Store your luggage around Nara with Bounce 

International travelers will have their hands full when visiting Tokyo, so few make it out outside the world’s largest city when visiting Japan. The travelers who get to explore further afield are delighted with the distinctive cities they experience. One of these travel destinations that’s worth a visit is Nara. 

Nara is situated just to the east of Osaka and south of Kyoto, which makes it the perfect stop on a trip to Japan’s non-Tokyo cities. It’s one of the most historically significant places in Japan (and that’s saying something), with a number of imperial palaces and temples located within the city center. 

Nara is, perhaps, most famous for its iconic deer at Nara Park. The Japanese revere these woodland creatures for being the messengers of the gods, which adds a spiritual element to the tranquil oasis. This expansive green space is a must-visit, and it’s located just outside the city center and is very easy to reach. 

While the temples and parks are serene and comforting, there’s also plenty of culture in Nara to be had. Nara’s restaurants are incredible, and there’s a surprising nightlife scene to enjoy. The shopping in Nara is as solid as it gets outside of Tokyo. In other words, you won’t lack for things to do in this city. 

Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Nara: 

Nara, like other Japanese cities, is sprawled out and interconnected by the hyper-efficient public transportation system. Still, getting around does require some logistical planning, especially if you’re traveling with plenty of luggage. The storage lockers at transportation hubs like Jr Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station can be reliable but not always convenient given the location. If you’re popping around the city, you’ll want to find a secure place to store luggage.

The best luggage storage service in Nara is easily Bounce. With locations around the city, it’s easy to find a storage spot to drop the bags off with Bounce’s intuitive mobile app. There’s also 24/7 support, and the partners and shop owners who look after the bags are incredibly friendly. Bounce vets these facilities and their attendants to ensure quality, and there’s also the BounceShield guarantee, which provides the peace of mind you need to enjoy your trip.

The city is dotted with amazing palaces from early-imperial eras. There are also many large Shinto shrines throughout the city to explore. Nara residents and visitors are spoiled with the number of landmarks to visit, with plenty of UNESCO-listed heritage sites. The top sites are Heijo Palace, Todai-ji Temple, Kofuku-ji Temple, and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, but there are countless others in and around the city. 

Outside of temples, shrines, and palaces, Nara is a modern city with plenty of cultural appeal. Of course, the food is incredible, with Japanese curry, ramen, Izakaya, and other delights on offer at the diverse restaurant scene in Nara. Japan offers fashionistas and shopping fanatics a unique and pleasant experience, and Nara is no different. There are modern and traditional shopping destinations to explore for buying anything from souvenirs to upscale designer brands. 

There’s a lot to unpack in Nara. Here are a few ideas for where to start: 

Nara’s most popular landmark is also one of the most significant temples in all of Japan. The massive main hall is actually the largest wooden building in the world, with a vast interior filled with important artifacts like the imposing 50-foot bronze Buddha statue. There’s a portion of Todaiji that is free to visit, but it’s worth the price of admission to see the whole temple, especially the balcony with views of Nandaimon Gate and the surrounding landscape. 

Situated on the western edge of Nara Park near the city center, this is the perfect stop paired with an afternoon trip to the park, and even better if the weather doesn’t cooperate. This massive museum features hundreds of archaeological exhibits and artifacts detailing Japanese history as well as Nara-specific subjects. The real strength of Nara National Museum is its fabulous collection of Buddhist paintings and statues. 

If you’re in Nara Park and want to take a break from watching those adorable deer, head to this Shinto shrine for a contemplative moment. Surrounded by trees and foliage, Kasuga Taisha is famous for its thousands of lanterns made of bronze and stone. The grounds around the shrine are delightful to stroll through, with pathways and gardens to explore, and when the lanterns are lit, there’s an otherworldly beauty to behold. Its simple but elegant interior and courtyard can be entered, but there aren’t any formal tours of the Shrine.  

If you’re planning on spending a few hours visiting museums and landmarks on your travel day, you’ll want to find a secure spot to store the luggage. While there are plenty more lockers at museums in Japan than there are elsewhere, these aren’t always the best option, and temples and shrines won’t have any of these amenities. Luckily, Bounce has locations near the best landmarks and museums in Nara.

This bustling street is the primary shopping destination in the city. It’s situated right in downtown Nara near the transit hubs and best hotels, and you’ll find all the best international brands have a presence on this street. Don’t skip the street food, either.

Visiting this historic neighborhood is like traveling back in time a few decades to Endo-era Nara. This maze of narrow alleyways and streets is lined with quaint cafés, restaurants, and plenty of shops selling everything from traditional Japanese clothing and goods to antiques. Some of the older buildings have been converted into contemporary boutiques for local designers as well. 

