Cherry blossoms are often thought of as a pale pink color, but did you know that there are also lime-colored cherry blossoms?

In spring, the entire Japanese archipelago is covered in cherry blossoms, but in this article we will introduce you to a type of cherry blossom called Gyoikou, which is extremely rare and difficult to see.

What is Goikyo?

Gyoiko is a type of double-petaled cherry tree (a type of cherry tree with multiple overlapping petals) that is said to have first been cultivated at Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto during the Edo period (17th century to early 19th century).

The name "Goiko" was given to this flower because the color of its petals is similar to Moegiiro, a high-ranking yellow color that was used for the clothing (Goi) permitted to be worn by people of noble status.

It is also known that Dr. Siebold, a German physician and botanist, brought back a specimen of this plant after his stay in Japan from 1823 to 1830 and compiled it in his Flora of Japan.

Why is Goi-oh rare?

Goikou is a double cherry blossom with 10 to 15 lime green petals per flower.

The petals are a bright green color that can easily be mistaken for leaves.

This is because the petals contain the chloroplasts that carry out photosynthesis.

As photosynthesis progresses, the petals become increasingly white, then they begin to take on a reddish hue from the center, and as they fall, they turn a pink similar to the cherry blossoms we usually see.

It is thought that because its beauty resembled the robes of high-ranking aristocrats, it was mainly loved as an ornamental flower by the upper classes, and because its pale green color when in bloom makes it difficult to notice, this is what made it so rare.

The flower language of Goi-oh

The flower language of the Goi-ko is "eternal love," "elegance," "peace of mind," and "spiritual beauty."

The flower's meaning truly reflects the modest yet refined beauty of the Goikou flower, as it gradually turns pink before reaching full bloom.

In addition, Goikou is a cherry blossom that is said to bring good fortune in terms of improving financial luck, and is loved by many people.

What are the famous places in Goikyo?

The flowering period of Goikou is about 2 to 3 weeks later than that of Somei Yoshino, the most common cherry tree in Japan, and the estimated flowering period is around mid to late April.

Famous Places to See Goikyozakura ① Ninna-ji Temple (Kyoto Prefecture)

Ninna-ji Temple is said to be the birthplace of Goi-oh, and many Goi-oh trees can be seen near the Niomon and Chumon gates on the temple grounds.

In particular, near the Imperial Gate there is a Goi-oh tree planted by the Emperor and Empress, so it is a must-see.

Ninna-ji Temple also sells goshuin stamp books with an image of Goikyo.

It has a spring-like lime green design, the same as the Goiko flowers that are just starting to bloom, so be sure to pick up a goshuincho when you visit Ninna-ji Temple.

Best time to see the Goikyo cherry blossoms at Ninnaji Temple

At Ninna-ji Temple, the best time to see the Goikyo flowers is usually between early and mid-April.

In addition to the Goikyozakura, Ninna-ji Temple is home to a variety of other cherry blossoms, including double-flowered cherry blossoms, Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms, and wild cherry blossoms, and the Omuro Flower Festival is held from the end of March to early May.

Location of Ninna-ji Temple

33 Omuro-Ouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

Access to Ninna-ji Temple

To head to Ninna-ji Temple, take a highway bus from Kansai International Airport to Kyoto Station.

The express bus from the airport to Kyoto takes about 90 minutes.

From Kyoto Station, take the Sagano Line for about 15 minutes to Uzumasa Station.

Next, take the Arashiyama Line train from Sakushajo-mae Station, which is about a 3-minute walk from Uzumasa Station, for about 6 minutes to arrive at Omuro-Ninnaji Station.

When you exit the ticket gates at Omuro-Ninnaji Station, Ninnaji Temple will be right in front of you.

Famous spot for Goiyozakura ② Kanagawa Prefectural Mitsuike Park (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Kanagawa Prefectural Mitsuike Park is a famous cherry blossom spot, having been selected as one of Japan's "100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots."

In spring, over 1,000 cherry trees of about 70 varieties bloom one after another around the three ponds in the park, beautifully coloring the waterside.

Many late-blooming cherry trees, including Goikou, are planted on the northwest side of the garden.

The cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface are truly beautiful, and on sunny days the area is bustling with people strolling around taking photos and comparing the various varieties of cherry blossoms.

Best time to see the Goikyo cherry blossoms at Kanagawa Prefectural Mitsuike Park

The Goikou cherry blossoms at Kanagawa Prefectural Mitsuike Park are at their best from mid- to late April.

During this time, rare varieties of cherry blossoms such as Ukon and Kenrokuen Kikuzakura, which are not the typical cherry blossom color like Gyoikou, bloom all at once, making it the perfect time to view these rare cherry blossoms.

Location of Kanagawa Prefectural Mitsuike Park

Kanagawa Prefecture Yokohama City Tsurumi Ward Mitsuike Park 1-1

Access to Kanagawa Prefectural Mitsuike Park

To get to Mitsuike Park in Kanagawa Prefecture, first take a highway bus from Haneda Airport to Yokohama Station.

The express bus journey takes approximately 30 minutes.

From Yokohama Station, take a 30-minute city bus to the Shimosueyoshi National Highway bus stop, then change to another city bus and get off at the Mitsuike Park North Gate bus stop, about 10 minutes away, and you'll arrive right in front of the park.

Famous spot for Goikyozakura #3: Odawara Flower Garden (Kanagawa Prefecture)

Odawara Flower Garden is home to approximately 11 varieties of cherry blossoms, and is a popular tourist spot where the combination of spring flowers and cherry blossoms is beautiful.

The road leading to the flower garden is lined with cherry trees, so you can enjoy the cherry blossoms even before entering the garden.

Odawara Flower Garden in particular is popular among enthusiasts as a spot where Goikou is planted alongside the Ukin cherry tree, a branching variety that blooms yellowish flowers.

Both Goikou and Ukin are very rare varieties, so Odawara Flower Garden, where you can view them side by side, is truly a famous cherry blossom spot.

Best time to see the Goikyozakura at Odawara Flower Garden

The Goikou cherry blossoms at Odawara Flower Garden reach their peak in late April.

The café in the park is selling spring-only menu items such as "Sakura Flower Gelato" and "Sakura Zenzai Gelato," and the souvenir corner is selling "Sakura Jelly," so be sure to enjoy your cherry blossom viewing with a cherry blossom sweet in hand.

Location of Odawara Flower Garden

3798-5 Kuno, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture

Access to Odawara Flower Garden

If you are heading to Odawara Flower Garden, first take the train from Haneda Airport to Shinagawa Station.

It takes about 20 minutes.

After about a 70-minute ride on the Tokaido Line from Shinagawa, you will arrive at Odawara Station.
From Odawara Station, take the Izu Hakone Bus for about 30 minutes to arrive at the Flower Garden bus stop.
Odawara Flower Garden is right in front of the bus stop.

summary

Gyoikou is a rare lime green cherry tree, even among the many cherry trees in Japan. As the tree blooms, its color changes, letting you know spring is coming.

There are only a limited number of spots where you can see Goikou, so be sure to check the information in advance and go looking for Goikou.