Journeys in Japan - Season 5 - Eps 16: Yoshino, Nara: Awash in Pink Petals
In this episode of Journeys in Japan, poet and artist Peter MacMillan visits Yoshino Town in Nara Prefecture, which many consider to be the best site for viewing cherry blossoms in Japan. On his walk up Mt. Yoshino, he passes by some 30,000 cherry trees in full bloom. These trees are not indigenous. Starting about 1,300 years ago people began planting them for religious reasons. They are still regarded as sacred. Peter comes across an annual festival related to the cherry trees, which dates back more than 1,000 years. He gains insights into why the Japanese have so much affection for cherry blossoms. Peter also stays overnight in temple lodgings to experience the beauty of nocturnal cherry blossom viewing.
About Journeys in Japan

Title: Journeys in Japan
First Air Date: 2010-02-02
Last Air Date: 2024-12-03
Status: Returning Series
Rating: 9/10 (from 1 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 15
Total Episodes: 515
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
Genres: Documentary
Production Companies: Japan International Broadcasting (JIB), NHK
Synopsis
Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.