See Cherry Blossoms on Mount Yoshino, Japan (UNESCO site)

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The most famous place in the world to view Cherry Blossoms is in Yoshino, Japan at Yoshinoyama (Mt. Yoshino). Yoshinoyama boasts over 30,000 cherry trees, the first of which were planted on the mountainside over 1,300 years ago. The cherry trees on Yoshinoyama are segregated into 4 distinct regions of the mountain with those on the lower section (Shimo Senbon) flowering during the last days of March or the very first days of April followed by the mid-mountain area (Naka Senbon) then those trees near the top of Yoshinoyama (Kami Senbon) and lastly the blossoms burst forth in the Inner Mountain section (Oku Senbon). From the appearance of the first blossoms on Shimo Senbon to those in Naka Senbon approximately 1 to 2 weeks transpire. Once an individual cherry tree begins to open its blossoms full bloom is reached in 3 to 7 days and the blooms last for about a week. The Takagiyama Observation Deck is a highly recommended spot for viewing the blossoming trees (called “Hanami” in the Japanese culture) and panoramic photos of the entire mountain are possible from a spot known as Hanayagura View Point, located nearly an hour’s hike from the mountainside. The cherry blossom is Japan’s unofficial national flower and holds a prominent place in Japanese culture. Parties under the Cherry Trees are common in Japan to celebrate the experience of Hanami all the while celebrating the Sakura (Cherry Blossoms). Japanese culture dictates a certain reverence and celebration of the Cherry Blossom for all that the flowers represent: the transition from winter to spring; a metaphor for life itself as the beautiful, delicate blossoms exist only for a short period of time, the duration of which can also be unpredictable, depending on the weather and the wind; the flowers appear on the trees before any hint of greenery making the trees appear ghostly during the bloom. Visitors to Yoshino would typically make their way from Tokyo to Kyoto by way of the Tokaido High Speed Railway. From Kyoto, another express train is boarded that requires a transfer mid-way. Yoshinoyama is then best reached by bus from Yoshino’s railway station and special coaches run regularly during Cherry Blossom viewing season. The grounds of Yoshinoyama are then best covered on foot with Temples, Shrines, Ryokan (hot springs) and restaurants scattered about the mountain that also attract visitors interested in everything from a good meal, a hot soak in a mineral bath or shopping for souvenirs. Lodging is available nearby for those wishing to spend a few days enveloped by the unforgettable beauty of the cherry trees in full bloom. Your love of nature and the customs of the Far East may make a trip to Yoshino, Japan to view tens of thousands of cherry trees in full bloom a dream come true. Add this visit to your list to experience the wonders of Hanami as you admire the Sakura on Yoshinoyama.

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