Famed for its timeless beauty, Kyoto embodies Japan’s deep harmony between nature and culture. Its landscapes — from gardens and temples to riversides lined with sakura trees — make it one of the best places in the country to experience the shifting seasons.
Cherry blossom season is culturally symbolic as a representation of ephemeral beauty. The peak blooming period may last a week — sometimes only a few days — before the petals start to snow down, reminding us of the fleeting nature of time and the blessings to be appreciated before they too become part of the past.
Kyoto typically sees early blossoms at the end of March. The Japan Meteorological Agency, considered the most reliable source for floral and foliage forecasts, reported flowering in Kyoto around March 27 last year and full blooms in the first week of April. Travelers flock to Kyoto from around the world to get a glimpse of the delicate blooms, so planning your itinerary early is the key to a successful hanami (flower-viewing) season.
For travelers seeking sophisticated relaxation and exceptional service during their cherry blossom chase, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier is an ideal base for hanami hopping. More than just a convenient location, the hotel also features an atrium courtyard that transforms with the seasons, reflecting the aesthetic philosophy of teoku ichinyo — the harmony between architecture and nature.
Day 1
Morning: Arrival and Sightseeing
Located along Sanjo Shopping Street — Kyoto’s oldest and longest shopping street — Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier is the brand’s first Premier-series property to open in the ancient capital. The neighborhood is rich in history, dating back to the Heian era, and offers easy access to landmarks such as the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Check-in begins at 3 p.m., but it’s worth arriving early to wander the surrounding streets, which are lined with charming shops, restaurants and entertainment spots. (Just drop your bags off at reception first. If you want, you can also drop your luggage at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station and have it delivered to Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier, so that it’s waiting for you at check-in. )
Just a 20-minute walk from the hotel is Nijo Castle, a national historic site with magnificent gardens and impressive art exhibitions. It also boasts around 300 cherry blossom trees, with 50 varieties including yamazakura and somei yoshino.
Lunch: Tofu and Temple-Viewing
Take a 10-minute train ride from Nijo-jo Castle Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station, then head straight to Tofu Ryori Matsugae for lunch. This riverside restaurant elevates tofu into a refined, seasonal experience, with dishes that highlight subtle flavors and local ingredients. The historic building adds a calm, intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to slow down and savor the moment before exploring the area.
After lunch, it’s just a short walk to Tenryu-ji Temple, founded in 1339 and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s Zen-style garden is peaceful year-round, but in spring, the surrounding Arashiyama mountains and cherry blossoms add extra color and charm. From there, stroll over to Togetsukyo Bridge and the nearby river, where you can take a boat ride under a canopy of sakura petals.
Y BAR
Evening: Relaxation and Refined Cuisine
As the night settles in, make your way back to the hotel for dinner at Curd, which specializes in Italian cuisine with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The restaurant uses cheeses made by hand each morning at the in-house Good Cheese Laboratory, Kyoto’s first cheese lab.
After dinner, unwind with a relaxing soak. In addition to a large public bath, the hotel also has a luxurious, reservation-only private bath — the first of its kind for the Mitsui Garden Hotel brand. Guests can enjoy the courtyard backdrop and lounge in a living area alongside the private bath with extensive two-hour reservation slots.
You can also enjoy a drink at the hotel’s Y Bar, produced by Takeno Sake Brewery, a local brewery in Kyotango. Here, guests can savor rare specialty sake in a sophisticated, minimalistic setting.
※The menu changes regularly
Day 2
Morning: An Elegant Breakfast
Start your day with a grand breakfast at Curd, where you can enjoy a main dish of your choice and a half buffet. The colorful spread features cuisine from Italy, Spain, the Middle East and the Mediterranean coast with freshly made ricotta omelettes, fromage blanc pancakes, Kyoto-style udon and more.
At check-out, take advantage of the hotel’s baggage service for hassle-free sightseeing. Your luggage can be sent to the Mitsui Garden Hotel right by Kyoto Station, so you can pick it up after your day’s adventures before boarding your train.
Afternoon: Kiyomizudera Temple, Maruyama Park and Lunch
Kiyomizudera Temple is one of the must-see stops for any Kyoto visitor, and springtime marks an especially magical opportunity to witness nature’s celebration of rebirth. Overlooking the city, Kiyomizudera is surrounded by cherry and maple trees that transform to the tune of each season. The wooden stage that flows out of the main hall sits 13 meters above the hillside, supported by pillars made from over 400-year-old zelkova trees, and showcases a spectacular panoramic view with powdery clouds of pink bursting through the cherry branches. Visitors can also find a large concentration of cherry blossom trees around the pond near the exit of the temple grounds.
Hike down through the Sannenzaka cobblestone streets for Edo-era architecture and artisanal shops. Continuing to walk for around 15 minutes, you’ll arrive at Maruyama Park.
Maruyama Park is another top recommendation for premier sakura locales. Its massive shidarezakura (weeping cherry tree) stands as the centerpiece of the park with its cascading branches. During hanami season, it’s decorated with paper lanterns and dedicated picnic tables.
The park also hosts several delicious eateries and cafes, including the newly opened Sukiyaki Juniten, a specialty restaurant serving carefully selected A5-ranked Wagyu beef.
Wrapping up your travels, head to Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Station, where your luggage will be awaiting you. Guests who use the service are welcome to enjoy the hotel’s lounge for free as you wait to board the shinkansen to your next destination.
To make a reservation at Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier, please visit its website.
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
45-1 Hishiya-cho, Higashiiru
Higashinotoin, Sanjo-dori
Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8131
T: 075-231-3131
Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier is located just a three-minute walk from Karasuma-Oike Station or a seven-minute subway ride from Kyoto Station.
