Book a Kyoto Spring Evening Cherry Blossom Food Tour [Sakura 2025]

Overview

Book this Kyoto cherry blossom food tour to discover the true hanami spirit during cherry sakura in Kyoto, away from the busier neighborhoods. Instead, explore beautiful temples, gardens, and shrines (both big and small). Available March 25–April 11 2025 (except Saturdays & Sundays). Join us on this walking tour of the Demachiyanagi area of Kyoto. Taste local treats and beverages under the cherry trees, explore the history of the district, browse a local “shotengai” shopping arcade and a famous shrine and temple area. Then, finish up with a delicious foodie dinner experience in a local soba or udon noodle joint — after viewing the gorgeous blossoms around the neighborhood.

Highlights

Key Information

Description

You can view one of the famous fire symbol mountains of Kyoto, Mount Daimonji, and also the dominating peak of north Kyoto, Mount Hiei, the summit of which can be reached from Demachiyanagi Station. On our tour, you can explore Shimogamo Shrine and its intriguing satellite, Kawai Shrine, and a fun local shopping arcade called Masugata Shotengai. This area, where the Kamo and Takano Rivers meet, and which was also for a thousand years marked the end of Saba (Mackeral) Trail, still draws locals and visitors for its many tasty opportunities and storied history. These days Kyoto has been in the news for the tourist overload around the most famous attractions in this ancient city. We want our guests to be able to slow down and enjoy a less crowded but still historic and beautiful area of Kyoto. Demachiyanagi is away from the crowds but has so much to over, especially for travelers looking for a local perspective and an off-the-beaten-path adventure. Demachiyanagi is a beautiful area at the junction where two rivers of Kyoto meet, called “the Delta of Demachi.” Local people love to visit to relax at the Delta. Nearby, visitors can explore the Shimogamo Shrine, Mount Hiei, Mount Daimonji, and a fun local shopping arcade called Masugata Shotengai. Where the Kamo and Takano Rivers meet, many parents and children, elders, students, couples and visitors can get together in this special place. You can even spot people crossing the rivers stepping along the turtle-shaped stones. In the spring, this is a popular place to spread out picnic sheets to enjoy eating and drinking under the sakura cherry blossom, this activity is called hanami (or flower viewing). With our guide, learn about the history of the area, the meaning and reason behind the sakura season, and taste local specialties that are bound to be pleasing to the eye and to the palate. We will visit several areas blooming with Sakura trees and shop and dine in local spots to give everyone an authentic hanami experience. Go off the beaten track to this less touristy area of the city. We will start off with some small snacks under the cherry trees, but we will also feature dinner during our tour. You will have a chance to join us at a local sobaya or udonya (noodle) restaurant that are serving 100% handmade noodles. You can also try local sake (rice wine), and a variety of other regional dishes. The restaurants feature seasonal menus so you can discover the best ingredients during the springtime in Kyoto. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a locally famous, traditional dessert. These sell out early but our guides will be sure to secure your yummy sweets in advance. Wend your way back to the station after the tour taking in the night view of the blossoms.