NaraExplorer

Stay in a ryokan and savor Nara's cuisine and hospitality

Yoshino, one of Japan's World Heritage Sites, is the collective name for the central and northern part of the Kii Mountains and the areas within Yoshino-Kumano National Park. Most of the Yoshino area is set amongst a deep mountain range and people living there still follow a traditional life & work style. The area has also been a center of mountain worship from ancient times and has a strong connection with Japan's important historical figures and events. Here, visitors can discover how deep the history, how great the nature and how warm the people of Yoshino really are.

Great Nature, Long History and Deep Culture

Yoshino was the original site for a disciplinary practice of mountain asceticism. Naturally, the area includes many unique historical sites where Shinto and Buddhism have blended together amongst its rich natural scenery. Today, the entire Yoshino area consists of 8 towns and villages. The most famous site is the Yoshino-yama area, with over 30,000 cherry trees, considered to be the foremost cherry blossom viewing spot in Japan.

Yoshino-yama are is divided into four areas: the Shimo (Lower) Senbon at the base of the mountain, Naka (Middle) Senbon where most of the temples, shrines, ryokan, restaurants and souvenir shops are located, Kami (Upper) Senbon, where there are many pleasant picnic spots and spectacular views, and Oku (Inner) Senbon at the top of the mountain, which mainly consists of forests. While Yoshino is most famous for the cherry blossoms in spring, the hydrangeas in summer, autumn tinted leaves and snowy landscapes in winter are also magnificent.

One of the famous and worth-visiting spots in Yoshino-yama is Kinpusen-ji Temple. As the central temple complex for Shugendo and the sacred area for this mountain faith, the temple has been greatly revered since the mid-Heian period (794-1185). A massive Nio-mon Gate welcomes visitors to this temple that was rebuilt in 1457. The Nio statue found at the entrance is more than five meters tall. Yoshimizu Shrine is not large, but visitors can easily sense that it is steeped in history. This shrine had been called "Yoshimizu-in" and it was attached to Kinpusen-ji Temple before the Shinto and Buddhism Separation Decree in 1868 and the decrees to annul Shugen were issued.

During wintertime Yoshino is a popular tourist destination to enjoy the quiet flow of time amongst nature's grandeur and the pleasure of an onsen hot spring. Indeed, Yoshino is the best place to have a "true Nara experience." No crowds, no urban noise, no hurry. Just take as much time as you like with no need to hurry or to think where to go and what to do. Take a walk and local children, elder shopkeepers, and the sound of birds and the mountain wind will greet you. At your accommodation, savory Japanese dish using Nara's seasonal ingredients will be served in a comfortable room and the staff will welcome you with their warm hospitality.

Japan's Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spot

Sakura, or cherry blossom, is the flower Japanese people adore the most. Hanami (flower viewing) indicates only cherry blossom viewing. Yoshino has been Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot for many centuries. Many famous literary people, samurai lords and emperors loved to visit Yoshino during this spectacular time.

It is said that the first trees were planted more than 1,300 years ago. Today, the mountain is covered by approximately 30,000 cherry trees, which open their blossoms during the month of April. The trees in the Shimo Senbon area typically open their blossoms during the last days of March or the first days of April. The "cherry blossom front" then moves up the slope to reach Kami Senbon before gradually spreading to the Oku Senbon over a few weeks. A beautiful panoramic view of Yoshino-yama can be enjoyed from the Hanayagura View Point, about one hour on foot from the Yoshino-yama ropeway station.

Holy Land of Shugendo

The Kii Peninsula is located at the southernmost tip of the Japanese mainland and has long been thought of as an area where the gods have been enshrined since the age of myths and legend. The Kii Mountains stretches south of Nara (Yoshino), Wakayama and southern part of Mie prefecture. Shugendo was the religion started by Enno Gyoja as a sect of Buddhism that incorporates a form of ancient mountain worship. The word "Shugendo" directly translated means the 'way' of practicing or mastering magic-ascetic powers. The origins of Shugendo can be traced back as far as the 7th century.

Shugendo eventually evolved as a hybridized religion comprised of 'indigenous' Japanese shamanism, Kannabe Shinko, and naturalized attributes of Tantric Buddhism, Religious Taoism, and Confucianism. In essence, Shugendo came to be a Japanese religion comprised of all the religious influences that had reached Japan. Other more subtle aspects of the Shugendo faith, such as its reverence for the mountains, were, prior to its formation, and still remain to be, deeply ingrained aspects of Japanese culture. Located at the foot of the mountain is Kinpusen-ji Temple's Zao-do Hall, which was built during the Nara Period in the 8th century by Enno Gyoja.

Access Information to Yoshino

An excellent traditional Japanese inn offering complete satisfaction

Ryokan Kato is a time-honored classical Japanese style inn in the midst of Mount Yoshino. The tradition of welcoming guests at Kato has been passed down through seven successive generations to the present owners. Kato has two wonderful room options: a spacious log house-style Japanese room or a classical Japanese room for an authentic Japanese experience. They also have two styles of beautiful hot spring baths and their meals use Nara's best seasonal ingredients. Kato's staff will surely welcome you with warm hospitality and superior service. Enjoy an unforgettable stay in Yoshino at Ryokan Kato.

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**Both plans include: yukata (casual kimono) room wear, socks, tooth brush, towel, bath towel. The rooms are equipped with: TV, room telephone, hair dryer, face & hand soap, safe. *Payment is taken at check-out.

*Cancellation policy: Cancellation charges are applied in accordance with the following policy: Two days or more prior: 20% of accommodation fee; Previous day: 30% of accommodation fee; By 9:00 on the check-in day: 50% of accommodation fee; No-show: 100% of accommodation fee.

Ryokan Kato