Balloon flowers are part of the family crest of Akechi Mitsuhide, the first lord of Fukuchiyama Castle and are also the city's official flower.
Best viewing season: June to SeptemberTake train to JR Fukuchiyama Station then walk 15 minutes.
Take Kyoto Kotsu Bus from JR Fukuchiyama Station to the "Fukuchiyamajo Koen" bus stop, then walk 2 minutes.
25 weeping cherry trees bloom in mid-April along the approach to the Kyoto Tree-planting Center, and are illuminated to give the illusion of a flowing waterfall.
Best viewing season: Mid-AprilThis Japanese wisteria, entwined around a 2,000 year old zelkova serrata Japanese elm, grows in every direction, and is a Kyoto Prefecture Designated Natural Monument. The wisteria is in full bloom around mid-May 5 when it draws large numbers of visitors.
Best viewing season: Early to mid-MayTake train to Oe Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway, then take City Bus Nika South line to "Minami Ariji", then walk for 20 minutes.
The Kanonji Temple is said to have been built in the year 720, and is covered by over 10,000 hydrangeas during the rainy season. It is also considered the "No. 1 sacred place for temple flowers in Kansai" and is famously known as "Ajisai Dera" (the hydrangea temple).
Best viewing season: Mid-June to Early JulyTake train to Isa Station on the JR San-in Line, then walk 15 minutes.
Take Kyoto Kotsu Bus Fukuchiyama Line from JR Ayabe Station to the "Kannonji" stop, then walk 5 minutes.
This temple was built on the site of the ruins of Isa Castle which was constructed sometime during the Azuchi–Momoyama Period. 30 different types of over 250 colorful peonies bloom here around May every year, and the temple is also known by the nickname "Botan-ji" (peony temple).
Best viewing season: Late April to early MayTake train to Isa Station on the JR San-in Line, then walk 10 minutes.
Take Kyoto Kotsu Bus Fukuchiyama Line from JR Ayabe Station to the "Isa" stop, then walk 3 minutes.
This temple is famous as the temple where Minamotono Yoritomo prayed for victory over the oni in one of the Mount Oe oni legends. Many people visit the temple in May to see the Chinese fringetree in full bloom with hundreds of little white flowers.
Best viewing season: Early-MayTake Kyoto Kotsu Bus Kawakita Line from JR Fukuchiyama Station to the "Kawakita" stop, then walk 1 minute.
This Nanzen-ji branch Rinzai Sect Zen Buddhist temple was established in 1339. The entire temple grounds are covered in Japanese bush clover and it is affectionately known as the "Tanba hagi tera" (Tanba Japanese bush clover temple).
Best viewing season: Early September to mid-SeptemberTake Anga Bus from JR Fukuchiyama Station to the "Nakamura Danchi Mae" stop, then walk 5 minutes.
This temple is the no. 6 amulet-issuing office on the Amadagun Kannon circuit, and is famous for the white, purple, red, and other colors of hibiscus which decorate the temple approach.
Best viewing season: Late June - Early JulyTake the JR Bus Enbuku Line from JR Fukuchiyama Station to the "Senzoku" bus stop, then take the City Bus Hagi Go Ubara Line to the "Obata" stop and walk 20 minutes.