Mt Yoshino吉野山: Only caught the withering bits

Mt Yoshino
According to some forecast, Mt Yoshino promised some excellent view of sakura blooms at the time we were there.
But, were disappointed coz we were late. Having to travel 4 hours to and fro (Nara) to visit Yoshino, we couldn't figure out how worth it it was.

The day's train journey started at Kintetsu Nara Station and required 2 transfers before reaching Yoshino Station. [Train Journey: Kintetsu Nara Station to Yamatosaidaiji Station to Kashiharajingumae to Yoshino] At Yamatosaidaiji, there was a hiccup on the train platform. Ru was so confident to board the train that arrived on the stipulated platform. Goodness, we had back tracked instead. A reminder to self again: Always look at the train's signage before boarding coz the platform didn't only serve one route. Aargh... 

The local senior citizens were strong supporters of their country's tourism. Hence, the last leg of the train journey were packed with them and there weren't any seats left for us. Gasp... gotta stand (not-so-smooth) for almost 1 hr. Actually, even if there was seat, we didn't have the heart to take it seeing other seniors had to stand for almost an hour's journey.

Alighting from at train at Yoshino Station. What a crowd!
What to do/see at Mt Yoshino? Sakura scenery was the attraction during spring. And then, it provided a large ground and different terrain for trekking to the summit. Think need to get to at least half-way up to have a good view of the mountain of sakura. That's what we did via a bus ride up to mid-way.

Highlights
Up the winding road via bus was also a popular train
Yoshino's mascot
Scenery & Traffic while the bus crawled in the heavy & slow traffic
Arrive at the bus terminal in mid-way. Followed the crowd to hike up hill.
O o... legs got a bit wobbly. Watch your steps.
This is it.
Picnic on the plateau of the hill 
Nice weather
Wondering & taking pics
Towards the sun
THE place for sakura view
But, we were late
Along the way down through a touristy st. No one's manning this veg & trinkets stall 

Hungry & smell something good
Tofu snack
Rituals going on at Kinpusenji Temple which's a World Heritage Monument
Took the ropeway down to Yoshino Station
Dreaded the train ride coz no seat to rest the tired legs

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