Few places exhibit sakura blossom season quite like Kyoto. People flock from around the globe to witness this floral spectacle. Although it only lasts two weeks, there is far more to experience in Kyoto. Home to over 2 000 temples and shrines as well as 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this city is the historic and cultural capital of Japan.
Experience an exhibition hosted by Mother Nature at the sakura blossom viewing site at Yodo River Park Sewaritei District. Peaking at the beginning of April, sakura trees are lined one after the other for over a kilometre. But if you miss the show, the Arashiyama bamboo forest has scenery equally as striking. Accessed from the Arashiyama main road and north of Tenryu-ji Temple is a 500-metre grove of towering bamboo. Stroll along the pathways in this mystical forest and feel a sense of awe and stillness.
Buddhism and Shinto are Japan’s major religions, with shrines and temples located throughout Kyoto. Kinkakuji, known as the Temple of the Golden Pavilion, has two storeys covered in gold leaf. Overlooking a serene pond, the impressive structure was initially built in the 14th century. Having burned down after being set alight by a monk, it was rebuilt in the 1950s and is a Zen temple today.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha, be entranced by the sight of 10 000 brilliant red torii gates. Follow a tunnel of torii to the shrine at the base of the sacred Mount Inari. After praying for good health and fortune, hike the four-kilometre forest trail up the mountain and stop at smaller shrines and restaurants on the way. Awaiting at the top is the satisfaction of having climbed the 233-metre summit.
Savour the end of the day with chanoyu, the ceremonial way of preparing and drinking green tea. The custom dates back to the 12th century and inspires spirituality, simplicity, and peacefulness. Over hundreds of years, Kyoto has maintained its traditional character. The heritage of Japan can be found here in full bloom. This city is worth experiencing throughout the seasons, and long after the last sakura blossoms have fallen.
