I will share my experiences of hidden Gems from time to time. The first one is about Yoshino , Nara.
Yoshino in Nara today is a total country side in forest. You will be merged into the nature and this brings you back to Ancient Japan.
The city of Yoshino appears in the oldest governmental document of “Nihon shoki” which was written in 8th century. Yoshino ha many temples to where the emperors were visiting regularly and enjoyed hunting. According to these oldest documents, Yoshino had already been a magnificent place in 7th century. The place had gained more importance when one of two imperial courts was based in Yoshino. 14th century (Northern and Southern courts) This city with such a rich history is today a very calm zen place to visit.
In Spring, the mountains are filled with cherry blossoms , Sakura that you have never seen.You can easily imagine what it is used to be!
In summer the river is very pleasant natural air conditioning to avoid heat in concrete modern cities. But just before hot summer in Japan, this magical place with sweet water attracts “Hotaru”, the fireflies that illuminate the evenings exactly as it is described in old story books. It is just like small fire sparks flying on the river in the forest. This is such an amazing feeing to be there. it is very difficult to show the Beaty in the picture , you need to experience it yourself!
It is a hidden place that my family love to go!
03.09.2022 by IZU
references: Yoshino