Mt. Yoshino Cherry Blossoms

Cherry blossom viewing, or hanami, is a well-loved Japanese tradition practiced across the country. But Nara’s Mt. Yoshino is the most famous spot to do it. Its 30,000 sakura trees are sacred and have been protected for over 1,300 years. It is said that one thousand trees are visible at-a-glance. At the peak of the season, the landscape is awash in a surreal light pink. The most commonly seen tree is the native “White Yamazakura” that features reddish brown leaves to go with its blossoms, but the mountain is now home to over 200 varieties, so you can feast your eyes on a smorgasbord of sakura. They bloom progressively from the foot of the mountain to the summit. Aim to go between early and late April.

October 13, 2016