While many travelers associate Nara solely with the bowing deer of the city center, the misty peaks of Mount Yoshino offer a deeper, more mystical journey into Japan’s spiritual heart. For centuries, this UNESCO World Heritage site has served as the headquarters of Shugendo—a unique mountain asceticism blending Buddhist and Shinto traditions. Our year-round tour ascends into this sacred landscape to visit the formidable Kinpusenji Temple, home to three massive, blue-skinned "Wrathful" Buddhas, and the historic Yoshimizu Shrine, which offers a window into the lives of exiled emperors and legendary samurai.
Though Yoshino is world-renowned for its "Hitomesenbon" view—the sight of 30,000 cherry trees blooming across the slopes in spring—its beauty is a constant throughout the calendar. Whether you are walking through the pink petals in April, lush forests in summer, fiery maples in autumn, or the quiet, snow-dusted serenity of winter, the mountain provides a timeless atmosphere of peace and power. This full-day excursion invites you to step away from the urban rush and experience a side of Nara where history and nature remain inextricably linked.
Join us for a full-day walking tour that blends iconic landmarks, delicious eats, and nice train ride through the Japanese countryside. This tour starts from Osaka Abenobashi Station, not the usual Osaka Station. Please be aware we will be walking up to 18,000 steps and that we will have to climb up and down many stairs and slopes. This was/is a hidden mountain complex purposefully built in difficult terrain. The main street is relatively flat but to get to/from that are stairs/inclines.
Highlights
A "Thousand-Tree" View: Experience the breathtaking sight of thousands of cherry trees blanketed across the mountain slopes. (Spring Only)
Kinpusenji Temple: Witness the awe-inspiring architecture of the Zao-do (Main Hall) and stand before the three massive, blue-skinned statues, the wrathful protectors of the mountain.
Yoshimizu Shrine: Step into history at this former imperial residence, famous for its ancient samurai armor, exquisite screen paintings, and a legendary panoramic view of the surrounding peaks.
Spiritual Mountain Trails: Walk the ancient paths of the Shugendo ascetics, exploring a sacred landscape that has been a center for mountain worship for over 1,300 years.
Four Seasons of Yoshino: Discover the mountain’s shifting beauty, from the iconic spring blossoms and lush summer greens to the vivid crimson leaves of autumn and the silent, snowy peaks of winter.
NOTE: If you wish to use the gondola that is not included with tour. See our FAQ for more details.
Description
The tour starts at Osaka Abenobashi Station in front of the ticket machines near the gates. See more details about the starting location at the bottom of the page.
Once we all meet up we will hop on a reserved train to Yoshino. The ride is goes through beautiful rural scenery before arriving at our destination. You will be able to stretch your legs as we walk up the hill to get to the main area of the village where most of the points of interest are located!
Our first stop is the magnificent Kinpusenji Temple, the spiritual heart of Mount Yoshino and a primary hub for the mountain ascetic practice of Shugendo. Inside its massive wooden Zao-do hall, you will stand in the presence of three towering, blue-skinned "Secret Buddha" statues that embody the raw, protective power of the sacred peaks. They are only seen during certain times of the year and for spring 2026 it is from March 24 to May 6. Otherwise you can enjoy the 700 year history, statues and architecture with you knowledgeable guide.
Next, we visit Yoshimizu Shrine, a historic sanctuary that once served as a refuge for emperors and a headquarters for legendary samurai, which you can learn more about from your guide. From its grounds, you can gaze upon the famous "Hitomesenbon" view, where thousands of cherry trees cascade down the mountain slopes in a breathtaking display of natural beauty. The shoin, or study, is the the oldest in Japan and is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Afterwards its time for a break and lunch! You can wander the charming village streets to browse local shops specializing in sustainable Yoshino cedar crafts and traditional handmade washi paper. For a unique snack, be sure to try the region's famous kaki-no-ha sushi (persimmon leaf-wrapped sushi) or refreshing kuzu-starch sweets before we continue our journey.
The last part of the day is up to the guests! You can either continue to walk around by yourself or rejoin the guide to see some other part Japan. There are a few other places that could be chosen but that will depend on the season, how busy it is and the needs of the group. If its a particularly athletic group then a longer hike to Yoshino Mikumari Shrine. If a short hike is in more appropriate then Noten-okami Temple and the gravesite of the former emperor may be the one! There are also a few places to see within the town as well. Your guide will consult with the group and let you know before lunch time.
After a full day of walking around the mountains of Nara it is time to go home. We will head back on the train to Osaka Abenobashi Station. Feel free to either chat up your guide or take a nap on the ride!
Once you return back to the station the tour is finished. A day full of history, beauty and travel concludes back in Osaka where you can eat and drink and enjoy the best of what Osaka has to offer!
