Mount Yoshino or Yoshinoyama is located in Nara Prefecture and has been one of the most popular places for cherry blossom viewing for many centuries. It is said that the first trees were planted on its slopes more than one thousand three hundred years ago, and today there are about thirty thousand sakura trees of various varieties on Mount Yoshino. The most common variety is Yamazakura.
 |
| Mount Yoshino Sakura |
The other place where you can see the spectacular Mount Yoshino in full sakura bloom is Yoshimizu-jinja Shrine. It is well known for its views in both spring and fall. It has an observatory from which to contemplate the mountain. Emperor Go-Daigo fled here in the 14th century to establish his own imperial palace in opposition to the military rule in Kamakura. Later, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, known as one of the unifiers of Japan, used to throw huge parties at this shrine to enjoy views of the cherry blossoms.
 |
| Mount Yoshino Sakura |
Simo Sénbon
Shimo Senbon covers the entire area at the foot of the mountain around Yoshino Station and the lower part of the city. The Yoshino Cable Car helps you get around the steep climb between the station and the city, but during the peak of the blossoms, waiting in line at the lift can be very long. Most of the sakura trees grow along the road leading to the city, which makes walking more attractive than taking the cable car.