The cherry blossom trees of Mount Yoshino (a.k.a. Mount Yoshinoyama) have been adored by many since ancient times. So much so that it is said famed daimyo Toyotomi Hideyoshi himself had a cherry blossom viewing party of as many as 5,000 people.

The cherry trees here are not just the common Yoshino Sakura type that you always see. In fact, there are about 30,000 trees in 200 different varieties decorating the mountain slopes, most of the Shiroyama-zakura species.

Autumn at Mt. Yoshino sees these all change color, dying the entire mountain a gorgeous crimson.

The cherry trees of Mount Yoshinoyama, stretching from the bottom to the summit, are divided into four areas: Shimo-senbon (lower area), Naka-senbon (middle area), Kami-senbon (upper area), and Oku-senbon (inner area).

Every spring the cherry blossoms bloom from bottom to top, however in the fall that order is reversed, and the foliage begins to change color from the inner part to the bottom. The stunning gradation creates a magnificent and calming view.

Though there are many who choose to get the full experience of the autumn foliage by hiking up the mountain themselves, I recommend the ropeway. The Yoshino Ropeway is the oldest existing ropeway in Japan, beginning operation in 1929.

Once you get in the cute, retro yellow-and-blue gondola, it only takes 3 minutes to the summit. Enjoy the ride through the sky while taking in the surrounding scenery of beautiful autumn leaves.

When you get off the Mount Yoshino Ropeway, you will come to a path lined with shops famous for Yoshino local goods such as kaki-no-ha-zushi (persimmon leaf sushi) and Yoshino kuzu (a starch product). And then right there in front of you, you will see the gates of the World Heritage Site Kinpusenji Temple!

Kinpusenji Temple is the head temple of the Kinpusen-Shugendo Religion, established by the founder of Shugendo, En-no-Gyoja. It is said that it was in the sacred mountains of Omine and Sanjogatake that En-no-Gyoja carved Zao-gongen (the most powerful deity of Shugendo) into the cherry trees and began to worship them.

Since then, as the believers and those who trained in the mountains started planting cherry blossoms as sacred trees, this area it has become a popular cherry blossom viewing spot.

Zaodo, which is in the main hall of the temple grounds, is the second largest wooden structure in Japan, right after the Buddha Temple of Todaiji.

Enshrined inside are the main objects of worship, three Zao-gongen statues that stand at roughly 7 meters tall. Because these are normally hidden away from public view, special occasions are held at irregular intervals for worship.

Leaving Kimpusenji, I continue on further towards the popular hot springs inn, Yumoto Hounoya. The secret of its popularity is its amazing view that overlooks everything! You can also enjoy viewing the trees coloring the mountain from both the bath and the guest rooms. I definitely recommend staying for those who would love to take their time leisurely enjoying the autumn views.

The view of the autumn leaves from the hot springs of the outdoor bath is particularly enchanting.

When looking at the leaves in town, we usually have to look up, but here, the colors of the leaves extend in a brilliant panorama right before our very eyes, gradating from Naka-senbon, to Kami-senbon on the right, into the deeper Oku-senbon area.

It is a very luxurious feeling to be able to experience this while enjoying the hot bath, that I even caught myself saying aloud, "Ahhh, this water is great."

It is possible to enjoy visiting just the springs as a day trip, so it's perfect for relieving any tiredness after your walk. You can experience viewing the autumn leaves here in a completely different way than you're used to.

*Some photographs may be before 2015
*This article was partially updated based on contents from 2015.
main Photo provided by Yoshino Mountain Tourism Association
Text by:EditZ