Gion Shirakawa at Night in Spring

Enjoy the beauty of Kyoto cherry blossoms after dark

Larry Knipfing May 01, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A small restaurant along the river</p>

<p>Old friends take a break to enjoy a cup or two of sake</p>

<p>Another small restaurant surrounded by lovely sakura</p>

<p>A couple in kimono walking through the shadows of the night</p>

<p>Restaurant sign nestled within the branches of a cherry tree</p>

<p>Another section of the river at night</p>

<p>A couple posing for photos - what a great memory for them!</p>

<p>Customers enjoying a meal or coffee along the Shirakawa River, Kyoto, on a beautiful spring night</p>

Just before it joins the Kamogawa River, the Shirakawa River passes through the famous Gion district of Kyoto. It's a magical place, mixing old and new, traditional and ultra-modern. And at night in the spring, it's heavenly. Take your time and stroll along the Shirakawa, enjoying the cherry trees in full bloom. Don't worry, even though it's night you'll be able to see them in their full glory - the entire area is lit up to celebrate this yearly springtime occurrence. Thousands of others will join you, everyone excited and happy to be in Kyoto at this time of the year!

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...