By VIRTUAL KYOTO

This serene 4K video, filmed on March 24, 2025, captures the early sakura (cherry blossom) blooms in Kyoto’s historic Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds (京都御所, Kyoto Gosho). Presented by the channel VIRTUAL KYOTO, the walk takes viewers through some of the city’s most iconic early-bloom spots for cherry blossoms, set against the backdrop of a gently overcast spring afternoon.

The walk begins at the famed Demizu-no-Itosakura (出水の糸桜), with its delicate, cascading petals just starting to emerge. These weeping cherry trees are a seasonal highlight for cherry blossom lovers in Kyoto, and their early blooming makes them a herald of spring. The video also tours the tranquil plum and peach groves (梅林 and 桃林), their flowering branches adding a colorful contrast to the landscape.

A highlight of the video is the Konoe Residence Ruins (近衛邸跡), where magnificent drooping shidare-sakura (枝垂れ桜) trees are also beginning their bloom. This location, nestled in the northwestern portion of the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, is a historically rich and photogenic area that's less crowded than more famous hanami spots, making it especially appealing for peaceful sightseeing.

Kyoto Imperial Palace, once the residence of Japan's Imperial Family, is today a public park with scenic walks and seasonal beauty. Spring is particularly popular here, as both tourists and locals come to admire the sakura. As Kyoto is one of Japan's top destinations for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), sights like these are cherished.

This video provides not only a visual treat but also a relaxing soundtrack—perfect for viewers interested in virtual travel, Japanese culture, and natural seasonal beauty.