YOSHINO
Yoshino is famous for the best cherry blossom in Japan. Yoshino features 30,000 cherry blossom trees which blossom over an extended period. Yoshino is located in Nara Prefecture.
Yoshino, or more particularly Mt Yoshino, is famous for its cherry blossom and holds the unofficial claim to having the best Cherry Blossom in all of Japan. Mt Yoshino (Yoshinoyama) is also featured on the list of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. It is not just the vast number of cherry blossom trees; 30,000, or the large variety; 200, that makes Mt Yoshino the best place in Japan to view cherry blossom, it is the extended period over which you view the blossom. The cherry blossom trees on Mt Yoshino are planted in four distinct areas, each progressively higher up the mountain. Shimo Senbon is the lower forest, Naka Senbon is the middle forest, Kami Senbon is the upper forest and Oku Senbon is the deep forest. The placement of the cherry blossom trees at different altitudes and positions leads to the blossom coming out at different stages, thus extending the total time there are at least some trees in blossom.
YOSHINO WORLD HERITAGE SITESYoshino not only has the best cherry blossom in Japan, but it has four World Heritage Sites. These sites are all located on Mt Yoshino. It is thought that beautiful surroundings, including the cherry blossom were a significant factor in these sites obtaining World Heritage Status, though this is not officially recognised. |
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Kimpu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpu Shrine was established in the 10th century. Kimpu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing. | |
Kimpusenji Temple is the head temple for the Shugendo Buddhist sect in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Kimpusenji Temple is believed to have been established around second half of the 7th century by En no Ozunu who also founded the Shugendo sect. Kimpusenji Temple is located at a junction of several of pilgramage routes. The Zaodo building within the temple complex is the second largest wooden structure in Japan. Kimpusenji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing. | |
Yoshimizu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshimizu Shrine is dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo and samurai Kusunoki Masashige. Yoshimizu Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing. | |
Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a Shinto Shrine located on the top of Mount Yoshino in the Yoshino District of Nara Prefecture. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine was established around 806AD and dedicated to mikumari, a female spirit associated with water. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is one of four key mikumari shrines in Japan. Yoshino Mikumari Shrine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and forms part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing. | |
YOSHINO ACCESS
TRAIN
Osaka: From Osaka Abenobashi Station take Kintetsu Minami-osaka/Yoshino Line Express to Yoshino Station (93 min) 950 Yen.
Kyoto: From Kyoto Station take Kintetsu Kyoto/Kashihara Line Express to Kashihara Jingumae Station. Change to Kintetsu Limited Express to Yoshino Station (128 min) 1,200 Yen.