Cherry blossom trees can be found in many places throughout Japan and most of them are planted together so that people can take part in viewing rows of trees in bloom during spring. But sometimes, there are a few odd ones that, unlike their usually grouped counterparts, stand on their own. These lone cherry trees (一本桜 ipponzakura) have withstood against the forces of Mother Nature, be it strong winds or heavy snow, and lived through generations that date back as far as 1,000 years. But to this day they are still standing strong and they remind people of their sheer strength, beauty, and even mysticism.
My Sakura Series comes to an end with this article, where I will explore lone cherry blossom trees found throughout eastern Japan. These solitary trees have traits that set them apart from others found in more popular cherry blossom viewing spots, with some even officially designated as Natural Monuments (天然記念物).
Lone cherry blossom trees are different from those that people usually see in public parks where many people would gather and enjoy viewing them underneath the trees (花見 hanami), but that’s what makes them special. Seeing a single cherry blossom tree standing out in otherwise plain surroundings makes them all the more majestic, and it’s something that people all over the world should come and see for themselves.
(Note: this is the final part of the four-part Sakura Series, specially focusing on the upcoming spring season in Japan. Take note that the cherry blossom periods below are subjected to weather conditions.)
① Koiwai Farm Ipponzakura (小岩井農場一本桜)
Cherry blossom period: Late April–early May
We start with one of the most iconic lone cherry blossom trees in the Tohoku Region (東北地方). Located in Iwate Prefecture (岩手県) is a solitary cherry blossom tree that sits in the foreground of Mount Iwate (岩手山). What makes this tree outstanding is the picturesque setting: the juxtaposition of the pinkish-white cherry blossom petals of the tree, the emerald-green grass, the azure-blue sky and the snowy mountain in the backdrop all combined, resulting in a scenery that looks straight out of a painting.
Location: Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場)
The solitary cherry tree stands in Koiwai Farm, a privately owned farm not far from Iwate’s capital city Morioka (盛岡市). With over 500,000 visitors annually, the farm is immensely popular among the locals, and has been around since its establishment in 1891. The tree was said to be planted over 100 years ago too, and since then many people have visited the farm during different seasons just to see it. But among all the seasons, spring is often considered the best to see the tree in its full glory.
Koiwai Farm (小岩井農場)
Address: 36-1 Maruyachi, Shizukuishi, Iwate District, Iwate 020-0507
Access: 35-minute bus ride from JR Morioka Station (JR盛岡駅)
② Ishiwarizakura (石割桜)
Cherry blossom period: Mid-April–late April
The next one is also in Iwate Prefecture, and it’s located right in the heart of Morioka. Ishiwarizakura is an Edohigan (エドヒガン) cherry blossom tree that is unlike others: it grew out from a crack of a large granite boulder, thereby bearing its name (Ishiwarizakura means “rock-splitting cherry blossom”). Its striking appearance has made it one of the most loved and popular cherry blossom trees in the city.
The city almost lost this iconic tree back in 1932, when a fire broke out at a nearby courthouse. Fortunately, thanks to the quick response of firefighters, and the heroic act of a gardener named Fujimura Jitaro (藤村治太郎), the tree was saved. To this day, Fujimura’s family still takes care of the tree as volunteer gardeners. As such, this tree is our first candidate in this article to be designated as a Natural Monument.
Location: Morioka City (盛岡市)
The tree stands in the heart of Morioka, the capital city of Iwate Prefecture. It is located next to the Morioka District Court, the same building that caught fire decades ago. The city celebrates this tree as one of its icons, and locals and foreign visitors would gather every spring to see it in full bloom.
Ishiwarizakura (石割桜)
Address: 9-1 Uchimaru, Morioka, Iwate 020-8520
Access: 20-minute walk from JR Morioka Station (JR盛岡駅)
③ Isazawa no Kubozakura (伊佐沢の久保ザクラ)
Cherry blossom period: Late April
Next, we move to the mountainous prefecture of Yamagata (山形県), where we can find one of the largest cherry blossom trees in Tohoku. In the city of Nagai (長井市) lies the imposing Isazawa no Kubozakura, which is said to be over 1,200 years old.
