A weeping cherry tree that must be seen by all who love sakura
The Miharu Takizakura is located in the town of Miharu, Tamura District, Fukushima Prefecture. Whenever spring comes, everyone comes out for the O-hanami (flower viewing) to search for the beautiful sight of cherry blossoms. The one tree that Japanese lovers of sakura always seek out is the Miharu Takizakura. Over 1000 years old, it is an incredible 12m in height and its trunk circumference is 9.5m. It is said that the name of the cherry tree which means “waterfall cherry blossoms” is derived from the profuse cherry blossoms drooping from the expansive branches just like a waterfall. This beautiful sight is the cream of the crop for famed cherry blossom sightings in Japan and has been selected as one of Japan’s Top 5 Great Cherry Trees and one of the Top 3 Giant Cherry Trees. In addition, in 1922, it was nationally designated as a Natural Monument. When you look up at it close up, it looks like a beautiful scene wrapped in cherry blossoms. At night, the tree is lit up so that you can enjoy the yozakura (night cherry blossoms) floating in the darkness. The atmosphere of these yozakura in the surrounding hush is definitely recommended.
Fukushima, with plenty of famous places for sakura
In Fukushima Prefecture, there are many famous places for lovely cherry blossoms to be enjoyed. The impressive sights have their own characteristic differences with the contrast between the blossoms within the lush nature of Fukushima and the surrounding landscape. First off, there is Hanami Yama Park, a privately-owned floriculture farm which is generally free for the public. Located in Fukushima City, the cherry blossoms start off the flower viewing season and transition into peach and plum among other flowers. You can enjoy a grand view surrounded in cherry blossoms as the flowers of the farm open up all at once against the nearby mountains. Another great spot in the prefecture is Nihonmatsu Castle in the city of Nihonmatsu. The cherry blossoms at this nationally-designated Historic Site have also been selected as one of Japan’s Top 100 Places for Cherry Blossoms, and there are about 1700 trees in the area. As well, places like Kaiseizan Park in Koriyama City and Wakamatsu Castle are also great places for viewing.