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 about 3 minutes. On non operating days a substitute bus or a walk takes you to the lower groves.

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. About 45 minutes.

11:30 View from Yoshimizu Shrine A famous viewpoint called Hitome Senbon, overlooking the middle and upper groves. 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.

A Quick Tip

The blossoms are usually best from early to mid April, but it varies by year. Check the bloom status on Yoshino towns tourist information before you set out. It can be cool at the top, so bring a layer to be safe.