Written by Greg Lane
Yoshinoyama (Mount Yoshino) is rated as the number one spot in Japan to appreciate the fleeting cherry blossom season. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Covered with over 30,000 sakura trees, including more than 200 varieties, the mountain transforms into a pink wonderland each spring. The trees bloom in stages across four sections: Shimo Senbon, Naka Senbon, Kami Senbon, and Oku Senbon. This creates a hanami season that lasts from late March to late April.
Yoshimizu Shrine offers the famous hitome-senbon view, where thousands of cherry trees can be admired in a single glance. For a breathtaking panoramic perspective of the cherry-covered mountains, head to Hanayagura Observatory. The lower elevations, Shimo Senbon and Naka Senbon, are the most accessible, featuring a lively atmosphere with cafes, shops, and temples. Those looking for a quieter experience should explore Kami Senbon and Oku Senbon, where sakura blooms later, and the crowds thin out as you ascend to higher elevations.
