Private Guided Half-Day Walking Tour in Yoshinoyama

Nara Prefecture , Japan

Private Guided Half-Day Walking Tour in Yoshinoyama

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About this experience

Join an expert local guide on a half-day tour of UNESCO World Heritage Yoshinoyama, the ancient Shugendo temple district that is famous for its natural beauty and history. After an amazing sightseeing experience, guests will have time to further explore the area on their own, or move on to the next destination with time to spare.
This tour is designed to give guests maximum customization for how they want to experience Yoshinoyama - we can do the entire tour on foot from Yoshino Station for those who want a energizing walking experience - or arrange bus or ropeway transportation to make the course as easy and accessible as possible. The itinerary for this tour (especially the high-elevation area of the kami-senbon cherry blossom grove) are suggestions that can be changed to meet the needs of guests -- just let us know what kind of a tour you want to experience!

Available options

Private Guided Half-Day Walking Tour in Yoshinoyama

What's included

Zao-do Hall entrance fee at Kinpusen-ji Temple.

Detailed itinerary

Yoshinoyama is an UNESCO World Heritage designated mountain temple district located in the town of Yoshino, centered around the 1,300-year-old Kinpusen-ji Temple complex. From its streets and trails one can take in stunning views over the surrounding landscape that change with the seasons, including thousands of sacred cherry blossoms in the spring and the blazing colors of fall. The tour is based around walking through this district with a guide and visiting a collection of amazing sightseeing spots that can be found here.
Beyond historical and natural sights, there are also many traditional shops, restaurants, and ryokan inns that line the main street of the district. Your expert local guide will introduce you to the various local specialty foods, including persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi and kuzu (arrowhead root) sweets.

Kane no Torii Gate (1348 CE)
This 7.6 meter-high bronze gate is one of four torii gates that Shugendo practitioners have traditionally passed through on the way to the peak of Mt. Omine, roughly 24 kilometers south of Yoshinoyama. Going through the gate represents an important step on the path from the world of the profane into the sacred mountain realm of the gods and ascetic practice.

Kinpusen-ji Temple (Zao-do Hall).
This temple is believed to have been founded around 1,300 years ago by the the mountain ascetic En no Gyoja. It's current main hall (Zao-do Hall) was built in 1592 and is said to be the 2nd largest wooden temple structure in Japan, impressively built right atop the mountain ridgeline using giant trees from the surrounding forest for pillars. Kinpusen-ji is an important base for the indigenous religion of Shugendo (mountain asceticism) and venerates the deity Zao-gongen, whose sacred symbol is the cherry blossom.
The tour will take guests into Zao-do Hall to learn more about the history of Shugendo and what it can tell us about the wider culture of Japan.

Kami-senbon sakura tree grove.
Walk through the 3rd highest sacred sakura tree grove along a mountain trail with beautiful views over the surrounding landscape. This section offers different natural beauty depending on the season, including cherry blossoms which fall like snow in the spring, and fiery autumn colors in the colder months.

What's not included

Lunch price will vary depending on the restaurant, or guests can bring their own lunch. Prices for meals in restaurants in Yoshinoyama average to about 1,000 - 2,000 yen.

Ropeway transportation (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

JA EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Those who are not okay with walking uphill (roughly 400 meters of elevation gain) should choose the bus or ropeway option instead. An alternative to hiking uphill through the Kami-senbon cherry blossom grove can also be arranged upon request.

The cherry blossom season (usually from the end of March through the middle of April) is a very crowded and busy time in Yoshinoyama, so guiding fees will increase slightly. Zao-do Hall's entrance fee also increases during this time.

During cherry blossom season (usually from the end of March through the middle of April), it will be very difficult to find seating at any restaurant in Yoshinoyama, so we advise guests to bring their own lunch - the guide will find a suitable location to eat lunch.

Due its popularity, Yoshinoyama can become extremely crowded during the cherry blossom season, which will likely affect the overall tour experience for participants. If you don't wish to deal with crowds, we suggest joining this tour outside of the cherry blossom season.

Meeting point

From Kyoto Station: about 2hr 20min (standard fare).
From Osaka-Abenobashi Station: about 1hr 30min (standard fare).
Trains direct to Yoshino Station depart from Osaka-Abenobashi Station & Kashiharajingu-Mae Station.