Itinerary
8:50
Meet up at Osaka Abenobashi Station West Exit Ticket Machines @ 08:50
Tour around Kinpusenji and, if you're lucky, its famous "Blue Buddhas" with your guide and learn about the history of Shugendo, a unique blend of different religious practices. They are only available at certain times of the year but the building itself is still hundreds of years old and made of various unusual types of wood.
Head to Yoshimizu Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site shrine that has housed many famous people in history including an emperor, a famous warrior and Toyotomi Hideyoshi (one of the unifiers of Japan). Enjoy the oldest shoin or study in Japan!
Either take time for yourself or rejoin the guide to explore another area of Yoshino. Depending on the season, how busy it is and what the group wants the place the tour will go will change. Your guide will let you know the plan before splitting up for lunch.
Please meet us at the West Exit of the Kintetsu Osaka Abenobashi Station next to the ticket machines at 8:50. This is next to the "CAFFÈ CIAO PRESSO & cookhouse Abenobashi station West exit shop." The tickets gates, machines, above cafe and meeting point are all on the ground level.
If you are transferring from the JR or Osaka Metro lines, follow the green lines on the floor to the "Kintestu Lines."
Let us know if you're having trouble—we’re happy to help guide you in real time if needed. See you soon!
Notes
The times listed in the itinerary are for reference only and the actual tour may vary depending on actual conditions such as weather and trains.
This is a walking tour that takes you outdoors for hours. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and clothing. Please bring sunshade and rain protection if necessary.
If you feel uncomfortable during the tour, please let us know. We will do our best to help you.
This tour includes free time. We will make sure you know when and where to meet again. If you get lost or forget your meeting point, please call us immediately.
Tour Availability Disclaimer
All listed events, activities, and experiences are subject to availability. Please note that while certain tour options may appear bookable through our platforms, this does not guarantee that every experience can be carried out as scheduled in the tour itinerary. Many activities require direct confirmation with our partner venues, and availability may vary based on the date and other factors. Should any part of your ordered itinerary require adjustment or deviation from the original schedule, or if a specific experience is unavailable, we will contact you promptly to discuss suitable alternatives or amendments.
Included
Entrance fee for Kinpusenji Temple
Entrance fee for Yoshimizu Shrine's Shoin
Train tickets required for the tour
Guided tour with an English speaking guide
Excluded
Food and drinks
Transportation to/from the tour meeting points
Accommodation
Other Information
This tour involves several hours of walking in the outdoors. We recommend that you wear shoes and clothes which are easy to walk in. Please check the weather forecast before you head to the meetup point and prepare an umbrella or rain coat if necessary.
In winter the temperatures will be below 10℃ at the high , and in the morning and evening may be close to or below 0℃. Please wear warm clothing and footwear appropriate for snowy and cold conditions. There may also be snow and ice on the road/sidewalk, and so you should take care to not slip by preparing the correct shoes for such conditions.
There will be free time along the way for guests to enjoy the locations at their own pace. However, please make sure that you are at the respective meetup points at the time stated by your guide. If you get lost or need assistance, feel free to call the number which is listed on your tour pass, and our staff will assist you immediately.
FAQs
Is lunch included on this tour?
No. This tour does not include lunch. However, time will be allotted to eat while on the tour. We will visit a shopping street with many options. Please let us know if you have any dietary restrictions and we will do our best to assist you.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible/appropriate for guests with limited mobility?
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for mobility-impaired guests. The tour requires a significant amount of walking and a moderate level of fitness. Should this be of concern, contact us before booking to discuss options.
What should I wear/bring?
Please wear clothing appropriate to the season in which you are taking the tour, and check the weather forecast ahead of time. Guests may wish to bring rain coats or umbrellas on rainy days, or sunscreen to avoid sunburn during the summer months. In the winter months, the air temperatures will be cold (10 to -5 ℃ on average), and so gloves, winter boots, warm hats, and hand warmers are recommended. Otherwise, please feel free to bring any other items, such as water or a snack, which you would normally carry when walking in the outdoors.
Is the only start point Osaka Abenobashi Station West Exit ticket gates?
Yes, unfortunately for the time being this is the only one. There are many lines that run through this area as it is part of the greater Tennoji Station complex/area. There are multiple JR lines including the Loop line and two subway lines, the Tanimachi Line (purple) and the Midosuji Line (red). If you are coming from any of the above mentioned lines just follow the signs to the Kintetsu Lines/Trains and you will be in the right place.
How physically demanding is the tour?
A moderate fitness level is required. We walk at a relaxed pace with breaks, but there is sustained uphill walking and uneven ground.
(Travel Agency License No: Nagano 2-562)
Snow Monkey Resorts Tours
2159 Kurita, Nagano City, Nagano, 380-0921 Japan
Tel: (+81)26-219-6272
Member of All Nippon Travel Agents Association
Travel Service Supervisor: Azusa Fukuhara
Period:
all year
Meeting Place & Time:
Osaka Abenobashi Station West Exit Ticket Machines @ 08:50
