Daigoji Temple in Kyoto: Video Introduction

This video, titled " [A Famous Spot for Cherry Blossoms in Kyoto] Daigoji Temple and Cherry Blossoms (Kyoto, Japan)" (【京都 桜の名所】醍醐寺の桜), was uploaded by "Anna Film Production."

The cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple, where Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a Japanese warlord who lived during the Sengoku Period (Warring States Period, 1467-1615 AD) is known to have enjoyed cherry blossom viewing, is a very famous tourist attraction in Kyoto.

In the video, you can see the cherry blossoms in full bloom in the vast precincts, along with many historical buildings. The shot of the five-storied pagoda with falling cherry blossom petals is also wonderful. Please take your time to enjoy the video.

Daigoji Temple Cherry Blossoms & Other Information

Photo：Cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple, Kyoto

Daigoji Temple, located in Fushimi, Kyoto, has a vast precinct consisting of approximately 1633 acres. As one of Kyoto's leading temples, it's been designated as a World Heritage Site with 6 National Treasures, including a five-storied pagoda, and 10 Important Cultural Properties.

The cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple became famous because Toyotomi Hideyoshi used to host extravagant cherry blossom viewing parties at the temple.

Daigoji Temple is said to be home to roughly 1,000 cherry trees, and is characterized by its rich variety. There are Kawazu cherry blossoms, weeping cherries, Someiyoshino cherries, and more.
These flowers bloom in succession, so you can enjoy cherry blossom viewing for around 3 weeks at the temple.
[Video] 4:22 - Cherry Blossoms Next to the Main Hall

The highlights of the cherry blossoms on the grounds are the 180-year-old Daigo weeping cherries at Reihokan, a museum which houses National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Japan, and the weeping cherries at Sanboin Temple.
It's also a popular photo spot and perfect for taking Instagram photos. Many cherry trees are planted around the five-storied pagoda, a National Treasure.
[Video] 1:08 - Weeping Cherry Blossoms at Seiryu-gu

When to See Cherry Blossoms at Daigoji Temple

Photo：Cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple, Kyoto

From late March to early April every year, Daigoji Temple is home to many different types of cherry blossoms. The recommended cherry blossom season is early April, when the Someiyoshino cherry blossoms bloom.

The "Hotaiko Cherry Blossom Viewing Procession" (豊太閤花見行列, Hotaiko hanami gyoretsu) is a spring event at Daigoji Temple that is popular with tourists.
It reproduces the splendid cherry blossoms viewing parties that Toyotomi Hideyoshi once held at Daigoji Temple.
The procession features participants wearing authentic costumes from the Azuchi-Momoyama Period (1573-1598 AD) and parades under the cherry blossoms. Many people come to enjoy the elegant festival. After that, traditional Japanese performing arts, such as gagaku, kyogen, and hanami odori (a type of dance) are performed on a special stage.

If you are traveling to Kyoto during this time of the year, you may want to include the Ho-Taiko Hanami Gyoretsu (Toyotomi Hideyoshi's cherry blossom viewing parade) at Daigoji Temple in your schedule. The event is usually held on the second Sunday of April, so in 2024 it is scheduled to be held on April 14.

During the cherry blossom viewing season, you can also see the cherry blossoms illuminated. Special nighttime viewing is usually available from late March to early April. We recommend that you check the official website in advance for the dates of nighttime viewing at Sanboin and Reihoin, as well as the number of visitors and reservations.

Recommended Cherry Blossom Spots in the Rakunan Area of Kyoto

Photo：Cherry blossoms at Rokusonno Shrine, Kyoto

In the Rakunan area of Kyoto, there are other cherry blossom spots besides Daigoji Temple.

●Jonangu Shrine (城南宮, Jonangu)
Known as a famous place for plum blossoms, Jonangu Shrine is a shrine dedicated to a god who wards off bad luck. From the end of March to April, you can see beautiful weeping cherry blossoms in the Muromachi and Momoyama gardens.

●Rokusonno Shrine (六孫王神社, Rokusonno Jinja)
A shrine that enshrines Rokusonno-okami, and is a hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing in Kyoto. Cherry blossoms blooming on both sides of the straight approach create a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Photos of the main shrine, cherry blossoms, and lanterns are perfect for Instagram.

●Gokonomiya Shrine (御香宮神社, Gokonomiya Jinja)
Empress Jingu is enshrined at Gokonomiya Shrine, and is known as the goddess of safe childbirth and child rearing. The shrine is home to a number of cherry blossom varieties, making it a great place to view them.
Bring a camera so you can take some photos of the colorful main shrine and weeping cherry blossoms.

Summary of Cherry Blossoms at Daigoji Temple

The cherry blossoms at Daigoji Temple can be enjoyed for a longer period than most places, making them a popular spot in Kyoto in the spring. Explore the history of the Japanese warlord, who planted 700 cherry trees in the garden of Sanboin Temple in the spring of 1598 (Keicho 3) and loved the cherry blossoms enough to host viewing parties for them.
Daigoji Temple is a large site of more than 1600 acres, and in addition to the cherry blossoms, there's Sanboin Temple, which overlooks the garden designed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, as well as plenty of other highlights, including a five-storied pagoda and more.
We recommend planning your visit so that you have ample time to enjoy everything that the temple offers.

[Official Website] World Heritage Site Daigoji Temple, Kyoto

[TripAdvisor] Daigoji Temple