Yoshino Kumano National Park

This Is One of the Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

"Set within Yoshino-Kumano National Park, this five-mile ridge is famed for roughly 30,000 cherry trees—some believed to be around 1,300 years old—and is one of Japan’s most iconic hanami destinations. The bloom typically begins in late March or early April and reaches full blossom in early to mid-April, but varying elevations and tree varieties stagger flowering across four named slopes—Shimo Senbon (base), Naka Senbon (middle), Kami Senbon (top) and Oku Senbon (inner), with Oku usually blooming about a week later—making it likely that some section will be in bloom whenever you visit. Beyond the blossoms, visitors can explore age-old shrines and temples (including Kinpusenji Temple and Yoshimizu Shrine), hike miles of trails to viewpoints such as the Hanayagura Observation Point (about an hour from the upper ropeway station) and the Takagiyama Observation Deck (roughly 1.5 hours on foot), or take the Yoshino Ropeway for a bird’s-eye view of the flowering slopes. Located roughly 55 miles southeast of Osaka, 70 miles south of Kyoto and 300 miles southwest of Tokyo, the area can be very busy during peak season and is easiest to navigate with a car; check the latest cherry blossom forecast before planning a visit." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines