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
- Try local snacks and sweets on a 3-hour tour strolling around the Demachiyanagi area
- Experience a hanami stroll and mini picnic with our local guide, and get tips for taking great cherry blossom photos.
- Dine on local and seasonal dishes at a classic Kyoto restaurant in the area
- Browse the local shops along the way and receive a special Hanami gift at the end of your tour!
- Login with a Rakuten account to earn and use points when you book!
Important Information
Sakura season is short, about one month from the first appearance of tiny buds to the finish of the season, with a peak of about two weeks. It is impossible to predict exact dates each year, but we offer this limited-edition tour in the period most famous for hanami. • A minimum of 2 people are needed to book this tour. • Ages 0–2 can join for free. • Please let us know during booking if you have any dietary restrictions or allergies. • Changes to tours and spots we visit may occur due to schedules of restaurants, public holidays, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances. Applicable substitutions will be made in this case. • With respect for the places that we visit, the safety of our guides as well as other participants on the tour and neighborhood locals, we request that guests wear face masks and observe other Covid precautions during the tour. Masks are okay to be taken off while you are drinking and eating, of course. Thank you in advance for your understanding and cultural sensitivity. If you disagree with this policy, we may respectfully ask you not to join the tour. • We have a strict policy about starting our tours on time. This is to protect the enjoyment of all our guests and restaurant partners. We are sorry to say that if you are not able to arrive at the meeting point by the departure time, the tour will start regardless and no refund will be provided. We are also unable to accommodate meeting up at any of the food stops once you’ve missed the start of the tour. • Please note we can only wait an additional five minutes after the starting time and then the tour will depart. In addition to our limited five-minute grace period, please note that we cannot give directions or contact the guides on the phone once the tour begins. This is to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests on the tour, And also to respect our relationships with restaurants.
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.