Originally Posted by
fripperies
BTW does it have to be February? Kyoto is at its best (but also most crowded) in April.
I went to Kyoto at the very end of March this year and all the blossoms (cherry and others) were in full bloom. If you do go at that time, make sure you visit the Philosopher's Path (or Walk) for probably the best cherry blossoms. The city was busy with tourists but by no means thronged. I'm already planning to return there the same time next year to visit what I couldn't see last time (such as the Imperial Palace, tours of which need to be booked well in advance).