Mt. Yoshino

Mt. Yoshino is one of the most renowned destinations in Japan for cherry blossom viewing, and in spring some 30 thousand cherry trees, mainly Shiroyama-zakura but also including some 200 varieties in total, come into bloom on its sides. Due to the overwhelming number of cherry trees, the mountain is divided into four areas where visitors can enjoy viewing a great abundance of cherry blossoms in one location—Shimo-senbon (the lower 1,000 trees), Naka-senbon (middle 1,000 trees), Kami-senbon (upper 1,000 trees), and Oku-senbon (inner 1,000 trees). The Naka-senbon middle 1,000 trees area comes into bloom after the Shimo-senbon lower 1,000 trees area. Many of this area’s highlights include the view of the area’s blossoms from Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine, a World Heritage Site; and the cherry trees growing around the Nyoirin-ji Temple. A cherry blossom festival is held across the mountain from early to mid-April; the cherry blossoms are also lit up at night during this time. Shops, toilets and parking available. Traffic restrictions applying to cars and trucks are implemented in certain areas during the cherry blossom season. Take the ropeway from Yoshino Station on the Kintetsu Railway Yoshino Line and get off at Yoshinoyama Station or take the bus that runs during cherry blossom season and get off at the “Nakasenbon Koen” stop.