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See the early blooming cherry blossoms at this Buddhist pilgrimage site that brings spring to the Kinki region
Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
Kimiidera Temple is the second of the many Japanese temples that are part of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, and has been certified as a Constituent Cultural Property of the Japanese Heritage “Treasure Trove of Superb Views, Wakanoura.” This heritage, both tangible and intangible, has been handed down and preserved to ensure this history and the stories it tells are shared for generations to come. Explore these sites to unlock each region’s distinct historical and cultural background and experience the true value of Japan’s cultural properties.
Approximately 500 cherry trees are planted in the precincts of the temple, which has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots. This site is particularly famous for early-blooming cherry blossoms. In front of the Main Hall, there is a Yoshino cherry tree specimen that every year serves as a sample tree that helps determine when the cherry blossoms have started to flower. For this reason, Kimiidera Temple is also known as the temple that brings spring to the Kinki region.
How to get there
From Kansai International Airport, take the JR Kansai Airport Line and Hanwa Line to JR Wakayama Station (about 45 minutes). From JR Wakayama Station, take the Kisei Line to Kimiidera Station (about 10 minutes). The site is a 10-minute walk from Kimiidera Station.
1201 Kimiidera, Wakayama-shi, Wakayama-ken
Links
More Information
Kansai Region | JNTO Official Website
Wakayama Prefecture | JNTO Official Website
