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Yoshimizu Shrine Shoin Hall
Registered as a World Heritage site, this is Japan's oldest example of shoin-zukuri architecture, also famed for legends associated with Minamoto no Yoshitsune.
Tucked in the hills of Yoshino Mountain, the origin story of Yoshimizu Shrine dates back to its days as the “Yoshimizu-in” monk quarters when founded over 1300 years ago by En no Gyōja. From the shrine grounds you can catch the famed “Ichimoku Senbon” thousand-tree view of Yoshino cherry blossoms, at this spot said to be the headquarters for Toyotomi Hideyoshi's cherry blossom viewing parties.
The shrine houses Japan's oldest shoin-zukuri architecture, a masterpiece representing early shoin architectural style from the early Kamakura period. Inside, you'll find the Senkyo no Ma room where Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Shizuka Gozen, and Musashibo Benkei hid from Minamoto no Yoritomo's pursuers, and the room used as an imperial palace by Emperor Godaigo during the Southern Court era.
Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range," this shrine is a must-see for its deep historical significance.
Highlights
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A shoin located within Yoshimizu Shrine in Nara's Yoshino area.
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Registered as a World Heritage site and designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
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Features the hiding place of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and the imperial chamber of Emperor Godaigo.
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The shrine is also a popular spot for viewing Yoshino’s renowned cherry blossoms.
Photos
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![Emperor Godaigo's imperial chamber when it served as a Southern Court palace.]()
Emperor Godaigo's imperial chamber when it served as a Southern Court palace.
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![The hideout of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Shizuka Gozen.]()
The hideout of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Shizuka Gozen.
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![Fusuma paintings by Kano Sansetsu.]()
Fusuma paintings by Kano Sansetsu.
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![Celebrated as a masterpiece of early shoin architecture.]()
Celebrated as a masterpiece of early shoin architecture.
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![The shoin within Yoshimizu Shrine.]()
The shoin within Yoshimizu Shrine.
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![Swooping views of “Ichimoku Senbon”, the famed 1000-tree view of Yoshino cherry blossoms.]()
Swooping views of “Ichimoku Senbon”, the famed 1000-tree view of Yoshino cherry blossoms.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have shrine’s red ink stamps?
Yes.
Q
Is parking available?
There is a temporary parking area for worshippers within the shrine grounds, accommodating about 4 vehicles.
Q
Are there restrooms available?
Restrooms are located inside the shrine and their use requires a fee.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 吉水神社書院
- Postal Code
- 639-3115
- Address
- 579 Yoshinoyama, Yoshinocho, Yoshinogun, Nara
- Telephone
- 0746-32-3024
- Closed
- Free to walk
- Business Hours
- 9:00am - 5:00pm (reception for Shoin visits, amulets, and stamps closes at 4:30pm)
- Admission
- Shoin: Adults 600yen, Middle/High School Students 400yen, Elementary School Students 300yen
- Access
- From Yoshino Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line, it's a 3-minute walk to the Yoshino Ropeway Senbonmatsu station, then a 3-minute ropeway ride to Yoshinoyama station, and a 16-minute walk.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)