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Yoshinoyama - worth the travel (for Cherry Blossoms)

Yoshinoyama, or Mount Yoshino, in Nara Prefecture, is Japan’s most famous cherry blossom destination, offering a breathtaking spectacle each spring. The mountain is covered with over 30,000 cherry trees, planted in four layers—Shimo Senbon (lower), Naka Senbon (middle), Kami Senbon (upper), and Oku Senbon (deep interior)—creating a stunning cascade of pink blooms from mid to late April. Beyond its blossoms, Yoshinoyama is steeped in spiritual significance, home to centuries-old temples like Kinpusen-ji and scenic hiking trails that weave through its serene forests. It’s a perfect spot to embrace both nature’s beauty and Japan’s rich cultural landscape.

While Yoshinoyama is renowned for its stunning Sakura cherry blossoms in spring, it remains something of a hidden gem. Many travelers flock to the larger cities, overlooking the charm of quieter trails, mountain paths, and smaller villages bursting with breathtaking blossoms. Yoshinoyama is one such place—captivating, serene, and absolutely worth exploring.

Where is: Mount Yoshino (吉野山, Yoshinoyama)

Mount Yoshino is a mountain located in the town of Yoshino in Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture, Japan. (A UNESCO World Heritage Site at an elevation of 350 m (1,150 ft))

Location: Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara, Japan

A beautiful place to visit and experience the famous cherry blossom season in Japan.

Best time to go

The best time to view the cherry blossoms is usually from late March or early April, with trees reaching full bloom around early to mid-April. The blooming season is staggered by a couple of days between the Shimo (lower), Naka (middle), and Kami (upper) Senbon areas. However as the blossoms are weather depending, the start and height of the season can change each year. Usually, it falls between late March to early May.

Something you must do & Something you must not do:

A favorite activity at Yoshinoyama is enjoying a ‘hanami picnic’ in Naka Senbon Park, where you can sit beneath the cherry trees and admire their stunning blossoms. “Hanami” translates to “flower viewing,” and this tradition of picnicking under the blooms is incredibly popular. However, when visiting this beautiful spot, always remember to respect local rules. Avoid causing any harm to the trees, as doing so can lead to serious consequences.

Combining two beautiful things

Visiting Yoshinoyama’s shrines is a must, especially when the cherry blossoms create a breathtaking backdrop for stunning photos. The best spots to enjoy this perfect combination of nature and history are Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine, the Hanayagura Observatory, and Yoshino Mikumari-jinja Shrine near the mountain’s summit. Each offers unforgettable views and photo opportunities.

Getting there: Shuttles, Trains, and Busses

During cherry blossom season, shuttle buses operate between Yoshino Station and the Naka Senbon area. Certain areas are closed to cars during the day, making walking and shuttle buses the most convenient options. Trains connect Yoshino Station (Mount Yoshino) to Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka. From Yoshino-guchi Station, you can transfer to the Kintetsu Railway train to reach Yoshino Station.

Is Mount Yochino worth a visit?

Well, with more than 30 000 cherry trees planted in the area of Yoshinoyama over many years, you are definitely in the right place for spectacular Sakura blossoms.

When visiting places like Nara, Kyoto, Osaka, etc. in Japan, pack light. Many of the trains and busses do not have sufficient space for oversized luggage. Some of the larger stations do have a storage facility for luggage, but you might not come back the same way, and keeping in mind you will be charged for storage, so this will add additional cost to your trip.
A Kintetsu 2 day Rail Pass is worth buying as you will be able to travel to Kyoto and Osaka, as well as other destinations while saving a lot.
Take a good book with you, for reading on the train.

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Things you must include in your itinerary

When in Japan take part in the time-honored ritual of the tea ceremony. And there’s no better place to do this than Nara, Japan’s ancient capital and home to multiple elegant tea houses. Your hosts will be happy to explain their tea etiquette in English and this is something you will remember for the rest of your life.

Hiking or taking a pilgrimage walk in Yoshinoyama

Yoshinoyama is host to a multitude of impressive temples and shrines, many of which have played important roles in the history of the area. It is really a great idea to make Yoshino part of your trip from Osaka. You can start your walking tour at Yoshino Station. From here you can take a scenic and relatively easy walk up the mountain to:

Kinpusenji (金峯山寺)

Kinpusenji (金峯山寺) – A Buddhist temple with Pagodas & shrines as well as spring cherry blossoms. Stop at the restaurant across the temple and try some of the local food.

Where: 2498 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan

Yoshimizu Shrine (吉水神社)

Yoshimizu Shrine (吉水神社) dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, and the samurai Kusunoki Masashige, was built in the 8th century. Here you can enjoy beautiful views.

Where: 579 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan

Sakuramotobou Temple

Take the time to walk through this beautiful place. There is English information available.

Where: 1269 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan

Chikurini Gunpoen

Here you can stay overnight. It is a fully functioning Ryokan as well as a temple. Lovely food and a beautiful garden.

Where: 2142 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan

More places to visit:

Notem Shrine (脳天神社)

Where: 2482 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan

Nyoirinji Temple (如意輪寺)

A Buddhist temple with a pagoda, tomb & treasure house with paintings & religious icons.

Where: 1024 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan

Yoshinomikumari Shrine (吉野水分神社) – Beautiful area to walk and about 2 minutes from the Observatory.

Where: 1612 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan

Mt. Takashiro Observatory (高城山展望台（ツツジが城跡） – Observation Deck with beautiful views over Yoshinoyama. It is a short but steep walk from the main town.

Where: Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115, Japan

Where to stay in Yoshino, Japan

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