10 Best Things to Do in Kyoto in March 2025
What to do in Kyoto in March
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Are you planning to visit Kyoto in March? And thinking about what to see and where are the nice places to go? Kyoto is wealthy in Japan’s ancient culture and was Japan’s capital for a long period. It is also known for its numerous traditional temples, gardens, and shrines. If you want the ambiance of old Japan, Kyoto is one of the best places you can visit in Japan.
In this article, I would like to share with you some places you can visit in March 2025, where some events, festivals, and other activities are held in Kyoto.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
March in Kyoto
March in Kyoto is the beginning of spring. There are different types of climates, but not hot weather; sometimes it’s cold, cool, or warm. it is one of the best times to visit and explore Kyoto. Aside from Tokyo and Osaka, Kyoto is one of the best places in Japan with many hotspots to see the beauty of the cherry and plum blossoms.
Many tourists visit Kyoto during this season to experience the viewing of Sakura blossoms that last a week in full bloom. Aside from that, you can also enjoy unique foods that are only available during spring or cherry blossom season. Many festivals are also held in March and some events are held in famous places. Here are the 10 best things to do in Kyoto in March.
Best Things to Do in Kyoto in March 2025
1. Visit Kifune Shrine
Kifune Shrine (貴船神社) is open throughout the year. All seasons are a good time to visit (spring, summer, autumn, and winter), and it is well known for having stone stairs with red lanterns that most tourists enjoy. Kifune Shrine has three shrines which are the Main Shrine, Rear Shrine, and Yui no Yashiro Shrine.
Official Website: https://kifunejinja.jp/en/info/
For more information about the Kifune Shrine, check out the following article!
▶︎Kifune Shrine: New Travel Destination in Kyoto
2. Explore Cherry Blossoms Viewing Spots
Usually, the first cherry blossoms in Kyoto are around mid-March. However, there are the best seasons to view the cherry blossom depending on the area and climate, and the peak season the full bloom of the cherry blossom lasts only one week.
Many tourists visit during this time to experience and see the cherry blossom. There are many beautiful places around Kyoto which has great cherry blossom viewing spots. Here are some places in Kyoto for viewing cherry blossoms, some of them fully bloom in early April.
- Maruyama Park– is the oldest park in Kyoto and is also known as a main spot for cherry blossom viewing. Beautiful during spring and a great place to walk around.
- Tetsugaku no Michi– also known as “Philosopher Walk” is a pedestrian path along a cherry tree-lined canal of Lake Biwa canal. One of the good spots for viewing cherry blossoms.
Check out the following article for more information about cherry blossom hotspots in Kyoto.
▶︎15 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto
3. Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
One of Kyoto’s most famous sights. The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (竹林の道) is filled with mystical bamboo paths, making it one of the popular spots along with the Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kinkakuji Temple. It is also nice to visit during the spring. Apart from the amazing towering bamboo around, there are also beautiful spots in the area where you can view cherry blossoms.
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13 Minutes walk from Saga Arashiyama Station. |
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For more information about the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, check out the following article!
▶︎Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
4. Flower Festivals and NAKED Sakura Festival 2025
In the Spring season, there are cherry blossom festival held in various areas of Kyoto and it usually starts in March. And here are some festivals that you can visit.
- Naked Sakura Festival 2025: World Heritage Site Nijo-jo Castle- an interactive art exhibition with a Sakura motif and one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto. The festival is held from March 14 to April 13, 2025, and you can also view the cherry blossoms at nighttime with hundreds of illuminated cherry trees.
- Ninnaji Flower Festival– The Ninnaji Temple in Kyoto is known for its cherry blossoms called Omuro Sakura which are one of the families of cherry trees with the characteristic of large blossoms of flower and sweet scent. The Ninnaji flower festival is usually held from mid-March to early May.
5. Visit Yodogawa Riverside Park
Yodogawa Riverside Park is one of the popular spots during spring to experience the best sakura viewing with the peaceful atmosphere, amazed by the beautiful sakura trees lining up along the riverside. Take a seat, relax, and enjoy the ambiance.
For more information about this place, check out the following articles!
