Cherry Blossoms in Yoshino

Framing the railway tracks, the sakura trees that greet you upon arrival are just the beginning of what’s set to be the greatest cherry blossom experience in the world. Beginning in mid March and running through until mid April the town is awash in a sea of pink.

Cherry Blossoms in Yoshino

Looking like a cotton candy city, Yoshino is regarded by most as the number one cherry blossom location in Japan. Mt. Yoshino (Yoshinoyama), Yoshino’s mountain alone features over 30,000 trees. The trees aren’t the only pink you’ll experience while in Yoshino, many local women dress up in colorful kimonos to stroll through the scenic streets while traditional vendors sell special pink seasonal sweets like hanami dango (three colored dango) and sakura mochi, sweet red bean paste filled rice cakes covered in cherry blossom leaves.

Cherry Blossoms in Yoshino

What makes Yoshino even more special is the diversity of blossoms flooding the streets. With over 200 different varieties of sakura trees blooming throughout the city and surrounding areas, there’s a much higher probability you’ll be able to catch a glimpse of the seasonally temperamental trees. If you want to avoid the tourist stampede, head out before 10:00am, which is when the tour buses start to show up.

Cherry Blossoms in Yoshino

To view the trees from a bird’s eye view, there’s the Yoshino cable car, the oldest cable car in Japan, but be warned it’s a popular experience. If you feel up to it, taking the trek by foot is just as rewarding and can offer some incredible photo opportunities along the way. Buried underneath oceans of trees, the richly historic hike up Mt. Yoshino (Yoshinoyama) is dotted with world heritage Buddhist temples built in honor of mountain worship.

Cherry Blossoms in Yoshino

If you plan on making a day trip to the area and want to conserve your energy, regular shuttle buses transport visitors from Yoshino Station to the viewing hotspot of Naka Senbon for 360 yen each way. Naka Senbon is home to many of the city’s eateries and tourist destinations and potentially the greatest hanami park in the world. For a full blossom experience, an overnight stay is recommended as the city stays alive throughout the evening, it’s also a great opportunity to enjoy the local onsens while being surrounded by flowers. Once refreshed and rested head into the heart of Yoshino and admire the town’s lit up glowing pink trees and local restaurants, which continue to run at full capacity deep into the night to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Cherry Blossoms in Yoshino

Mt. Yoshino

Nara Pref. Yoshinogunyoshinochou Yoshinoyama

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Chikurin-in Gunpoen Ryokan

2142 Yoshinoyama Nara

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