Yoshimizu Shrine

Yoshimizu Shrine (吉水神社) is a Shinto shrine located in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is situated at the base of Mount Yoshino, a renowned destination for cherry blossom viewing in spring.

The shrine was established in the 14th century and is dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, the 96th emperor of Japan, who established the Southern Court in Yoshino during the period of the Northern and Southern Courts; Kusunoki Masashige, a loyal samurai who served Emperor Go-Daigo; and Emperor Go-Murakami, the 97th emperor of Japan. The shrine’s main hall (Honden) is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Yoshimizu Shrine is known for its beautiful traditional architecture and its historical significance as the site of the former temporary Imperial Palace during the Nanboku-cho period. The shrine also has a picturesque garden with a pond and scenic views of the surrounding mountains.

While the shrine is a popular spot for tourists throughout the year, it becomes particularly crowded during the cherry blossom season in spring due to its location at the base of Mount Yoshino, which is famous for its cherry blossoms.

The shrine also hosts an annual festival on April 29th in honor of Emperor Showa’s birthday.

Getting there

By Train and Ropeway

• Take the Kintetsu Railway to Yoshino Station
• From Yoshino Station:

1. Walk 3 minutes to the Yoshino Ropeway Senbonmatsu station
2. Take the ropeway to Yoshinoyama station (3 minutes)
3. Walk about 16 minutes from Yoshinoyama station to the shrine

Walking from Yoshinoyama Ropeway Station

• It’s a 10 to 15-minute walk from Yoshinoyama Ropeway Station to the shrine

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission	Adults: 600 yen Junior high school and high school students: 400 yen Elementary school students: 300 yen
Phone	+81 746-32-3024
Address	579 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino, Yoshino District, Nara 639-3115
Official Website	https://www.yoshimizu-shrine.com/