▶︎Yodogawa Riverside Park: Stunning Sakura Tunnel in Kyoto
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24 minutes via train from Tambabashi Station to Iwashimizu-Hachimangu Station (Keihan Main Line) then 12 minutes walk to the park. |
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6. Experience Night Temple Illuminations/Light-up
You can see the cherry blossoms not only during the daytime but also during the nighttime. There are several temples that you can visit, and special evening events are held to view cherry blossoms.
- Kiyomizudera Temple: A popular Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto Japan. And well-known for its large wooden terrace, which is a great spot to see the cherry and maple trees, especially during spring and fall. This March Kiyomizudera will hold a special evening illumination.
Website: http://www.kiyomizudera.or.jp/en/visit/special_night_viewing/ - Shoren-in Light Up- The Shoren Temple holds special night visits and light shows during spring and autumn. An amazing garden where the trees and flowers are illuminated. During the light show the whole place will look like a magical world full of amazing flowers and trees in the middle of the night you can see the elegant history of the temple.
Website: http://www.shorenin.com/english/night/
7. Experience Traditional Tea Ceremony
Experiencing a Tea ceremony in Kyoto is one of the must things to do when you visit Kyoto although this kind of activity is also available in other parts of Japan. Kyoto offers a traditional way of tea ceremonies that showcase ancient rituals. Often held in famous temples and shrines along with other activities such as events and festivals.
For more information about Tea Ceremony in Kyoto and Tokyo, check out the following articles!
▶︎Tea Ceremony Kyoto: 5 Best Experiences
▶︎Tea Ceremony Tokyo: 8 Best Tea Experiences
8. Enjoy Seasonal Foods
Apart from many historical places in Kyoto, they also have a variety of delicious foods that are especially popular during spring. Spring is when the weather starts to get nice, making it perfect to purchase some street foods. Here are some of the foods in Kyoto that you will want to taste.
- Kyo Yasaka Pudding – A small shop with a variety of soft and creamy pudding, ice cream, and drinks. Their special pudding with different flavors to suit your taste, is a must-try when visiting Kyoto.
- Kushiwagashi: One of the most popular menus of Kaka Itoken, it consists of strawberry and two Japanese confectionery on a stick, the strawberry on the top, a seasonal Japanese sweet in the middle that changes every season, and a sweet bun with a fox face on the bottom. A must-try when visiting Kyoto.
- Sweets in Can: The Arashiyama Misora is a dessert restaurant that serves unique sweets in cans limited to 30 per day. With different flavors depending on the season, also a must-try when you visit Kyoto.
For more information about food in Kyoto, check out the following articles!
▶︎Best Afternoon Tea in Kyoto: Spring
9. Visit the Iconic Yasaka Pagoda
For more information about Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto, check out the following article!
One of the popular landmarks in Higashiyama Kyoto is the five-storied pagoda of Hakanji Temple surrounded by many traditional Japanese houses making it more popular for both local and foreign tourists to take some memorable photos. Allowing the visitor to feel the atmosphere of the ancient Japanese culture.
▶︎Yasaka Pagoda: the Best Photo Spot in Higashiyama
10. Visit the Famous Temple in Kyoto ” Golden Pavillion”
Golden Pavillion Temple is one of the most famous temples in Kyoto originally known as “Kinkakuji Temple” Be amazed by its structure surrounded by lush green scenery. Aside from the historic building itself many things to do to make your visit memorable such as traditional activities, rituals, and enjoying nature.
For more information about the Golden Pavillion Temple, check out the following article!
▶︎Kinkakuji Temple: Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion
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Thank you for reading, I hope this article helps and provide information on the events and festivals that can be visited in Kyoto in March.
Check out more things to do in March in other popular areas in Japan, too!
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Written by
Greetings to all mommies I am a supermom from Philippines. Previously, I worked and lived in Dubai for seven years, until 2015 the year I moved in Japan. Currently, I am happily settled here with my Japanese husband and our 7 months old baby. I could only describe my almost 6 years of living here as a roller coaster ride more so, after I gave birth to my son. Japan had changed me in ways unimaginable. It has influence my lifestyle, my perceptions and beliefs. I was able to witness firsthand the pros and cons of living in the country. From their language, culture and ethnicity, the people, place and in work. Those years were enough to give me quite personal and memorable experiences which I would be more than delighted to share with you.
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