basic information

How to travel between Yoshino and Tokyo

The journey between Tokyo and Yoshino leads via Kyoto:
1) How to get from Tokyo to Kyoto
2) How to get from Kyoto to Yoshino

Above fees and schedules are subject to change. For the current Yen exchange rate, click here.
 

Orientation

Yoshinoyama is divided into four areas, the Shimo Senbon (lower 1000 trees) at the base of the mountain, Naka Senbon (middle 1000 trees), Kami Senbon (upper 1000 trees) and Oku Senbon (inner 1000 trees) at the top of the mountain. Most visitors explore Yoshinoyama entirely on foot.

Yoshino Station is located at the foot of the mountain in the Shimo Senbon area. The Yoshino Ropeway (350 Yen one way, 600 Yen round trip) provides an alternative to walking up the first steep slope to the Naka Senbon area, where most of the temples, shrines, ryokan, restaurants and souvenir shops are located.

The Naka Senbon area is relatively flat. From the ropeway's upper station (Yoshinoyama Station) it takes about 10 minutes to reach Kinpusenji Temple and about 30 minutes to reach Chikurin-in Temple, at the border to the Kami Senbon area.

The mountain gets steeper again in the Kami Senbon area, where there are many pleasant picnic spots under the trees and nice views over the lower slopes of the mountain. It takes about an one hour walk from Yoshinoyama Station to reach Hanayagura, a good view point in the Kami Senbon area.

The Oku Senbon area is covered by a forest, which mainly consists of trees other than cherry trees. Despite being located at the top of the mountain, the Oku Senbon area does not offer any views of the cherry tree covered mountain slopes. It takes 90 minutes or more to walk from Yoshinoyama Station to Kinbu Shrine in the Oku Senbon area.

During the cherry blossom season (April), Nara Kotsu provides a bus service between Yoshino Station and the Naka Senbon area, while mini buses are operated between the Naka Senbon and the Oku Senbon areas.

Any advice or questions? Voice them in the forum!

japanese links