Visit Nara

Mt Yoshino is one of the most famous places in Japan to view cherry blossoms. A little over 90 minutes south of Nara Park by train, it’s possible to make a day trip, but an overnight stay is advised to see everything. The main town, Yoshinoyama, is accessed by a small ropeway next to Yoshino Station, but you can also walk up in less than 20 minutes.

The whole mountain turns pink from early April to May, with 30,000 trees in about 200 different varieties. As the trees come into bloom progressively from the bottom to the top of the mountain, visitors have almost a whole month to enjoy them. At night, the trees around Yoshinoyama town are lit up and locals often dress in colorful kimono, adding to the festive atmosphere. The trees here are considered sacred and closely associated with Shugendo, an ascetic form of Buddhism.

In autumn, the mountains blaze red and yellow, which also draws visitors to hike in the bracing mountain air and enjoy the views from the many outdoor onsen baths. Most of the local ryokan have a hot spring bath overlooking the mountains, and non-guests can usually enter for a small fee. Thanks to the layout of the town, which sits on a ridge ascending the mountain, there are great views everywhere.

The area also marks the start of a sacred pilgrimage trail that traverses Mt Omine and ends at the Kumano Sanzan shrines in the southern part of Wakayama. You can also travel by bus to Dorogawa Onsen from Shomichiguchi Station a few stops down from Yoshinoyama Station, or take a side-trip to Gojo, a beautiful traditional town on the Yoshinogawa River.