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!
- 1 min read
Gion Shirakawa at Night in Spring
Enjoy the beauty of Kyoto cherry blossoms after dark
![Larry Knipfing Larry Knipfing](http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/24/240x240!/565e87e167ba810c868b6ba0.jpg)
Community writer
![A small restaurant along the river](http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71450/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71450.jpg)
A small restaurant along the river
![Old friends take a break to enjoy a cup or two of sake](http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71458/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71458.jpg)
Old friends take a break to enjoy a cup or two of sake
![Another small restaurant surrounded by lovely sakura](http://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71453/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71453.jpg)
Another small restaurant surrounded by lovely sakura
![A couple in kimono walking through the shadows of the night](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71456/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71456.jpg)
A couple in kimono walking through the shadows of the night
![Along the river, a small shrine](http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71454/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71454.jpg)
Along the river, a small shrine
![Side alley near the river](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71452/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71452.jpg)
Side alley near the river
![Restaurant sign nestled within the branches of a cherry tree](http://a3.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71449/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71449.jpg)
Restaurant sign nestled within the branches of a cherry tree
![Kimono in motion](http://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71455/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71455.jpg)
Kimono in motion
![The Shirakawa River lighted up](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71447/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71447.jpg)
The Shirakawa River lighted up
![Another section of the river at night](http://a0.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71451/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71451.jpg)
Another section of the river at night
![A couple posing for photos - what a great memory for them!](http://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71457/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71457.jpg)
A couple posing for photos - what a great memory for them!
![Customers enjoying a meal or coffee along the Shirakawa River, Kyoto, on a beautiful spring night](http://a2.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/12576-71448/1000/kyoto-gion-shirakawa-at-night-in-spring-71448.jpg)
Customers enjoying a meal or coffee along the Shirakawa River, Kyoto, on a beautiful spring night
Join the discussion
![Anonymous Anonymous](http://a1.cdn.japantravel.com/photo/u/2623/100x100!/profile.jpg)
Anonymous
10 years ago
Lovely and whole-full cover of Gion Shirakawa, thanks for posting these photos and attached comments. It gives an extremely peaceful and mysterious image of the place.
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