Hotaiko Hanami Procession

A parade in honor of Taiko-san (Toyotomi Hideyoshi), at a temple awash in the beauty of cherry blossoms

Daigo-ji Temple has been known as a famous place for beautiful cherry blossoms since the Heian era, when it came to be called Hana no Daigo (“Flowery Daigo”). Against a backdrop of the temple grounds that are a cultural world heritage site, hundreds of weeping cherry trees, Somei-Yoshino cherry trees, wild cherry blossoms, and double-flowered cherry trees gloriously blossom according to their particular season. When Japanese people think of historically famous hanami (cherry blossom viewing parties) held by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the Daigo Hanami may come to mind. Toyotomi had 700 cherry trees from the vicinity of Kyoto planted here in order to hold a magnificent banquet. Since becoming a historical event, the Hotaiko Hanami Procession is now held on the 2nd Sunday of every April, and all day long the temple grounds are buzzing with activity.