Upon arriving at Kintetsu Yoshino Station, you are enveloped in the scent of mountains and rivers, feeling a nostalgic atmosphere. Mount Yoshino is renowned as a cherry blossom spot known for its "one thousand cherry trees at a glance," a term that signifies its spectacular beauty. Originally, the founder of the Shugendo sect, En no Gyoja, carved the deity Zao Gongen into a cherry tree, which then became a sacred tree, leading many to offer cherry trees in reverence.

Exiting Yoshino Station, there was a long line at the bus and ropeway stations heading to Nakasenbon (Middle Thousand Cherry Trees). The approach is lined with many local shops offering specialties such as persimmon leaf sushi and葛菓子 (kudzu sweets). Mount Yoshino is divided into areas known as Okusenbon (Inner Thousand Cherry Trees), Kamisenbon (Upper Thousand Cherry Trees), Nakasenbon (Middle Thousand Cherry Trees), and Shimosenbon (Lower Thousand Cherry Trees). The different elevations allow visitors to enjoy cherry blossoms over an extended period. The Lower Thousand Cherry Trees are already in the leaf stage, and the Inner Thousand Cherry Trees are still in bloom, so I chose to explore the Middle and Upper Thousand Cherry Trees areas on foot.

I started at the Nakasenbon area with the cherry blossom view from Yoshimizu Shrine. Yoshimizu Shrine is famous for being the residence of Emperor Go-Daigo when he retreated to Yoshino and is also known as the place where Minamoto no Yoshitsune fled with Benkei and Shizuka Gozen while being pursued by Minamoto no Yoritomo. The shrine is well-known for its cherry blossoms, and it is said that Toyotomi Hideyoshi enjoyed cherry blossom viewing here for several days. In spring, around 30,000 cherry trees of 200 varieties bloom across Mount Yoshino.

From here, I walked approximately 2 km, about an hour, up a winding path to the Hanayagura Observation Deck in the Upper Thousand Cherry Trees area. It was curious that even narrow hiking paths were used by tourist vehicles. Although I considered stopping due to fatigue, fellow hikers encouraged me, saying, "It's just a bit further to the observation deck," and I managed to reach the top. The view of Mount Yoshino from the Hanayagura Observation Deck was breathtaking. There is also a sweet shop called "Komori Chaya" at the observation deck, and visiting it is free of charge.

On the way back, I took my time as most of the route was downhill, enjoying cherry blossom mochi and soft serve ice cream along the way. In spring, the cherry blossoms, in early summer, the hydrangeas, and in autumn, the autumn leaves offer a variety of seasonal charms for mountain walks. Enjoy the different attractions each season brings.