If you’re taking the train into Nara Station, this covered shopping arcade is the perfect stop if you want to poke around for designer clothing or souvenirs. 

With Nara’s sprawling cityscape and extensive public transit network, you can really go on quite a shopping spree. Don’t let the bags get in the way; find one of Bounce’s luggage storage spots near your next shopping destination and leave the bags to a dedicated staff.

Japanese curry is absolutely worth tasting, especially for international travelers who might not find it at home. These are rich, hearty curry flavors that will taste different (much less spice) from South Asian curries, but they are no less delicious, especially when paired with katsu (breaded pork or chicken cutlets). Wakasa Curry Honpo is situated in a small shopping arcade that’s sandwiched between Naramichi and downtown Nara and is perfect for a cheap but delicious lunch. 

Izakaya are the Japanese equivalent of neighborhood pubs that serve great food. They’re everywhere in Nara, but the best one is Kura Izakaya, with inventive takes on the classic meat skewers and noodle dishes that are cornerstones in Japanese bar food. Their prices are incredibly reasonable, given the quality of the food, so you might want to stick around for a few beers. 

Eel is, to most cultures, an exotic dish that only the most adventurous eaters ever try. In Japan, it’s about as common as buffalo wings and viewed as a comfort food served at restaurants that specialize in unagi. Edogawa Naramachi is the best place in the city to try eel, with an approachable menu of noodles and other dishes to fall back on should your courage falter…

Bringing heavy bags and other items to dinner is considered rude in any country, and certainly in Japan (they condone the slurping of ramen, not cumbersome luggage in a small restaurant). Bounce’s storage spots are placed in the best nightlife and dining hotspots, so you’ll be able to drop the bags off on your way out.

The best luggage storage Nara has to offer is available through Bounce, which also has you covered in amazing travel destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Yokohama. There are useful travel guides for each of these amazing cities, and you won’t find more reliable luggage storage than Bounce in each of these places. If you’re exploring Japan, just know you can rely on Bounce in just about every corner of this amazing country! 

Nara

Nara Station

Kintetsu Nara Station

Yamato Saidaiji Station

Luggage storage Nara

Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

If you think you've seen cherry blossoms at their best, Mount Yoshino is here to change your mind. This legendary sakura spot in Nara Prefecture is home to 30,000 cherry trees, creating a sea of pink that stretches across the entire mountain. The Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 is set to take place from early to mid-April, with full bloom expected around April 8. Thanks to the mountain’s elevation, the blossoms bloom in layers, which makes this one of the longest-lasting sakura displays in Japan.

This is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site wrapped in pink petals, with shrines, temples, and walking trails adding to the experience. Whether you're looking for breathtaking views, nighttime illuminations, or a peaceful hanami picnic, Mount Yoshino is one of the best places in Japan to enjoy sakura season.

Mount Yoshino’s cherry blossoms have been admired for over 1,300 years. The area has inspired countless poems, artworks, and legends, and has long been associated with Yoshimizu Shrine, where emperors and samurai once gazed upon the same pink waves we see today.

What makes this place truly unique is its layered blooming system. The mountain is divided into four sections:

Shimo Senbon (Lower 1,000 trees) – Blooms first and offers easy access to sakura-lined trails.

Naka Senbon (Middle 1,000 trees) – Great for hanami picnics and historical landmarks like Yoshimizu Shrine.

Kami Senbon (Upper 1,000 trees) – Higher altitude means later blooms and fewer crowds.

Oku Senbon (Inner 1,000 trees) – The final blossoms appear here and have more secluded, breathtaking views.

With this natural stairway of blossoms, the sakura season lasts longer than anywhere else in Japan – so even if you miss peak bloom in Kyoto or Tokyo, Mount Yoshino has you covered.

What to Expect at Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

This festival is about immersing yourself in nature and history, with thousands of cherry trees transforming the mountain into a pink dreamscape. Here’s what makes it special:

30,000 cherry trees in full bloom – From delicate Yoshino cherry blossoms to weeping cherry trees, the mountain is a living masterpiece.

Cherry blossom viewing (hanami) – Spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy the view from one of the many scenic spots.

Evening illuminations – As the sun sets, the cherry trees glow under soft lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

Hiking trails and temples – Wander through historical sites like Yoshimizu Shrine and hidden pathways lined with sakura.

Local cuisine – Try sakura-themed sweets, warm soba noodles, and regional specialties in the charming mountain town.

For those who want to take in the scenery without hiking, there are cable cars and buses to higher elevations, so you can enjoy the views without breaking a sweat!

Cherry blossom season in Japan follows a south-to-north progression, meaning different regions hit peak bloom at different times. Mount Yoshino, located in central Japan, typically reaches full bloom in early to mid-April. This is an ideal spot for visitors traveling between Southwestern Japan and Northern Japan.

