Picking a top sakura destination in Japan is incredibly difficult due to the vast variety of breathtaking spots, each with its own unique charm and appeal. The sheer diversity of settings—from bustling city parks to tranquil, historical temples—makes it hard to choose just one. However, the team at Lonely Planet have offered Yoshino in Nara Prefecture as their top choice, thanks to its "picture-perfect pink landscape."
The area is home to around 30,000 sakura trees, so there is certainly no shortage of blossoms to go around. It's not just the floral beauty to enjoy here, however—the area is dotted with ancient temples, shrines, and sacred sites, adding a spiritual layer to the cherry blossom experience. One such place is Kinpusen-ji Temple, which has been designated as part of the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range UNESCO World Heritage listing.
You can get an idea of what to expect during sakura season in Yoshino via our article here, but keep in mind that this is a beautiful area to visit outside spring, too. It's also revered during the autumn months, where the changing foliage decorates the landscape in reds, oranges, and yellows.
If you are trying to time a visit to Yoshino to coincide with the sakura in bloom, late March to early April is the anticipated period for this year. Obviously this is subject to weather conditions, so keep an eye on the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) website for any revised projections as we get closer to the season.
