By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department
 
With around 30,000 cherry trees, Nara Prefecture’s Mount Yoshino is hailed as “Japan’s most beautiful cherry blossom spot.” The pink blossoms scattered across the mountain burst into bloom, offering views where thousands of cherry trees can be seen at once, making it a cherished destination for many Japanese.

Located in the central part of Nara Prefecture, Mount Yoshino sits on slopes that are home to numerous shrines and temples listed as World Heritage Sites. The mountain is covered with “sacred” cherry trees, some of which have been planted continuously since about 1,300 years ago, creating a otherworldly scenery. The mountain is divided into four areas from the base up: Shimo-Senbon, Naka-Senbon, Kami-Senbon, and Oku-Senbon. The cherry blossoms begin blooming at the foot of the mountain and gradually progress upward, taking about a month for all the trees to be in full bloom.

The most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Shimo-Senbon are along the “Nanamagari-no-Michi” path and near the Yoshino Mountain Tourist Parking Lot. In Naka-Senbon, the most picturesque spot is the Yoshimizu Shrine near the entrance of Naka-Senbon. When visiting Kami-Senbon, you must not miss the Hanayagura watchtower. If you arrive a bit later, you can also enjoy the blossoms at night. In Oku-Senbon, the area is especially lively during the first half of April each year, with many cherry blossom events and hiking trails to explore.

【Info】
Mount Yoshino Transportation
◎ From Osaka: Direct trains are available from “Osaka Abenobashi” Station on the Kintetsu Namba Line to “Yoshino” Station. The journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes on an express train.
◎ From Kyoto: Take the Kintetsu Kyoto Line from “Kyoto” Station to “Kashihara Jingu-mae,” then transfer to the Kintetsu Yoshino Line to “Yoshino” Station. Taking express trains for both legs of the trip will get you there in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
◎ From Nagoya: Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from “Kintetsu Nagoya” Station to “Yamato-Yagi” Station, then transfer to the Kintetsu Kashihara Line to “Kashihara Jingu-mae” Station, and finally transfer to the Kintetsu Yoshino Line to “Yoshino” Station. The total travel time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.
 

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