considered for centuries as the best area in Japan to see cherry blossoms in spring.

However, unknown to many is the rich history that Yoshino

also boasts, being home to a multitude of impressive shrines and temples many of which

have played important roles in the area's centuries-long history.

And it's because of this that the town makes for a worthwhile side trip

from Osaka at any time of the year.

Yoshino played a prominent role in Japan's history during the rule of Emperor Go-Daigo

in the 1300s when an imperial succession dispute led to the establishment of

two rivaling emperors and imperial courts.

The Emperor Go-Daigo fled to Yoshino, south of Kyoto

and his court became known as the Southern Court

as opposed to the newly established Northern Court in Kyoto.

The dispute continued for 56 years until the Southern Court gave in.

In addition, it is the spiritual center and pilgrimage destination for those who practice

the religion of mountain worship known as Shugendo.

Its nature, history, and spirituality make Yoshino a place like no other

and this is exactly where we're going today.

I'm Sam Evans, staff-writer for japan-guide.com.

And today I'm on assignment in Yoshino.

Here's the plan: We'll depart Osaka-Abenobashi station and take the train directly to Yoshino Station

Also note that this route is entirely covered by the KINTETSU RAIL PASS 2day version

which enables savings if also used on a second day to travel to another location covered by the pass

including Kyoto, Nara and Osaka.

From Yoshino Station we'll walk to Kinpusenji

an ancient temple and center of Shugendo.

after this we'll sit down to a lunch of sushi served in a way that is unique to Yoshino.

Next we'll move on to Yoshimizu Shrine.

Before arriving at our accommodation for the night

we'll drop by another important Shugendo temple.

Sakuramotobo, before reaching Chikurinin Gunpoen

a centuries old temple where travelers can stay overnight.

So follow along as we go on a short side trip from Osaka to Yoshino.

Shugendo is a mixture of the religions of Buddhism and Shinto

and concentrates heavily on mountain worship.

After getting the train to Yoshino station, we've made the walk up the mountain

to the main part of town and arrived at Kinpusenji temple

one of the most important sites in Shugendo

and start of the pilgrimage train goes all the way from here up to Mount Ominesan.

So we're at Yakko, a restaurant across the road from Kinpusenji.

And I'm about to indulge in a local specialty, kakinohazushi.

Which is sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves.

Now the reason they do this is because Yoshino is far from the sea.

So, back in the old days they needed a means of transporting this fish up here

without it spoiling.

So what did they do?

They wrapped it in persimmon leaf

because persimmon leaf has a natural antibacterial quality.

That's incredible.

Now that we are properly fed and watered it's time to head ten minutes further up the street

to the historic Yoshimizu Shrine.

Since it was first built over 1200 years ago in the 8th century

Yoshimizu Shrine has been the site of several important historic events.

So we've arrived at Yoshinomizu shrine.

Now in the 14th century Emperor Go-Daigo fled Kyoto and came here to set up his southern

court in opposition to the northern court that remained in Kyoto.

So that means that during that time, this place effectively served as an imperial palace.

Our last stop before finding out accommodation for the night is Sakuramotobo Temple.

Another center of Shugendo mountain worship with a long history

and many facets of the complex to explore

And finally, it's time to check-in at our lodging, Chikurinin Gunpoen

which has been putting up pilgrims for centuries

and is now both a fully functioning ryokan as well as a temple.

So we're here at Chikurinin Gunpoen where we'll be spending the night.

Now, this temple has for centuries been accommodation for the yamabushi

and is known, among other things, for its beautiful landscape garden out back.

For now it's time to tuck-in to this beautiful-looking ryokan meal.

So, itadakimasu.

And that concludes our short side trip from Osaka to Yoshino.

For more information about this itinerary or to watch another video

click the links on the screen now or head over to japan-guide.com

your comprehensive, up to date travel guide,

first hand from Japan.

Be sure to subscribe and click the notification bell for more videos about Japan.

Happy travels.