View from the Hanayagura View Point
Yoshinoyama has been Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing spot for many centuries. It is said that the first trees were planted there more than 1300 years ago. Today, the mountain is covered by approximately 30,000 cherry trees, which open their blossoms during the month of April.
Yoshinoyama is divided into four areas, the Shimo Senbon (lower 1000 trees) at the base of the mountain, Naka Senbon (middle 1000 trees), Kami Senbon (upper 1000 trees) and Oku Senbon (inner 1000 trees) at the top of the mountain.
The trees in the Shimo Senbon (lower) area typically open their blossoms in the last days of March or first days of April. The "cherry blossom front" then moves up the slope to reach the Kami Senbon (upper) area about one to seven days later. And the Oku Senbon (inner) area another week later.
After the first blossoms have opened, it takes the trees about three to seven days to reach full bloom, the best time to enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing). Full bloom typically lasts for about one week. Depending on the weather, the starting date and length of the blooming season can vary considerably from year to year.
Cherry trees can be found all along the slope of the mountain, but the Kami Senbon (upper) area is most suitable for a rest or picnic under the trees. A beautiful panoramic view of Yoshinoyama can be enjoyed from the Hanayagura View Point, about one hour on foot from the Yoshinoyama ropeway station.
The Oku Senbon (inner) area has the fewest cherry trees and does not offer any views of the cherry tree covered mountain slopes. A nice place for viewing some blossoms and taking a rest under the trees is the Takagiyama Observation Deck.
Takagiyama Observation Deck
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Visitors enjoying hanami
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