Saigyo Hoshi (Buddhist priest Saigyo), an author of the poem 'I hope to die under the cherry blossoms in spring, around the time of full moon in April,' is one of the most famous poets found in Shinkokin Wakashu and frequently visited Yoshino where he wrote many excellent poems.
新古今集の代表的歌人で「願はくば花の下にて春死なむその如月の望月の頃」と詠った西行法師も吉野をたびたび訪れ多くの秀歌を残した。