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The cherry blossoms (sakura) of Mount Yoshino in Nara, Japan are among the country’s most famous spring attractions. With over 30,000 cherry trees covering the mountainside, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views that unfold in stages—from Shimo-senbon (Lower), Naka-senbon (Middle), Kami-senbon (Upper), to Oku-senbon (Deep)—allowing a longer cherry blossom season than most other locations.
Mount Yoshino has been celebrated for centuries by poets, artists, and historical figures, including Toyotomi Hideyoshi, for its scenic beauty and cultural significance. The combination of blooming cherry trees, traditional temples, and mountain observatories—known collectively as Hitome-senbon (“a thousand cherry trees at a glance”)—creates a uniquely Japanese experience.
Visitors can see about 200 different varieties of cherry trees, including Shiroyama-zakura, a wild type whose green and red leaves appear simultaneously with white flowers, creating a stunning color gradation. From late March to late April, the mountain gradually blooms from bottom to top, offering an unforgettable sakura experience.
Whether you are a nature lover, a cultural enthusiast, or a traveler seeking Japan’s iconic spring landscapes, Mount Yoshino cherry blossoms provide a must-see destination for an authentic Japanese experience.
Q&A－Mount Yoshino
Q: What is Mount Yoshino known for besides cherry blossoms?
A: Mount Yoshino is known as a sacred mountain with deep roots in Japanese mountain worship and Buddhism, and it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Q: What foods are popular in Mount Yoshino?
A:Local specialties include:
- Kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves)
- Kuzu-mochi / Kuzu-kiri (sweets made from arrowroot)
- Yoshino kuzu dishes
- Seasonal sakura-themed sweets
Amazing Views
Photo from a small restaurant with a great view of Nalasenbon cherry blossoms.
Hanayagura Observatory (花矢倉展望台). From this observatory, we had a view of Naka-senbon and Shimo-senbon. We could see the Kipusen-ji temple in the distance.
Some pictures from the mountain.
Mount Yoshino is considered a sacred mountain on which several temples and sanctuaries are built.
Access Information
From Kyoto：
Take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line to Kashihara-Jingu-mae Station, then transfer to the Yoshino Line to Yoshino Station. Travel time: about 1 hour 45 minutes–2 hours.
From Osaka：
From Osaka-Abenobashi Station, take the direct Yoshino Line limited express. Travel time: about 1 hour 15–30 minutes.
From Nara：
From Kintetsu Nara Station, take the Nara Line to Yamato-Saidaiji, transfer to the Kashihara Line to Kashihara-Jingu-mae, then take the Yoshino Line to Yoshino Station. Travel time: about 1 hour 5–35 minutes.
From Yoshino Station to Sightseeing Areas：
Walk or take local buses. The Mt. Yoshino Ropeway connects the station to Yoshinoyama Station in 3–5 minutes.
Mount Yoshino Area Map
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