Yoshino in Nara Prefecture

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Facts & Figures

If you are looking for the most famous cherry blossom area in Japan, than you have to visit Yoshino town and especially Mt. Yoshino. Imagine a place with over 30000 cherry trees in full bloom in the end of March till beginning of April. It is my must-see recommendation for you. Yoshino-yama belongs also to the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Zao-do Hall of Kimpusen-ji Temple, a national treasure, is another highlight of the area. Since 2004 I have traveled nearly every year to Japan. The rail pass made my life easier to discover all those amazing places in my favorite country.
 Get Your Pass Now and Save! > There is only one wooden structure in Japan larger than Zao-do Hall and this is Daibutsu-den Hall at Todai-ji Temple in Nara. More great temples areas in Yoshino are Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine, Yoshino-jingu Shrine and Yoshino Mikumari Shrine.

History

Yoshino-yama was for many centuries the center of Shugendo mountain worship/asceticism. En-no-Gyoja, founder of this Buddhism sect, gave the order to built Kimpusen-ji Temple's Zao-do Hall during the 8th century. Within the 14th century the town was also used as a refuge for Emporer Go-Daigo. Yoshino is since 2004 a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Mount Yoshino (Yoshino-yama) - Best cherry blossom spot in Japan and you can enjoy 8 km of paths through wonderful nature. Mt. Yoshino belongs to the Omine Renzan mountains.

Kimpusen-ji Temple - Is a symbol of Mt. Yoshino and the centre of Shugendo sect. The temple complex is a World Heritage Site and National Treasure of Japan. Part of the complex is the Zao-do Hall, second largest wooden building in the world.

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

April

Hanakueshiki festival (12th)
Hanakueshiki is one of the most famous cherry blossom festivals in Japan with a history of over 1000 years. It is also a huge event for followers of the Shugendo faith. Enjoy the great atmosphere, good food and the wonderful nature.