We went to see Miharu Takizakura, one of Japan's top five cherry blossoms and one of the three largest, weeping cherry trees!

What is Miharu Takizakura?

Miharu Takizakura is one of Japan's leading weeping cherry trees, and is counted among Japan's five greatest cherry trees and three largest.
The tree is 12m tall, with a root circumference of 11m, a trunk circumference of 9.5m, and a root spread of 22m east to west and 18m north to south. It is estimated to be over 1,000 years old, and its history is extraordinary.
It is said that it became known for its cruel name in a poem by Kamo Suetaka, a scholar of Japanese classics from the late Edo period: "Mutsu is filled only with waterfall cherry blossoms, resonating in all directions."

In 1922, it became the first cherry tree to be designated a national natural monument. The Miharu Takizakura was also used as a model for the painting "Cherry Blossoms" on the cedar door of the Pine Room in the main hall of the Imperial Palace by artist Meiji Hashimoto, and the mural "Tree of the Four Seasons" in the Akasaka Sacas Akasaka Biz Tower by artist Hiroshi Senju

I went to see the Miharu Takizakura cherry blossoms!

So, on April 10, 2018,
I came to Miharu Takizakura.
The weather was clear,
perfect for cherry blossom viewing.

Heavy traffic! Arrive early or late!

Even though it was a weekday, the venue was extremely congested.
I had planned to arrive in the afternoon, but by the time I reached the parking lot it was already 2pm.
Takizakura is truly impressive...

The parking lot is large and there are plenty of spaces available, but the reason for the congestion is probably because there is only one entrance.
To ensure smooth entry, it is recommended to arrive at the venue early.
Also, there is a light-up event at Miharu Takizakura, so it is recommended to arrive at the venue late.

There are so many stalls that you'll probably be full before you even see the Takizakura!

Photo by Timon.

It's quite a distance from the parking lot to Takizakura, so you have to walk a bit.
Along the way, you'll find the usual stalls set up at the cherry blossom festival. Among
them, the direct store of Ohataya, the manufacturer of Miharu triangular fried tofu, and the direct store of Kanoya, famous for its yubeshi, are always bustling with tourists.

Photo by Timon.

Photo by Timon.

There are also plenty of other popular stalls selling soft serve ice cream, crepes, and other treats, so you'll likely be full before even seeing the Takizakura

So, my recommended plan for enjoying Takizakura to the fullest is to browse all the food stalls on the way up to the cherry blossoms, check out what you want to eat, and then eat it on your way back after enjoying the cherry blossoms to your heart's content.
It's great to eat festival sweets while sharing your impressions of the beautiful flowers!

Finally, the Takizakura! The contrast with the rape blossoms is amazing!

When we finally reached Takizakura, there were people! People! People!
Even though it was a weekday afternoon, the place was swarming with tourists!

Photo by Timon.

Pushing your way through the crowds and looking up at the cherry blossom trees, the sight is so impressive it's hard to put into words.
You can't help but feel the history that has built up over 1,000 years.

Once I got away from the crowds, I moved to another photo spot.
Looking at Takizakura from afar, I was struck by a different charm.
Surrounding the cherry tree was a field of rapeseed flowers in full bloom.

Photo by Timon.

The solemn pink of the Miharu Takizakura cherry blossoms and the vibrant yellow of the rape blossoms that spread all over the place.
The contrast was beautiful and something you won't see at other famous cherry blossom spots.
I took as many photos as I could to convey its charm, but I think you should definitely see it in person!
It's truly moving!

summary

Miharu Takizakura has been awarded various titles, including Japan's Five Greatest Cherry Trees, one of the Three Giant Cherry Trees, and a Natural Monument.
Its power is truly incredible and cannot be fully conveyed through photos and words.
While the cherry blossoms of 2018 have passed their peak, why not visit Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture next spring?

INFORMATION

Chimon

A thin-haired writer who loves traveling and laughter.
A nice guy who hides thinning hair by shaving his hair!
I will run north and south to make Tohoku smile with my writing!

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