Yoshinoyama Cherry Blossom Day Course Kinpusenji and the Thousand Cherry Trees

Yoshinoyama, a mountain blanketed in cherry blossoms, has long been called one of Japans finest cherry blossom spots and is a World Heritage site. As you climb from the lower groves to the inner groves, the cherries bloom in turn and the mountain seems dyed pale pink. Centered on the World Heritage Kinpusenji, this is a spring day course visiting the most scenic spots.

Course Route

9:00 Start at Kintetsu Yoshino Station Reach it by limited express from the Osaka and Kyoto direction. From the station head up the mountain by ropeway or on foot.

9:15 Yoshinoyama Ropeway (or walk the Nanamagari slope) The ropeway reaches Yoshinoyama Station in a few minutes. A one way fare is roughly 450 yen for adults and 230 yen for children. Operating days are limited in some periods, and when it is closed a substitute bus or a walk (about 20 to 30 minutes up the Nanamagari slope) takes you to the lower groves. It usually runs daily in cherry season, but check in advance.

9:45 Stroll the lower groves area Walk the cherry lined approach, browsing souvenir shops and eateries as you go up. In cherry season the view is flowers as far as the eye can see.

10:30 Kinpusenji Zaodo Hall The head temple of mountain asceticism. The Zaodo, second in size among wooden buildings only to the Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, is magnificent. Viewing hours inside are roughly 8:30 to 16:00. The grounds are usually free to walk, but during a special unveiling of the hidden main image an admission fee (such as 1,600 yen for adults) applies. Fees change by period, so check official information. About 45 minutes.

11:30 View from Yoshimizu Shrine A famous viewpoint called Hitome Senbon, overlooking the middle and upper groves. The view from the shrine grounds is free to enjoy, while admission to the Shoin (an Important Cultural Property) is paid (a few hundred yen for adults). Perfect for a photo.

12:15 Lunch near the middle groves Enjoy Yoshino specialties such as kuzukiri or persimmon leaf sushi. A welcome break between climbs.

13:30 Hike to the upper groves Climb the slopes and gaze over the blossom covered ridges from spots like the Hanayagura overlook. You can turn back according to your stamina.

15:00 Return via Chikurinin and the middle groves Stop at places such as Chikurinin, known for its garden, and descend slowly.

16:00 Return to Kintetsu Yoshino Station Take the ropeway or walk back to the station, savoring the lingering image of the blossoms.

Highlights

The biggest highlight is the thousands of cherry trees covering the mountain. Because the lower, middle, upper and inner groves bloom at different elevations, the flowers can be enjoyed over a long period. The sea of blossoms seen from Hitome Senbon at Yoshimizu Shrine is breathtaking. The Zaodo of Kinpusenji is a grand building worth visiting even outside cherry season.

Access and Tips

The hub is Kintetsu Yoshino Station. The ropeway is handy for reaching the top, but operating days are limited, so check in advance. Extra buses run in cherry season. The mountain has many slopes, so wear comfortable shoes. During the busy period an early morning arrival is strongly recommended.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: the blossoms are usually best from early to mid April. They bloom upward from the lower groves to the middle, upper and inner groves over one to two weeks, so check the bloom status of the area you want on Yoshino towns tourist information. Outside cherry season the fresh greenery and autumn leaves are lovely and the trails are quiet.
• Avoiding crowds: on peak cherry weekends the station, ropeway and approach are very crowded. Arriving around 8 to 9 in the morning or visiting on a weekday is recommended. Above the upper groves the walking increases and the crowds thin.
• Time needed: walking the lower to upper groves takes about five to six hours. Going as far as the inner groves fills a full day. Using the bus and ropeway shortens it.
• Budget: a round trip on the ropeway is about 900 yen, and including lunch and admission to the Yoshimizu Shrine Shoin, roughly 2,000 to 4,000 yen per person. The Zaodo is only paid during special unveilings.
• Nearby real spots: Nyoirinji and the Chikurinin Gunpoen garden are also worth seeing. In cherry season, going out to the area around Kinpu Shrine in the inner groves offers quiet mountain cherries.

A Quick Tip

The blossoms are usually best from early to mid April, but it varies by year. Before you set out, check the bloom status and the ropeway operation on Yoshino towns tourist information. It can be cool at the top, so bring a layer to be safe. The slopes are long, so wear comfortable shoes and plan to descend early.