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Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossoms Hit Peak at Lower Elevations

Local officials forecast the highest groves will reach full bloom around April 10.

Overview

  • Yoshinoyama in Nara, which reached peak viewing Thursday, saw mainly Shiroyamazakura blossoms and opened a few days earlier than last year.
  • As of April 2, the lower Shimo-senbon and middle Naka-senbon zones were in full bloom, the upper Kami-senbon was about halfway, and Oku-senbon was close to opening.
  • Yoshino Town predicts the highest Oku-senbon will begin flowering around April 4 and peak around April 10, giving visitors a clear window for summit views.
  • Nighttime illumination is underway across key areas and is scheduled to run through April 19, extending viewing hours after dark.
  • Roughly 30,000 trees planted in elevation bands create the famed “Hitome Senbon” panorama, a landscape shaped by centuries of mountain worship and careful preservation.