Yoshino Full Day Cycling + Hiking Tour

Yoshino Town is located in the mountains of the Kii Peninsula in southern Nara Prefecture and has a deep history connected with Shugendo mountain worship and a 500-year-old timber industry. The cycling section of this tour will follow the Yoshino River, which runs through the center of the town and into backcountry to the west.

Features a covered-bridge entrance over the Kisa River and an 800-year-old giant shinboku sacred tree.

It is said that this area was first established with the founding of Kinpusen-ji Temple around 1,300 years ago. The ancient Omine Okugake Michi Pilgrimage Path runs through this area, connecting with the Kumano Kodo Routes farther south. The area is packed with fascinating history and culture to explore, including the vast groves of sakura blossom trees, which are a holy symbol of the local Shugendo faith. There are also a number of local restaurants, shops, and ryokan facilities that cater to visitors.

Ancient Shugendo mountain temple founded around 1,300 years ago. Features amazing views over the surrounding mountain landscape and the 500-year-old Zao-do Hall, the 2nd largest Buddha Hall in the country. The tour includes a walkthrough of Zao-do Hall with explanations of the Shugendo-related artwork contained inside.