Mt. Yoshino

Japan's Best Cherry Blossoms

Yoshino Mountain's cherry trees, mainly yamakura planted over 1,000 years ago by Shugendo faith, number about 30,000. Blooming gradually by altitude from "Shimo-senbon" to "Naka-senbon," "Kami-senbon," and "Oku-senbon," cherry blossoms can be enjoyed for nearly a month.

UNESCO World Heritage

Yoshino Mountain was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 as part of the "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." A Shugendo sacred site with many shrines and temples including Kinpusenji, Yoshimizu Shrine, and Yoshino Mikumari Shrine.

Kinpusenji Temple

Kinpusenji's Zao-do (National Treasure) at the center of Yoshino Mountain is a giant wooden building second only to Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall in size. The secret main deity Zao Gongen is specially opened for public viewing in spring and autumn.

History of the Southern Court

Yoshino Mountain is where Emperor Godaigo established the Southern Court in the 14th century. Yoshimizu Shrine preserves many historical sites and treasures related to Emperor Godaigo, Kusunoki Masashige, and Minamoto no Yoshitsune, known as a turning point in Japanese history.