{"id":11669,"date":"2019-03-13T11:46:04","date_gmt":"2019-03-13T15:46:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mobal.com\/blog\/?p=11669"},"modified":"2025-06-19T10:39:21","modified_gmt":"2025-06-19T14:39:21","slug":"a-guide-to-mount-yoshino","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mobal.com\/blog\/japan-travel-guide\/a-guide-to-mount-yoshino\/","title":{"rendered":"A Guide To Mount Yoshino"},"content":{"rendered":"

Mount Yoshino is a 350-meter tall mountain in the town of Yoshino in Nara Prefecture. It is one of Japan\u2019s most important heritage sites, with a popular pilgrimage trail that has been in existence for several centuries now. Along with Kumano and Mount Koya, it is one of the three UNESCO World Heritage Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.<\/p>\n

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Best Time To Go To Mount Yoshino<\/strong><\/h5>\n

All year round, Mount Yoshino is beautiful and captivating.<\/p>\n

In the summer months, it is a popular spot for pilgrims as it serves as the base to the sacred Mount Omine.<\/p>\n

In winter, its ryokan and onsen are highly recommended to anyone who wants to experience authentic traditional Japanese life, and relax in the warm and relaxing natural hot spring waters.<\/p>\n

In autumn, the mountain\u2019s dense and lush forests transform into bright hues of red, yellow, and orange, creating a visual spectacle of autumn foliage.<\/p>\n

In spring, it is a sight to behold as the more than 30,000 cherry trees that grow on its slopes form a stunning display of sakura flowers in full bloom, making it one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the country.<\/p>\n

Access To Mount Yoshino<\/strong><\/h5>\n

Mount Yoshino is easily accessible from various major cities in Japan.<\/p>\n

From Tokyo:<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you are coming from Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen to either Kyoto or Osaka.<\/p>\n

If you go to Kyoto, you can ride the Kintetsu express train to Yoshino, with one transfer at Kashiharajingu-mae Station. On the other hand, if you go to Osaka, you can ride the Kintetsu direct express train.<\/p>\n

From Kyoto:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The easiest way to get from Kyoto to Yoshino is by taking the Kintetsu express train. It requires one transfer at Kashiharajingu-mae Station, takes two hours and 10 minutes, and costs 1,230 yen.<\/p>\n

From Osaka:<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Osaka, there are Kintetsu direct express trains that connect Osaka Abenobashi Station and Yoshino. The one-way ride takes about an hour and a half, and costs 970 yen.<\/p>\n

To Mount Yoshino:<\/strong><\/p>\n

From Yoshino Station, you can walk, take the Yoshino Ropeway, or ride a bus to Mount Yoshino. During sakura season, usually from the end of March to the beginning of May, there are shuttle buses that depart 2 to 4 times an hour from Yoshino Station to some of the temples on the mountains.<\/p>\n

Top Attractions Near Mount Yoshino<\/strong><\/h5>\n
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  1. Yoshimizu Shrine<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Founded in the 8th<\/sup> century, Yoshimizu Shrine is a Shinto Shrine on Mount Yoshino. It used to be a center of Shugendo worship, and is dedicated to Japan\u2019s 96th<\/sup> emperor, Emperor Go-Daigo, and 14-century samurai legend, Kusunoki Masashige. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, it offers fantastic views of the cherry trees and the town below.<\/p>\n

    To get there, walk 20 minutes from the Yoshino Ropeway upper station.<\/p>\n

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    1. Nyoirinji Temple<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      A medium-sized Buddhist temple, Nyoirinji Temple is the site of Emperor Go-Daigo\u2019s mausoleum. Established in the 10th<\/sup> century, the grounds cover a vast area that include a tahoto-style pagoda, and a family treasure house, which holds numerous paintings, religious items, and artifacts that belonged to the emperor\u2019s court.<\/p>\n

      To get there, you have to walk to the other side of the valley, which is about 45 minutes from the Yoshino Ropeway upper station.<\/p>\n

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      1. Chikurin-in Temple<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        An ancient Buddhist temple, Chikurin-in Temple is an important Shugendo worship site. In the old times, it served as a refuge for pilgrims and practitioners of the Shugendo mountain worship, and, nowadays, it is operates as a ryokan that accepts travelers and explorers looking for a traditional Japanese lodging experience. The temple complex also has an attractive landscape garden called Gunpoen, which has a big pond and numerous cherry trees.<\/p>\n

        To get there, walk about 30 minutes from the Yoshino Ropeway upper station.<\/p>\n

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        1. Kinpusenji Temple<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          The main temple of Yoshino, Kinpusenji Temple is a 7th<\/sup> century UNESCO World Heritage temple that is considered one of the most important Shugendo sites in Japan. It is famous for its 34-meter high Zao-do Hall, which is said to be the second biggest wooden structure in the country after the Todaiji Temple in Nara. It also has three 1,300-year-old, seven-meter high statues that embody Buddha.<\/p>\n

          To get there, the walk from Yoshino Ropeway upper station takes about 10 minutes.<\/p>\n

          Accommodations Near Mount Yoshino<\/strong><\/h5>\n

          There are several ryokan found in Yoshino that offer easy access to the different attractions in the area. Some of the highly-rated ones are:<\/p>\n