Cherry blossom time in Kyoto: where to go and what to eat

New England has its breathtaking autumn landscapes of reds and golds, while Provence boasts fields of lavender as far as the eye can see, but when it comes to seasonal celebrations of the natural world, few can match cherry blossom or sakura season in Kyoto.

Japan’s former imperial capital has more than enough to see in its own right, with no fewer than 17 Unesco World Heritage sites and more than 2,000 temples. But residents of Japan and international visitors alike flock to Kyoto for the short period from late March to mid-April when trees explode in blossom.

Hanami – literally “flower viewing” – is a profoundly Japanese appreciation of fleeting beauty, one taken very seriously across the country. It is as much a time for reflection as it is for photos and celebration. To truly experience the joys of sakura season, people traditionally gather in parks, sitting directly under the trees on plastic sheeting that they have carefully pinned to the ground. Picnics are popular, and iconic Japanese department stores sell beautifully produced special hanami-themed bento boxes to cater for them.

But restaurants also allow for a special sensory combination, often creating menus just for the brief window when the blossoms appear. At The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto, many rooms overlook the Kamogawa, Kyoto’s river with its rows of cherry trees lining the banks. In their Mizuki restaurant, a kaiseki menu is offered featuring dishes that are true works of art.