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 most prominent weeping cherry trees, counted among Japan's Five Great Cherry Trees and Three Great Giant Cherry Trees.
With a height of 12m, a root circumference of 11m, a trunk circumference of 9.5m, and a root spread of 22m east-west and 18m north-south, its estimated age is over 1000 years, making it extraordinary in both size and history.
It is said that its name became cruelly known through a poem by Kamo Suetaka, a scholar of Japanese classics in the late Edo period, which read, "The waterfall cherry blossoms fill Mutsu Province, and their sound resonates 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 10th, 2018,
I arrived at Miharu Takizakura.
The weather was sunny.
It was the perfect day for cherry blossom viewing.

Heavy traffic! Arrive early or late!

The venue was incredibly congested, even though it was a weekday.
I had planned to arrive in the early afternoon, but by the time I reached the parking lot it was 2 PM.
The Takizakura cherry tree is truly formidable...

The parking lot is large and there are plenty of spaces available, but congestion is likely due to the single entrance.
To ensure smooth entry, it is recommended to arrive early.
Also, since the Miharu Takizakura cherry tree is illuminated at night, arriving later in the day is also recommended.

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

Photo by Timon.

It's a bit of a walk from the parking lot to the Takizakura cherry tree.
Along the way, you'll find the usual stalls that line the path during the cherry blossom festival.
In particular, the direct sales store of "Ohata-ya," the manufacturer of Miharu triangular fried tofu, and the direct sales store of Kanno-ya, famous for its yubeshi (a type of mochi), were 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

Therefore, my recommended plan for fully enjoying the Takizakura cherry tree is to take a look at all the stalls on the way there, check out what you want to eat, and then, after fully enjoying the Takizakura, eat it on the way back.
Enjoying festival sweets while sharing your impressions of the beautiful flowers is the best!

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

When we finally reached Takizakura, it was packed with people! People! People!
Even though it was a weekday afternoon, it was absolutely teeming with tourists!

Photo by Timon.

Pushing my way through the crowd and looking up at the cherry trees, their awe-inspiring presence is beyond words. I
couldn't help but feel the weight of the 1000 years of history they have accumulated.

I left the crowd and moved to another photo spot.
Looking at the Takizakura cherry tree from a distance, a different kind of charm overwhelmed me.
A field of rapeseed flowers in full bloom stretched out around the cherry tree.

Photo by Timon.

The majestic pink of the Miharu Takizakura cherry tree contrasted beautifully with the vibrant yellow of the rapeseed blossoms that spread across the landscape.
This contrast is unlike anything you'll see at other famous cherry blossom spots.
I took as many photos as I could to convey its charm, but I really think you should see it in person!
It's truly breathtaking!

summary

The Miharu Takizakura cherry tree holds numerous titles, including being one of Japan's Five Great Cherry Trees, one of the Three Great Giant Cherry Trees, and a Natural Monument.
Its sheer power and grandeur are truly something that cannot be fully conveyed through photographs and words.
The cherry blossoms of 2018 have passed their peak, but why not visit Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture next spring?

INFORMATION

Chimon

A balding writer who loves travel and laughter.
A nice guy who hides his thinning hair by shaving his head!
He travels north and south to bring smiles to Tohoku through his writing!

sbtimon.hatenablog.com/