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Yoshino Kumano National Park: A Spiritual and Scenic Escape

Discover ancient pilgrimage routes, stunning cherry blossoms, and breathtaking natural beauty in Yoshino Kumano National Park, Japan.

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Spanning across Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures, Yoshino Kumano National Park is a haven of natural beauty and spiritual significance. Home to ancient pilgrimage routes, lush forests, dramatic coastlines, and unique geological formations, the park offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler.

A brief summary to Yoshino Kumano National Park

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring to witness the spectacular cherry blossoms on Mount Yoshino.
  • Explore the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails for a spiritual and scenic hiking experience.
  • Check the Tanabe City Kumano Tourism Bureau website for English-language information on bus networks, maps, and pilgrimage routes.
  • Stop by the visitor centers for the latest safety advisories, weather conditions, and trail maps.
  • Consider renting a car to explore the park's diverse attractions more efficiently.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Nara, take an express train on Kintetsu Railway, transferring at Yamato-Saidaiji Station and Kashiharajingu-mae Station, and alight at Yoshino Station (1 hr 35 min). From Shin-Osaka Station, take a JR limited express to Shingu (260 min). Once at the nearest train station to your desired destination within the park, local buses operated by Nara Kotsu, Meiko Bus, Ryujin Bus, or Kumano Gobo Nankai Bus provide access to various points within the park. Bus fares vary depending on the distance, with short trips costing around ¥200-¥400.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from major train stations within and near the park. A taxi ride from Kumano to Yoshino-Kumano National Park takes approximately 35 minutes and costs between ¥12,000 - ¥15,000. Taxi fares generally start at around ¥700 for the first 2km, with additional charges per kilometer.

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Discover more about Yoshino Kumano National Park

Yoshino Kumano National Park, established in 1936, encompasses a varied landscape of mountains, rivers, and beaches across Mie, Nara, and Wakayama prefectures. The park is renowned as a sacred ground where gods dwell and has been a pilgrimage site for over 1,000 years. The northern area of the park features Mount Yoshino, celebrated as one of Japan's most famous cherry blossom viewing locations. In spring, the mountain slopes are covered in a breathtaking display of pink blossoms. The Omine Mountain Range, known as the Roof of the Kinki Region, offers a series of famous peaks, including Mt. Sanjogatake, Mt. Hakkyogatake, and Mt. Shakagatake. Odaigahara Plateau, with its primeval forests, provides picturesque hiking opportunities and diverse ecosystems. The southern Kumano area on the Kii Peninsula is home to the Kumano Kodo, an ancient network of pilgrimage routes and three main shrines: Kumano Hongu Taisha, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, and Kumano Nachi Taisha. Nachi Falls, Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall, is a spectacular sight and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range. The park also features unique coastal landscapes, such as the Dorokyo Gorge, the beaches of Shirahama, and the rock formations at Cape Tenjin. Visitors can explore the park's diverse attractions through hiking, nature walks, and river rafting. The park also offers opportunities to experience Japanese culture and spirituality, with its ancient temples, shrines, and pilgrimage routes. Visitor centers throughout the park provide safety information, weather updates, tour options, and trail maps.

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