Yoshino Travel Tips

Recommended

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2 of 4 in Nara Prefecture

Mount Yoshino (吉野山, Yoshinoyama) in Nara Prefecture is one of Japan’s most iconic places to see cherry blossoms. Over 30,000 trees cover the slopes, creating a stunning sea of pink each spring. As you walk along the peaceful mountain trails, you’ll find scenic viewpoints and historic temples nestled in nature. The area also offers seasonal beauty year-round, from fresh greens in summer to golden leaves in autumn and snowy paths in winter.

But Mount Yoshino isn’t just about flowers. It has deep spiritual roots as a center for Shugendo, a form of mountain worship. It also played a key role in Japanese history when Emperor Go-Daigo made it his base in the 14th century. Today, it’s part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its sacred sites and pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range, offering both natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

Getting around

In Yoshino, the mountain is divided into four areas: Shimo Senbon (lower), Naka Senbon (middle), Kami Senbon (upper), and Oku Senbon (deep inner area). Most visitors start at Yoshino Station in the lower area. The Yoshino Ropeway takes you up the first steep slope to the entrance of town for 500 yen one way (900 yen round trip). It runs four times an hour but only on weekends and holidays outside the busy seasons. On weekdays, a bus runs instead.

The town continues into the Naka Senbon area, where most temples, ryokan, restaurants, and cherry blossom spots are found. The Kami Senbon area is quieter, with picnic areas and nice views. If you keep walking for about an hour, you’ll reach Mikumari Shrine. The final section, Oku Senbon, is mostly forest and has few cherry trees or views. It takes over 90 minutes to walk there from the ropeway station.