Mount Yoshino (or Yoshinoyama 吉野山）is the most famous site for viewing cherry blossom in Japan. It is part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range which has been designated as a World Heritage Site. “Senbon”, meaning 1,000 trees, has been used to describe the abundance of cherry trees in sight at different areas of the mountain, from the lower level called Shimo-senbon (下千本）at around 250 meters, middle level Naka-senbon （中千本）at around 400 meters, upper level Kami-senbon （上千本）at 600 meters, to the top level Oku-senbon （奧千本）at around 800 meters. The variance of altitude offers an extended period of cherry blossom viewing starting early April. If you start early, you may visit 3 (lower, middle and upper “senbon”) out of 4 cherry blossom areas in Mount Yoshino in one day, including some hikes. Plus a quick visit to a couple of shrines. Of course if you drive, you may always stop over more places but you may miss some of the hiking paths which offer magnificent viewing spots.
