Yoshino

The town of Yoshino is located the center of Nara Prefecture. Yoshino is famous for its scenic views such as the one from Yoshino Mountain, which is known for its cherry blossom trees. Thousands of cherry blossom trees are planted at different altitudes so the trees can bloom at different times of spring. There was a written account in 1714 that recalled their climb to the top of Mount Yoshino. They explained that travelers could enjoy 1000 cherry blossoms at the base, a thousand in the middle, another thousand higher up, and a thousand more in the inner shrine at the top. This location is heavily referenced by traditional Japanese folk songs and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the “Sacred sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.”

During the fall season, the autumn leaves are another reason travels enjoy traveling to Yoshino. Yoshino Mountain has been the center of Shugendo mountain worship for many centuries being the start of the pilgrimage trail to Mount Omine. The secluded town served as a refuge for different historical figures throughout history. This includes Emperor Go-Daigo who established a rival second imperial court during the 14h century. During the Nara Period Kinpusenji Temple’s Zao- do Hall was constructed by En-no-Gyoja, one of the founders of mountain asceticism. It was built at the foot of Mount Yoshino and is the second largest wooden structure in Japan.

Things To Do in Yoshino