Kyoto is one of the most famous places in Japan for cherry blossom season. We were able to visit for a week during the peak blooming period, and it was stunning! However, chasing the sakura in Kyoto came with its own set of problems: the greatest hordes of people that I’ve ever seen in my life, waking up at 5 AM or sometimes even earlier, and just overall some tiring unpleasantries that, while not spoiling the beauty of cherry blossom season, were just a lot to deal with.
However, after doing some digging into lesser-known cherry blossom spots in Kyoto, I found this charming place just northwest of Arashiyama (the place with the famous bamboo grove!) that boasts over 1,500 yoshino cherry trees, beautiful wide walking paths, the most charming river, and most importantly…no crowds.
This is Kameoka, the dreamiest little town for chasing cherry blossoms that no one knows about.
Getting to Kameoka
Reaching Kameoka can be tricky. It’s far enough out of central Kyoto that the average visitor isn’t likely to put in the effort to come all the way here, but that’s what makes it feel so local and special! To reach here from Kyoto, I recommend putting Arashiyama and Kameoka on the same day in your itinerary because Kameoka is in the same direction as Arashiyama, but a bit further. We did Arashiyama in the early morning and Kameoka for the rest of the morning and afternoon. To get to Kameoka from Arashiyama, you’ll have to take both a train and a bus. I’ve described the route in detail below.
From JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, take the purple San-in Line towards Sonobe. Ride 3 stops until you reach Kameoka Station, which takes 10 minutes and costs 200 yen per person without a JR Pass.
Then from Kameoka Station, take the F11 bus north. The name of the bus and destination will both be in Japanese, but if you want to make sure you are heading in the correct direction, ask the bus driver if you are heading towards “Nanatanigawa Bus Stop.”
You’ll ride 6 stops which takes about 9 minutes and get off at Nanatanigawa. And just like that, you’ve reached cherry blossom central!
History of Kameoka’s Cherry Blossoms
Kameoka’s cultural legacy is deeply rooted in traditional Japanese customs, and its history is marked by the ebb and flow of time-honored practices. As early as the Heian period, the region bore witness to the emergence of local festivals and rituals, fostering a strong connection between its residents and the natural world. This bond with nature paved the way for the grand spectacle that Kameoka is known for today.
The tale of the 1,500 cherry blossom trees is a testament to the town’s reverence for nature’s beauty. Over the years, Kameoka’s residents, inspired by the ephemeral charm of cherry blossoms, embarked on a mission to cultivate and preserve these iconic trees.
Through the concerted efforts of local families and the passing down of knowledge from one generation to the next, the town became adorned with this breathtaking abundance of cherry blossoms. The result is that the entire town of Kameoka bursts into pale pink blooms each spring, making it one of the most incredible displays of cherry blossoms in Kyoto, the Kansai region, and even all of Japan!
When to See Cherry Blossoms in Kameoka
The exact timing of cherry blossom bloom can vary slightly each year, influenced by factors like weather conditions and temperature fluctuations. Generally, cherry blossoms in the Kansai region begin to bloom around late March to early April, creating a spectacle that captivates both locals and visitors alike.
Kameoka is located in Kyoto, so the blooming period here will be the same as in central Kyoto. Make sure to check the cherry blossom forecast closely, as it varies every year!
🌸 Read more: 19 Top Cherry Blossom Spots in Kyoto in 2024
Where to See the Beauty of Kameoka
Because Kameoka can be semi-difficult to get to, it’s not nearly as popular with tourists. We spent most of the day here and saw almost no other foreigners! Kameoka’s cherry blossoms are fairly popular with the locals, but it wasn’t crowded at all.
Most of the people here do not speak much English, unlike in Kyoto. However, I am happy to trade the foreigner-friendly comforts for the ability to enjoy the most stunning cherry blossoms I’ve ever seen in my life in peace.
The most famous spot in Kameoka is Yawaragi Road, a beautiful wide walking path with over 1500 cherry blossom trees in 30 different varieties. As you walk down the path, you’ll notice a gorgeous river on the left side. Japanese locals slowly amble down the lane, enjoying the stunning cherry blossom coverage overhead and on both sides. It was so beautiful, I literally couldn’t believe my eyes. Who knew a haven like this existed just outside of the overcrowded, touristy Kyoto?
There are two sections of Yawaragi Road broken by a small bridge on the left side. I definitely recommend stopping here to look over the beautiful riverbed with its small waterfall. Unless there’s been a lot of rainfall, the riverbed will be partially rocky and dry.
You’ll see locals, both old and young, having delicious hanami picnics in the dry riverbed and on the grass on either side. It’s incredibly charming to see and has all the spring vibes!
Have a Hanami Picnic Under Kameoka’s Cherry Blossoms
If you get hungry, you can also grab food from the food trucks set up near the bus station. There are tents selling karaage (Japanese fried chicken), takoyaki, drinks, and much more! Everything is surprisingly quite affordable and delicious—the karaage in particular was so good that we bought from them twice. You can collect your own food and drinks and have your own hanami picnic if you prefer. We didn’t bring a blanket with us, but we did sit on a bench under the most beautiful weeping cherry tree and enjoyed our chicken in the fresh spring sun.
Hanami, a cherished Japanese tradition, encapsulates the essence of celebrating the ephemeral beauty of cherry blossoms. Literally translating to “flower viewing,” hanami is a time-honored practice where friends, families, and colleagues gather beneath the blooming cherry trees to revel in the beauty of the blossoms, eat, drink, and spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the newly mild spring weather.
In central Kyoto, selecting your spot for a hanami picnic can be a competitive and early-morning activity due to the crowds during peak blooming season, but there is no such worry in Kameoka! Show up with your picnic blanket and snacks in tow whenever you like and enjoy the thousands of cherry blossoms around you.
Conclusion
Kameoka is just unbelievably stunning and I hope this gives you a chance to see the gorgeous cherry trees of Japan without worrying about the crowds. Not only is Kameoka much less crowded, but the sheer number and beauty of the cherry trees are just beyond breathtaking! Always make sure to leave no trace and treat this incredible place with the respect it deserves.
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