The Yoshino Valley boasts the most stunning wild cherry blossoms (Shiroyama Sakura).

The Enchanting Cherry Blossoms of Mount Yoshino

Mount Yoshino, nestled in the heart of Japan, boasts the largest collection of wild cherry blossom trees in the country. With over 30,000 Yoshino cherry trees adorning its slopes, the mountain transforms into a breathtaking spectacle of pink during the spring.

The mountain's unique topography, divided into four distinct tiers, allows visitors to experience the blossoming beauty throughout the month of April. As the blossoms gradually ascend the mountain, each tier erupts in a vibrant display of color, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that unfolds over weeks.

Yoshino's reputation as a premier cherry blossom destination attracts countless visitors each year, eager to witness the ethereal beauty of nature's artistry. The mountain's rich history and cultural significance further enhance its allure, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

#JirobkkSakura #Yoshinoyama #MountYoshino

The Yoshino cherry blossoms (YOSHINOYAMA) are wild cherry trees that grow naturally. This mountain is considered one of the most beautiful cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan.

Among the four seasons of Japan, the one that the Japanese people love the most is the season when the cherry blossoms bloom. It is said that the Japanese have loved cherry blossoms for 1,300 years.

Ancient documents from 1,300 years ago reveal that the Japanese people of old were captivated by the beauty of cherry blossoms.

Every year, the Japan Meteorological Agency predicts the blooming period of cherry blossoms and announces it to the public in advance. The Japanese people then plan their trips to see the cherry blossoms according to the announced period.


Cherry blossoms bloom from south to north, with the timing varying each year depending on the weather conditions.

Predicting the exact timing of cherry blossom blooming each year is only an estimation, as the precise date remains unknown. This uncertainty fuels the anticipation among the Japanese people, who eagerly await the spectacle of blooming sakura.

The blooming period of cherry blossoms varies depending on the species, generally lasting about one week.

The fleeting nature of cherry blossoms, blooming for only one week in a year, imbues them with a profound value. Even as the petals fall, they evoke a sense of "wabi-sabi" (melancholy beauty), reminding us of the impermanence of life and the beauty found in its transience.

This unique characteristic of the Japanese people is likely the reason why they have been captivated by the beauty of cherry blossoms since ancient times.

There are over 300 different varieties of cherry blossoms, each with its own unique color, shape, and blooming period. The most common variety of cherry blossom in Japan is the "Somei Yoshino," which is known for its delicate pink flowers and short blooming period.

Cherry blossoms bloom earliest around mid-March in southern Japan and latest around late May in northern Japan.

However, some varieties bloom earlier or later, so it is possible to see cherry blossoms somewhere in Japan from February to June.

Cherry blossoms in northeastern Japan are likely to be in full bloom around the same time as Thailand's Songkran festival.

During the cherry blossom season, the Japanese celebrate with a flower-viewing festival known as "ohanami." They spread mats beneath the cherry trees, enjoying delicious food and drinks together in a lively atmosphere. This tradition has been a part of Japanese culture for approximately 500 years.

Amidst the vibrant hues of the cherry blossoms, a lively gathering of company employees, students, and their friends filled the air with joyous laughter and chatter.

However, during the cherry blossom season, no matter where you travel in Japan, you can admire the cherry blossoms. The atmosphere during the cherry blossom season is the most beautiful of all four seasons in Japan.

Yoshino is located in the Yoshino district, a renowned spot for cherry blossom viewing in Japan. During spring, over 30,000 cherry trees bloom simultaneously, painting the mountainside in a breathtaking display of pink.

The Yoshino Mountain cherry blossom viewing spots are divided into four levels of elevation:

1. Shimosenbon (Lower Mountain Base)
2. Nakasenbon (Mid-Mountain Area)
3. Kamisenbon (Upper Mountain Area)
4. Okusenbon (Mountain Peak)

References from the website http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4152.html

I stayed overnight on Mount Yoshino to see the cherry blossoms on April 7th and 8th, 2016.

According to past statistics, the best time to see cherry blossoms in Yoshinoyama is between

Cherry Blossom Viewing Seasons in Kyoto

Shimosenbon: Early to mid-April

Nakasenbon: Early to mid-April

Kamisenbon: Mid to late April

Okusenbon: Late April

For this year 2018, the information on the cherry blossom blooming on Mount Yoshino is as follows. Updated as of March 15, 2018.

Shimosenbon: Blooming date: March 26, 2018; Full bloom date: April 1, 2018
Nakasenbon: Blooming date: March 28, 2018; Full bloom date: April 3, 2018
Kamisenbon: Blooming date: March 30, 2018; Full bloom date: April 5, 2018
Okusenbon: Blooming date: April 4, 2018; Full bloom date: April 10, 2018

Credit: Yoshino Mountain Cherry Blossoms Official Website


Travel from Osaka Abenobashi Station to Yoshino Station

From Osaka Abenobashi Station (adjacent to Tennoji Station), take the Kintetsu Limited Express train directly to Yoshino Station. The journey takes 75 minutes and costs 1480 yen.


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