Hirano Shrine

A famous cherry blossom spot representing Kyoto - pay attention to the main hall and shrine buildings

This shrine is said to have been moved from Nara when the capital was moved to Heian. The current shrine building was built during the Kan'ei era (1624-44) and is called Hirano-zukuri. The main hall has been designated an Important Cultural Property. The shrine is famous for its early-blooming "Sakigake Sakura" cherry blossoms, which are said to have originated at Hirano Shrine.
The temple grounds are home to 400 cherry trees of approximately 60 different varieties, all in full bloom. The best time to see them is from mid-March to late April.

• 

  The sight of the fantastical cherry blossoms floating in the solemn atmosphere of the temple grounds at night is truly breathtaking.

• CHECKPOINT

  The Cherry Blossom Festival is held every year on April 10th, and the cherry blossoms are also lit up at night from late March to mid-April.

• Official website