The guide will meet you just outside the only gate for Yoshino Station.

About Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture, located in the Kansai region of Japan, is renowned for its rich history and cultural heritage. As the first permanent capital of Japan, it boasts numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the famous Nara Park with its friendly deer and the iconic Todai-ji Temple housing the Great Buddha.

Top Attractions

Todai-ji Temple

Todai-ji Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous temples. It houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a massive bronze statue of Buddha that is a symbol of Nara.

Historical/Religious 1.5 to 2 hours ¥600

Nara Park

Nara Park is famous for its friendly wild deer, which are considered messengers of the Shinto gods. The park is a beautiful green space with scenic walking paths and historic temples.

Nature/Cultural 1 to 2 hours Free (¥200 for deer crackers)

Kasuga Taisha Shrine

Kasuga Taisha is a renowned Shinto shrine with a history dating back to 768 AD. It is famous for its lanterns, which are donated by worshippers and hang from the shrine's buildings.

Religious/Cultural 1 to 1.5 hours Free (¥500 for the Treasure Museum)

Nara National Museum

The Nara National Museum houses a vast collection of Buddhist art and artifacts, providing insight into Japan's religious and cultural history.

Museum/Cultural 1 to 1.5 hours ¥700

Isuien Garden

Isuien Garden is a beautiful traditional Japanese garden with a history dating back to the Edo period. It offers stunning views of Mount Wakakusa and the surrounding city.

Nature/Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour ¥310

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kakinoha-zushi

Sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves, a traditional Nara delicacy with a unique flavor and aroma

Lunch/Dinner Contains fish and rice, may contain allergens

Miso-ni

A comforting miso-based soup with tofu, vegetables, and sometimes meat, reflecting Nara's Buddhist culinary traditions

Lunch/Dinner Vegetarian options available, may contain soy

Kudzu-mochi

A traditional Japanese sweet made from kudzu starch, often served with kinako (roasted soybean flour) and kuromitsu (brown sugar syrup)

Dessert Vegetarian, may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mount Yoshino Cycling around Nara Park Tea ceremony at a traditional tea house Strolling through Isuien Garden Visiting historic temples and shrines Participating in a traditional craft workshop Visiting hot springs (onsen) in nearby areas Enjoying winter illuminations at temples

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (October to November)

Spring brings cherry blossoms, while autumn offers stunning fall foliage. These seasons provide comfortable weather for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Expect large crowds and higher prices for accommodations.

10°C to 25°C 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Nara is a very safe destination with low crime rates. Violent crime is rare, and petty crime is uncommon. However, as with any destination, it's important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
• Use reputable tour guides and vendors

Getting there

By air

Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Nara city center
Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 35 km from Nara city center

By train

Nara Station, Kintetsu Nara Station

By bus

Nara Station Bus Terminal, Kintetsu Nara Station Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The Nara City Loop Bus is a convenient and affordable way to get around. Buses are frequent and easy to use, with English announcements and signage.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nara Park and Todai-ji Area Nakatanicho Sanjo Dori

Day trips

Asuka Village

15 km from Nara • Half day to full day

Asuka Village is a historic site with ancient tombs, temples, and ruins, offering a glimpse into Japan's ancient past. It is known as the birthplace of Japanese civilization and the first permanent capital of Japan.

Mount Yoshino

25 km from Nara • Full day

Mount Yoshino is famous for its stunning cherry blossoms in the spring and beautiful autumn foliage. It is also a sacred site with numerous temples and shrines, including the famous Kinpusen-ji Temple.

Osaka

40 km from Nara • Full day

Osaka is a vibrant city with a mix of modern attractions, historic sites, and delicious street food. It offers a diverse range of experiences, from shopping and dining to cultural and historical exploration.

Festivals

Nara Tokae Shogyo Festival • April 1st Nara Matsuri • October (second weekend) Shinji-kawase Festival • July 14th-15th

Pro tips

Visit Todai-ji Temple early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere
Buy deer crackers (shika senbei) to feed the friendly deer in Nara Park, but be cautious and follow the park's guidelines
Consider purchasing a Kintetsu Railway Pass for unlimited travel on Kintetsu lines, which can be cost-effective for tourists
Explore Nara-machi, the old town, for a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and local crafts
Try kakinoha-zushi, a unique Nara delicacy made with sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves