Temple · Yoshino

Kinpusenji Temple 金峯山寺

Head temple of Shugendo on Mount Yoshino; its 34 m Zao-do hall is one of Japan's largest wooden buildings and part of a World Heritage site.

Hours8:30-16:00

PriceAdult: ¥800

Getting thereKintetsu Yoshino Station, then ropeway and 10 min walk

Time needed1-2 hours

Best timeEarly to mid April (cherry blossoms); November

Address2498 Yoshinoyama, Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara 639-3115

Websitekinpusen.or.jp

About

Kinpusenji is the centre of Shugendo mountain asceticism and sits in the middle of Yoshinoyama, Japan's most famous cherry blossom mountain. The Zao-do main hall, rebuilt in 1592, houses three giant blue Zao Gongen statues that are shown only during special openings. The temple belongs to the Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range World Heritage site.

Highlights

Zao-do main hall (National Treasure), 34 m high
Hidden Zao Gongen statues, about 7 m tall, shown at special openings
Heart of the Yoshinoyama cherry blossom area
Niomon gate (under restoration)

Tips

Cherry season (early-mid April) is very crowded; go early
Take the Yoshino Ropeway or walk 15 min up from Kintetsu Yoshino Station
Main hall entry is paid; the courtyard is free

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11

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Kinpusenji Temple 金峯山寺

About

Highlights

Tips

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