.
Highlights of Daigoji Temple
In front of the main gate, you are greeted by stunning white and pink weeping cherry blossoms.Daigoji Temple has been cherished as a cherry blossom spot since the Heian period, known as “Hanano Daigo,” and various types of cherry trees including weeping cherry, Somei Yoshino, mountain cherry, and double-flowered cherry bloom in succession within the temple grounds.
I was deeply impressed by the beautiful weeping cherry blossoms.
Many people were taking photos in front of the cherry blossoms at the main gate.
Passing through the gate, you will find around 700 cherry trees in full bloom on the grounds.
In the spring of 1598, Toyotomi Hideyoshi reportedly planted 700 cherry trees from the Kyoto and surrounding areas and held a grand cherry blossom viewing party with around 1,300 guests. It is said to be one of the most famous cherry blossom events in Japanese history.
The over 100-year-old Somei Yoshino trees were in full bloom and incredibly beautiful.
After walking a bit, you’ll come across the ticket office for Sanboin, which has a garden.
In the Sanboin garden, magnificent pink weeping cherry blossoms were in bloom, and they were truly beautiful.
This is the “Taiko Weeping Cherry,” which is about 150 years old. When I visited, some of the blossoms were already past peak, but the tree still had magnificent blossoms and seemed to welcome visitors with its extended branches.
The best time to see the cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple is from late March to early April. It can get crowded during the cherry blossom season, but visiting early in the morning or on weekdays can offer a relatively quieter experience.
Information of Daigoji Temple
Web Site Official web site Opening hours From March 1st From the day after the 1st Sunday of December Phone number +81-75-571-0002
Please check the official website for the latest information.