If you’re coming from Southwestern Japan, where places like Kyushu and Shikoku see blossoms as early as mid to late March, Mount Yoshino offers a chance to experience another breathtaking display as the season moves north. And if you're heading toward Northern Japan, including Tohoku and Hokkaido, where cherry blossoms bloom later in late April to early May, Yoshino’s cherry-covered slopes are a perfect stop along your sakura journey.

Disclaimer: These dates are based on bloom predictions for 2025, but bloom timing can change. Double-check closer to your visit to avoid surprises!

How to Get to Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Mount Yoshino is in Nara Prefecture and is easily accessible from major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Since cherry blossom season attracts many visitors, planning your route in advance will save you time and help you avoid long wait times for transportation.

By train – Take the Kintetsu Yoshino Line to Yoshino Station, the closest station to the festival. From there, you can take a local bus or a cable car up the mountain. If you prefer walking, expect a beautiful but uphill hike to the main cherry blossom viewing areas.

By car – Drive to Mount Yoshino via the Nishi-Meihan Expressway, but be aware that parking is extremely limited during peak cherry blossom season. Arriving early is essential, and you may need to park further away and take a shuttle bus or walk to the festival area.

From Osaka or Kyoto – Take the Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka Abenobashi Station or Kyoto Station to Yoshino Station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours and is a great day-trip option from either city.

From Tokyo – Take the Shinkansen (bullet train) to Kyoto or Osaka, then transfer to the Kintetsu Yoshino Line. The total journey takes around 4–5 hours, so consider staying overnight in the area to make the most of your visit.

Once you arrive, the best way to explore Mount Yoshino is on foot. The festival covers different elevations, and many of the best sakura viewpoints, temples, and shrines are accessible only via walking trails. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some steep but rewarding climbs!

Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Policy

If you're bringing extra gear like cameras, picnic supplies, or hanami essentials, keep in mind that:

Small bags and backpacks are allowed, but large suitcases and coolers are likely to be restricted in crowded areas.

Coin lockers are available at Yoshino Station, but they fill up fast.

It’s best to check the festival website for the latest updates on storage options.

Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival 2025 Bag Storage

Explore the Festival Hands-Free with Bounce

If you're traveling with luggage, Bounce offers secure storage in Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara, making it easy to drop off your bags before heading to Mount Yoshino.

Affordable – Store your bags for as low as {{PRICE}} per day.

Safe and Secure – Your belongings are secured up to {{INSURANCE_AMOUNT}}, so you can explore worry-free.

24/7 Support – Got a question? Bounce’s support team is available anytime.

Free Cancellation – Plans changed? Cancel for free before drop-off.

Find a location – Use the Bounce app or website to book a storage spot.

Drop off your bags – Drop off the bags at your chosen location and store your items securely.

Enjoy the festival – Walk freely through Mount Yoshino’s sakura-lined paths without extra weight.

Tips to Make the Most of Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Check the cherry blossom forecast – Blooming times depend on weather conditions, so keep an eye on updates from the Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC). In 2025, full bloom is expected around April 8, but blossoms may appear as early as late March or as late as mid-April, depending on temperature shifts.

Arrive early – The best hanami spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends and peak bloom days. Arriving in the morning gives you a better view and also helps you avoid the biggest crowds.

Dress for the weather – Spring in Mount Yoshino can be cooler than in cities due to its elevated location. During the festival period, temperatures typically range from 5 C to 18 C (41 F to 64 F), so bring a light jacket and wear layers to stay comfortable as you hike through different elevations.

Explore beyond the main trails – While the Shimo Senbon (lower area) gets the most visitors, venture further up for a more peaceful experience. Stop by Yoshimizu Shrine, a site with panoramic views of the cherry blossoms. Visit Kinpusenji Temple, a UNESCO-listed temple with impressive architecture. Take a short trip to Chikurin-in Temple, which features a serene Japanese garden. The higher areas like Kami Senbon and Oku Senbon offer breathtaking views with fewer crowds.

Skip the baggage hassle – If you're traveling to Mount Yoshino with luggage, store your bags with Bounce at locations in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, or Nara before making your way up the mountain. This way, you can enjoy the festival hands-free and focus on exploring the stunning cherry blossom trees!

With stunning sakura-lined trails, unique temples, and breathtaking mountain views, it’s no wonder this place has been Japan’s most famous cherry blossom spot for centuries. Bring your camera, picnic blanket, and sense of adventure, and get ready for an unforgettable sakura season in Mount Yoshino.

Nara events and things to do

Upcoming Nara events to explore

Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival 2025

Find nearby luggage storage in Nara