In Nara Prefecture, Mount Yoshino, one of the most famous sites in Japan when it comes to cherry blossoms. It is estimated that there are no more and no less than 30 000 cherry trees so imagine how to put this site when the buds begin to open. A beauty!
But besides this pink and white blanket of flowers Yoshino is a site with a rich history and several shrines and temples. Is the starting point of the path of pilgrimage to Mount Yoshino Omine and historically has always been in the way religious. Since 2004 the World Heritage.
Among its most visited places of prayer are the Yoshimizu Shrine and Mikumari. The first has hosted in past centuries many historical figures. Such was the refuge of Minamoto Yoshitsune in the twelfth century, the seat of Emperor Go-Daigo two centuries later with his imperial court parallel to Yoshino and was also the site for hanami parties of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the sixteenth century .
Today the site is a great attraction and its main building includes documents, weapons, paintings and other antiques. This shrine are 20 minutes walk from the funicular station Yoshino. The other sanctuary, Mikumari dates from 1604 and has a strange architecture. Is dedicated to the kami of water, fertility and safe childbirth, and find it a little further than the first, you should walk a little over an hour from the gondola station.
Practical information:
- Yoshimizu Shrine: open from 9am to 5pm, and never closed the entrance fee is 400 yen.
- Mikumari Sanctuary: Open from 7am to 5pm or until 4pm in winter, is always open and admission is free.
Tags: Mikumari Sanctuary, Mount Yoshino, Mount Yoshino Omine, Yoshimizu shrines, Yoshino
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