About Yoshimizu Shrine
Yoshimizu Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Yoshino-cho, Yoshino-gun, Nara Prefecture. Situated on the slopes of the lush Yoshino Mountains, it enshrines Emperor Go-Daigo and Kusunoki Masashige as its main deities.
Originally founded as “Yoshimizu-in,” a monk’s residence of Kinpusen-ji Temple, it became a Shinto shrine during the Meiji era’s separation of Shinto and Buddhism. The shrine’s shoin (study hall) is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range,” and is known as a valuable cultural asset that tells the story of Japanese history.
History and Origins
Site of the Southern Court’s Imperial Palace
In 1336, when Emperor Go-Daigo was driven out of Kyoto and entered Yoshino, Yoshimizu-in was used as the Southern Court’s imperial palace (temporary palace). The emperor stayed here for about two years, conducting the affairs of the Southern Court. This historical fact forms the core of the current Yoshimizu Shrine’s origins. ### The Escape of Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Shizuka Gozen
It is said that in the late Heian period, when Minamoto no Yoshitsune was pursued by his brother Yoritomo, he hid in this area with his beloved concubine, Shizuka Gozen. The shoin (study hall) still retains the “Yoshitsune’s Hiding Room,” a reminder of that time.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi’s Cherry Blossom Viewing
In 1594, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi held a grand cherry blossom viewing party in Yoshino, he used Yoshimizu-in as his headquarters. In the “Taiko Cherry Blossom Viewing Room,” you can still enjoy the magnificent view of Yoshino’s cherry blossoms that Hideyoshi is said to have gazed upon.
Points of Interest for Visitors
World Heritage Shoin
The greatest highlight of Yoshimizu Shrine is the shoin, which is registered as a World Heritage Site. It is a valuable building that preserves the architectural style of the Muromachi period, and the following viewing spaces are located inside.
- Emperor Go-Daigo’s Throne Room: The room actually used by the Emperor
- Yoshitsune’s Hiding Room: The room where Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Shizuka Gozen hid
- Taiko’s Cherry Blossom Viewing Room: The room where Toyotomi Hideyoshi held a cherry blossom viewing party
From the study, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the magnificent cherry blossoms of Mount Yoshino, known as “a thousand trees at a glance,” and it is especially crowded with many visitors during the spring cherry blossom season.
Treasure Hall
The treasure hall within the study displays cultural artifacts of high historical value, including items used by Emperor Go-Daigo, the armor of Kusunoki Masashige, and items associated with Minamoto no Yoshitsune and Benkei.
Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
- Worship Hall/Main Hall: Dedicated to Emperor Go-Daigo, Kusunoki Masashige, and Yoshimizuin Soshin Hoin
- Southern Court Myoho Hall: Dedicated to loyal retainers of the Southern Court
- En no Gyoja Hall: A small hall dedicated to En no Gyoja, the founder of Shugendo (mountain asceticism)
Benefits
Main Benefits
Yoshimizu Shrine is believed to offer the following benefits:
- Good Fortune and Prosperity: Increased luck through the divine virtues of Emperor Go-Daigo
- Prayer for Victory: Good fortune in competitions, inspired by the martial prowess of Kusunoki Masashige
- Matchmaking: Success in finding a good partner, inspired by the love story of Yoshitsune and Shizuka Gozen
- Academic Success: Protection from the wisdom that supported the culture of the Southern Court
- Exorcism: The purifying power of a sacred site of Shugendo (mountain asceticism)
Items Offered
In addition to Goshuin (temple stamps), amulets for good fortune, victory, matchmaking, etc., are offered. The “Ichimoku Senbon Omamori” (One Glance, Thousand Trees Amulet), in particular, is a popular item featuring the cherry blossoms of Yoshino.
Access
Access by Train
- Get off at Kintetsu Yoshino Line “Yoshino Station”
- Take the ropeway to “Yoshinoyama Station” (approx. 3 minutes)
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Yoshinoyama Station, or approximately 5 minutes on foot from the Yoshinoyama bus stop “Katte Shrine Mae”
During the spring cherry blossom season (early to mid-April), traffic restrictions are in place throughout Yoshinoyama, so the use of public transportation is strongly recommended.
Access by Car
- Approximately 50 minutes from Minami-Hanna Expressway “Katsuragi IC” via National Route 169
- Approximately 60 minutes from Nishi-Meihan Expressway “Koriyama IC” via National Routes 24 and 169
Parking: Use the Yoshinoyama Shimo-Senbon parking lot (paid). From there, walk or take a bus to the shrine. The parking lot becomes very crowded during the cherry blossom season.
Visiting Hours and Admission Fees
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM)
- Admission Fee for the Shoin (Study Hall): Adults 600 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 400 yen, Elementary School Students 300 yen
- Closed Days: None (Open all year round)
Nearby Attractions
The following tourist spots are located near Yoshimizu Shrine:
- Kinpusen-ji Temple: The head temple of Shugendo, known for its Zao-do Hall (approx. 10-minute walk)
- Yoshino Mizuwake Shrine: A World Heritage Site shrine (approx. 30-minute walk)
- Nyoirin-ji Temple: A temple containing the mausoleum of Emperor Go-Daigo (approx. 15-minute walk)
- Yoshino Mountain Cherry Blossoms: One of Japan’s leading cherry blossom viewing spots, with approximately 30,000 cherry trees adorning the mountain.
If you plan to explore the entire Yoshino Mountain area, it is recommended to allocate half a day to a full day.