The tree is supported by several poles because flower buds made the upper body of the tree heavy, overloading the ageing trunk and causing cracks in the trunk due to the weight. Hence, the Agency of Cultural Affairs decided to carry out a procedure to restore the tree to its original form by using the poles to support the branches and fertilising the ground using peat moss and charcoal. The tree is also designated as a Natural Monument.
Location: Nagai City (長井市)
Isazawa no Kubozakura is located in Nagai, Yamagata Prefecture. The city boasts a rich feudal history, beautiful sceneries throughout the year, and even interesting delicacies. The city has witnessed more visitors gradually because of its natural beauty, but it is said that spring offers the best views out of all the seasons.
Isazawa no Kubozakura (伊佐沢の久保ザクラ)
Address: 2027 Kamiisazawa, Nagai, Yamagata
Access: 10-minute taxi ride from Yamagata Railway Minami-Nagai Station (山形鉄道 南長井駅)
④ Miharu Takizakura (三春滝桜)
Cherry blossom period: Mid-April–late April
In the prefecture of Fukushima (福島県) stands what is considered by many to be the most beautiful cherry blossom tree in Japan. Miharu Takizakura is a Benishidare (ベニシダレ) type of cherry blossom tree that is said to be over 1,000 years old, and whose name means “Miharu Waterfall Cherry Blossom”. The name comes from a combination of the name of the town where the tree Miharu is, and how its wide, drooping branches that span 18–20 metres look like a cascading waterfall.
Miharu Takizakura is one of the “Three Great Cherry Blossoms” (日本三大桜 nihon-sandaizakura), and one out of two that are located in eastern Japan (the other one to be covered later in this article). Although it is located in a rural and remote location, it doesn’t stop as many as 300,000 visitors from coming to witness this floral spectacle every spring. And not only that, but this tree is also the first cherry blossom tree to be designated as a Natural Monument, back in 1922.
Location: Miharu Town (三春町)
Miharu Takizakura is in the town of Miharu, and a stone’s throw away from the Otakine River (大滝根川 Ōtakine-gawa). The town has witnessed numerous out-of-town visitors every spring just to see the blooming cherry blossom tree, so much that it helps to boost the local economy!
Miharu Takizakura (三春滝桜)
Address: Sakurakubo-296 Taki, Miharu, Tamura-gun, Fukushima 963-7714
Access: 25-minute bus ride from JR Miharu Station (JR三春駅)
⑤ Nodaira no Ipponzakura (野平の一本桜)
Cherry blossom period: Late April–early May
We move over to the other region of Eastern Japan: Shin’etsu (信越), which includes Nagano Prefecture (長野県). Although the prefecture is famous for its mountainous splendour (and therefore ski resorts during winter), Nagano is also widely known for its unparalleled natural beauty throughout the year. That especially includes spring, and it is here where visitors can find a particularly picturesque cherry blossom tree.
Nodaira no Ipponzakura is a solitary Oyama (オオヤマ) cherry blossom tree that stands in the backdrop of the majestic Hakuba Three Mountains (白馬三山 Hakuba Sanzan), which comprises Mount Shirouma (白馬岳), Mount Shakushi (杓子岳), and Hakuba Yarigatake (白馬鑓ヶ岳). The contrast between the pinkish-white hues of the cherry blossom petals, the snowy-white mountain backdrop, and the clear blue sky makes for a picture-perfect scenery which visitors shouldn’t miss if they’re paying a visit to the area in spring.
Location: Hakuba Village (白馬村)
Nodaira no Ipponzakura is located in the Nodaira district in Hakuba, a village internationally renowned for its ski resorts. Thus, many visitors from all over the world would visit the village mostly during winter, but I think it would be a missed opportunity for anyone to visit only during that season. Spring is just as beautiful as winter (or any other season) in Hakuba, and this is one scenery that they shouldn’t miss.
