Visit Nara

Just off the main street, this shrine is renowned for its spectacular views in autumn and spring. There is an observatory where you can see the “Senbonzakura," thousand blossoming cherry trees. In the 14th century, Emperor Go-Daigo fled here to set up his own Imperial Palace in opposition to the ruling military government in Kamakura.

Later, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, known as one of the unifiers of Japan, frequented Mt. Yoshino and held grand cherry blossom viewing parties on the shrine’s grounds. The Shrine has a museum with many historic artifacts and the rooms where Emperor Go-Daigo stayed. The walk up to the shrine is steep but short, and worth it for the views and the treasures within.