- Culture
- Nara
Mount Yoshino
Marvel at the stunning scenery of 30,000 cherry blossoms unchanged for a millenium
Mount Yoshino in central Nara Prefecture has long been famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. On the ridge extending about 8 kilometers at the north end of the Omine mountain range, varieties of cherry blossoms start to bloom from the foothills and travel upwards in the order of Shimosenbon, Nakasenbon, Kamisenbon and Okusenbon. Around 30,000 cherry blossom trees are said to cover the valleys and ridges, and come into full bloom from the beginning to the end of April. In particular, Shimosenbon is the oldest and most famous cherry blossom community on Mount Yoshino.
Other highlights of Mount Yoshino
While Mount Yoshino is renowned as the best cherry blossom spot in Japan, the rich natural environment offers beautiful sights in all four seasons. After the cherry blossom season, hydrangeas bloom in the summer, and the fresh greenery of the mountain offers a great opportunity for forest bathing. The autumn turns the mountain scarlet, and you can enjoy hiking as well as visit temples and shrines. In the winter, the pure white snowscape creates a hushed, regal atmosphere.
Mount Yoshino in the spring
In the spring, the cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshino bloom gradually from the foothills, from Shimosenbon to Nakasenbon, Kamisenbon and Okusenbon, beautifully coloring the entire area in pink. The sight has been loved by poets since ancient times and is mentioned in countless verses included in poetry collections from over 1,000 years ago. The cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshino still attract many today, but it might be a privilege of modern people to be able to enjoy seeing the flowers illuminated at night, creating a mysterious atmosphere different from the day.
Mount Yoshino in the fall
In contrast to the delicate cherry blossom shades in the spring, Mount Yoshino in the fall is brushed in blazing red, yellow and orange, as the cherry blossom trees as well as maple leaves turn colors to create a splendid scenery. Visitors can enjoy superb views of the foliage from the ropeway, in addition to the illumination event at night. Every year from September to November, nearby shrines and temples celebrate the autumn season with grand festivals, so hiking is highly recommended during this time as well. Illumination events are held at three locations: around the Shimosenbon tourist parking lot, the Niomon Gate of Kinpusen-ji Temple and the Nakasenbon Ogino Valley bus terminal.
Location
| Name | Mount Yoshino |
|---|---|
| Website | http://www.yoshinoyama-sakura.jp/english/ |
| Address | 2430 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara |
| Access | [By train] From Kyoto, take the Kintetsu Railway express train to Yoshino Station for approximately 100 minutes (change trains at Kashiharajingu-mae Station). From Osaka, take the Kintetsu Railway express train to Yoshino Station for approximately 75 mintues (direct from Osaka-Abenobashi Station). From Nagoya, take the Kintetsu Railway express train to Yoshino Station for approximately 2 hours 55 minutes (change trains at Yamato-Yagi Station/Kashiharajingu-mae Station). Approximately 40 minutes by Kintetsu Railway express train from Kashiharajingu-mae Station [By car] From the Katsuragi IC on the Minamihanna Road to Mount Yoshino [1] Instead of exiting the expressway at the IC exit, drive to the end of the Yamatotakada Bypass and turn right at the Ousa intersection. [2] In approximately 13 kilometers, turn left at the Tsuchida intersection (a T-intersection). [3] Then, drive along the Yoshino River and turn right at the Yoshino Ohashi Kitazume. (Cross the green Yoshino Ohashi bridge to enter Yoshino town) |
| Inquiries | TEL: 0746-32-1007 |