Nodaira no Ipponzakura (野平の一本桜)
Address: Hokujo, Hakuba, Kitaazumi-gun, Nagano 399-9301
Access: 10-minute taxi ride from JR Hakuba Station (JR白馬駅)
⑥ Yamataka Jindaizakura (山高神代桜)
Cherry blossom period: Early April–mid-April
Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県) is located in the region of Chubu (中部 Chūbu), and is home to the world-famous Mount Fuji (富士山) together with Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県 Shizuoka-ken). It is in this prefecture where we can find one of the most important and oldest cherry blossom trees in the country.
Yamataka Jindaizakura is an Edohigan cherry blossom tree that is said to be approximately 2,000 years old, and with a height of over 10 metres and a trunk girth of 11.8 metres, it is also one of the largest in Japan. Together with Miharu Takizakura, it is one of the “Three Great Cherry Blossoms” in the country, renowned for its distinctive and striking beauty. And like Isazawa no Kubozakura, it was designated as a Natural Monument.
Location: Hokuto City (北斗市)
Yamataka Jindaizakura is located in the city of Hokuto in Yamanashi. It is situated next to a temple named Otsuyama Jissōji (大津山実相寺), and many visitors make their way here from the city just to enjoy viewing it. Apart from the iconic tree, the temple’s vicinity is also home to many Somei-Yoshino (ソメイヨシノ Yoshino cherry) trees and daffodils. The whole area is a floral haven, so fans of flowers would not want to miss this place.
Yamataka Jindaizakura (山高神代桜)
Address: 2763 Mukawacho Yamataka, Hokuto, Yamanashi 408-0306
Access: 30-minute bus ride from JR Nirasaki Station (JR韮崎駅), followed by 30-minute walk
⑦ Wanitsuka no Sakura (わに塚のサクラ)
Cherry blossom period: Early April–mid-April
Our final solitary cherry blossom tree is also in Yamanashi, just south of Yamataka Jindaizakura. In the city of Nirasaki (韮崎市) stands Wanitsuka no Sakura, an approximately 330-year-old cherry blossom tree that is iconic to the city and the whole prefecture.
What’s outstanding about this tree is its surroundings: on a clear day, the Yatsugatake Mountains (八ヶ岳連峰) can be seen in the far distance, and it serves as the perfect backdrop for an already stunning tree. Perhaps just as magical an experience is to see the tree after sundown, when it gets shone by a spotlight underneath the starry night sky.
Location: Nirasaki City (韮崎市)
Wanitsuka no Sakura is located in the countryside of Kamiyama (神山町) in the city of Nirasaki, Yamanashi. Despite its rural location, many cherry blossom and photography enthusiasts would make their way here just to have a look at the glorious tree in the spring.
Wanitsuka no Sakura (わに塚のサクラ)
Address: Kitamiyaji-624 Kamiyamamachi, Nirasaki, Yamanashi 407-0042
Access: 15-minute bus ride from JR Nirasaki Station (JR韮崎駅)
Closing
Cherry blossom trees continue to amaze people every year, and their symbolic beauty remains to have an indelible effect on their livelihood. As cherry blossoms bloom for only a short period—only 7 to 14 days—people only have so much time to enjoy them. They are a reminder of new beginnings and the transient nature of life, and we only have so much time before they fleet away. Whether it’s at a public park where people flock and see the flowers together, or at a secluded place where people venture out just to have a look at it, the sight of blooming cherry blossoms will always enrapture people’s hearts.
JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area)
The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) is an affordable pass that offers unlimited train rides on JR East lines, including bullet trains, within the valid area for 5 consecutive days. It’s only ¥30,000, making it a considerable option for those planning to visit the Tohoku Region. Pass holders can also reserve seats online for up to a month in advance for free, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.
JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area)
The JR EAST PASS (Nagano, Niigata area) is an affordable pass that offers unlimited train rides on JR East lines, including bullet trains, within the valid area for 5 consecutive days. It’s only ¥27,000, making it a considerable option for those planning to visit Nagano and Niigata from Tokyo.
Header image credit: Fukushima Prefecture
