The giant weeping cherry tree (shidare-zakura) is the centerpiece. Locals picnic under it from morning to night during sakura season.
It's lit up at night (yozakura) — magical and crowded. Bring a tarp and snacks.
Nighttime food stalls open during sakura week — yakisoba, takoyaki, beer. The party atmosphere is rare for usually-restrained Kyoto.