Have you heard of the cherry blossom called "Miharu Takizakura"?

Miharu Takizakura is a weeping cherry tree in Fukushima Prefecture that is estimated to be over 1,000 years old.

So this time, we will introduce you to Miharu Takizakura, one of Japan's three great cherry blossoms designated as a national natural monument.

History of Miharu Takizakura

The Miharu Takizakura is a weeping cherry tree that was designated as a national natural monument in 1922, the first time that a cherry tree was designated as such.

It is found in Miharu Town, Tamura County, Fukushima Prefecture, and was named after the fact that the small pale pink flowers that bloom all over the branches look like a pink waterfall.

The tree is estimated to be over 1,000 years old, and has had to endure various challenges in the past, such as having to undergo restoration work when flowering began to decline, and being damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake. However, even now, more than 100 years after it was designated a natural monument, it still produces magnificent flowers every spring.

In Tamura County, Fukushima Prefecture, where the Miharu Takizakura is located, over 420 descendants of the Miharu Takizakura have been confirmed.

The planting of descendant trees has spread throughout Japan, with famous locations including in front of Akasaka Sacas in Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo, and Sorazakura (Space Cherry Blossom) in Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture.

Characteristics of Miharu Takizakura

The Miharu Takizakura is unique in that it is so large that it cannot be compared to ordinary cherry blossoms.

The tree is over 12m tall, with a trunk 9.5m thick and branches stretching 22m east-west and 18m north-south.

Highlight 1: Sakura Falls

When the Miharu Takizakura cherry blossoms come into bloom, many small flowers bloom all over the branches that extend from a height of 12 meters above the ground.

Even from a distance, the majesty of the pink waterfall is striking, but when you get closer and look up, you'll be captivated by the sight of cherry blossoms falling like shooting stars.

Looking up from various angles, you can see that the way the branches droop and the way the flowers grow varies depending on the location, allowing you to enjoy a variety of different expressions.

In particular, the cherry blossoms viewed from the front and the majesty of the splendid trunks and branches are spectacular.

Highlight 2: Fantastic night cherry blossoms

During the Miharu Takizakura blooming period, the trees will be lit up from 6pm to 9pm.

The Miharu Takizakura cherry blossoms that stand out against the blue daytime sky are a sight to behold, but the sight of the cherry blossoms shining in the light at night is breathtakingly beautiful, creating a fantastical sight that seems unreal.

It is said that the sight of the petals dancing in the air every time the night breeze blows is particularly beautiful.

Highlight 3: Contrast with rape blossoms

Miharu Takizakura is a single cherry tree that stands tall on a hill, surrounded by rape blossoms.

The rape blossoms, which reach their peak when the Miharu Takizakura blooms, are a beautiful bright yellow that accentuates the transience of the Miharu Takizakura.

The contrast between the rape blossoms and the Miharu Takizakura is even more beautiful during the day, so if you make the journey to Fukushima Prefecture, be sure to take the time to enjoy the Miharu Takizakura, which changes appearance dramatically between daytime and after sunset.

Best time to see Miharu Takizakura

The Miharu Takizakura cherry blossoms are usually at their best from early to mid-April.
It will be in full bloom on April 10th in 2024, April 1st in 2023, and April 12th in 2022.

Location of Miharu Takizakura

Fukushima Prefecture Tamura County Miharu Town Takizakurakubo 296

Access to Miharu Takizakura

If you are heading to Miharu Takizakura from Haneda Airport, first take a highway bus to Tokyo Station. The journey takes just under an hour.

From Tokyo Station, it takes about 70 minutes on the Shinkansen to reach Koriyama.
It takes about 20 minutes by taxi from Koriyama to reach Miharu Takizakura.

Tourist spots near Miharu Takizakura

Tourist spot 1: Kaiseiyama

Kaiseiyama Park is a comprehensive park with sports facilities, located about 30 minutes by car from Miharu Takizakura.

It was recently renovated into a sustainable community-based park in the spring of 2024, and with the opening of stylish coffee shops and burger restaurants, it is attracting many visitors as a place where they can have fun while feeling nature.

Kaiseiyama Park is famous for having approximately 1,300 cherry trees in full bloom, including one of Japan's oldest Somei-Yoshino trees, which was planted in 1878.

Many of the cherry blossoms are at their best from early to mid-April each year, so the trees are lit up at night from around the end of March.

During the cherry blossom season, many outdoor stalls are set up, allowing you to enjoy cherry blossom viewing at your leisure while savoring the natural scenery and savoring delicious gourmet food.

Location of Kaiseiyama

Fukushima Prefecture, Koriyama City, Kaisei 1-5

Tourist spot 2: Miharu no Sato Rural Life Center

Rural Lifestyle is a complex located about a 6-minute drive from Miharu Takizakura.

The facility was built with the hope that visitors would "experience the richness and joy of rural life," and is home to a vast area that includes accommodation, cottages, a ground golf course, a dog run, and a large public bath, allowing visitors to rediscover the blessings and abundance of nature while getting moving.

In particular, the shopping center and shop on the first floor of the main building sell a wide variety of foods that allow you to experience the natural bounty of the four seasons, such as agricultural products including fresh vegetables harvested in Miharu, tofu and fried tofu made with soybeans produced in Fukushima Prefecture, and local Miharu sake.

In particular, the local sake is packed with the bounty of the Abukuma Mountains, where the Miharu Takizakura cherry blossoms have grown, and is recommended as a souvenir.

Location of Miharu no Sato Rural Life Center

487-1 Ishihata, Nishikata, Miharu Town, Tamura County, Fukushima Prefecture

Tourist spot 3: Fukujuji Temple

Fukujuji Temple is the family temple of the Tamura clan, who ruled over the Miharu area where the Miharu Takizakura is located.

In medieval Japan, there were temples where people who were rebelling against authority could seek refuge and ask for protection, and it is said that Fukujuji Temple was one of these.

It is a facility of great cultural value, with many items remaining, including a wooden eleven-faced Kannon statue and books written by the head of the Tamura family.

It is located about a 10-minute walk from the Miharu Takizakura, and many people visit to learn about the history of the land that nurtured the Miharu Takizakura.

There are also two magnificent weeping cherry trees planted within the grounds of Fukujuji Temple, and the environment is quieter than that of Miharu Takizakura, making it a spot where you can slowly enjoy the cherry blossoms.

Location of Fukujuji Temple

Fukushima Prefecture Tamura County Miharu Town Gomencho 194

summary

Miharu Takizakura, one of the three great cherry blossom trees in Japan, has been entertaining us for 1,000 years, far exceeding the lifespan of a weeping cherry tree, which is said to be around 300 years.

The branches, covered with pink flowers, hang down from a height of 12 meters to the ground, resembling a waterfall. Every year, more than 300,000 visitors visit this tree, making it the largest cherry blossom viewing spot in the Northeast Sui region.