Returning to Yoshinoyama we visited the World Heritage Kinpusen-ji (金峯山寺) in Naka Senbon.

Zao-do (Main Hall) is a huge wooden structure with 3 huge statues of Zao Gongen inside (no photo is allowed). Also dropped by Nyorin-ji (如意輪寺) which is part of the world heritage.

Kinpusen-ji Zao-do

 

 

On the next morning, drove uphill to Kami and Oku Senbon after checkout. Roads are mostly steep, winding and narrow that it can barely allow 2 cars on either direction so had to steer slowly.  It was worthy as gorgeous koyo tunnel awaited at an observation point in Kami Senbon !!

 

 

 

Shoryaku-ji  (正暦寺)

Afterwards, we left Yoshino and headed north to Shoryaku-ji where it is surrounded by a forest of 3,000 trees in a multitude of colours.

 

 

Giant Ginkgo tree in golden yellow and other trees weaved into colourful palettes.

 

 

 

Had late lunch in a local and inexpensive Kaiten-sushi shop. Checked into onsen hotel in Tenri for 2 nights. Had coffee-cake sets in nice and spacious coffee house.

 

 

 

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