Hidden Village of Kyoto’s Cherry Blossoms “Haradanien”
Haradani-en, located a little over an hour from Kyoto Station by bus, is known as the “Hidden Village of Kyoto’s Cherry Blossoms” and is home to over 20 varieties of cherry trees, along with various other flowers. The beautiful scenery, reminiscent of a paradise, attracts many visitors during the flower seasons. It’s a popular spot where visitors can enjoy the peaceful beauty of nature.
Details
| Location | 36 Daikokuyama, Haradani Kanda-machi, Kita Ward, Kyoto City |
| Opening Period | Early to mid-March (plum blossoms), Late March to late April (cherry blossoms), Late November to early December (autumn leaves) |
| Access | You can take the Kyoto City Bus M1 line from Kita-Oji Subway Station or Kinugasa Ritsumeikan University Mae Bus Stop. Get off at either Haradani Nogyokai-mae or Haradani End Station, then walk for 2 minutes. |
| Fee | 1800 yen during cherry blossom season |
| Website | www.haradanien.com |
Why it’s great for solo travelers
This tranquil environment is perfect for solo travelers to enjoy the flowers at their own pace. During cherry blossom season, the atmosphere is calm and peaceful, with nature and people alike creating a relaxing space.
Recommendation
For those who want to fully enjoy cherry blossom viewing, visiting during spring is highly recommended. The park has many benches where you can sit and savor the beauty of the cherry blossoms. Additionally, you can purchase bento, sweets, and drinks at the park’s shop. Please note that both the entrance fee and purchases at the shop are cash-only.
My Visit
I visited on the morning of April 6, 2025. I arrived in heavy rain, but after a while, the rain stopped and the sky cleared. The water droplets glistened, and the rain made the scenery even more beautiful. The weeping cherry trees, snowflakes, and colorful flowers were in full bloom, making it hard to decide where to take photos. I bought chirashi sushi and sakura mochi from the shop and enjoyed my meal while sitting on a bench in the park, gazing at the cherry blossoms. There are bus transfers, and since the bus stops are different, be sure to pay attention when you visit.
