In Yamanashi Prefecture, where the earliest cherry blossoms in Japan were declared to be in full bloom, the cherry trees, said to be over 2,000 years old, are now at their peak.
The Yamadaka Jindai Cherry Tree, blooming on the grounds of Jissoji Temple in Hokuto City, is considered the oldest Edo Higan cherry tree in Japan and is said to be over 2,000 years old. It is one of Japan’s three great cherry trees, along with the Miharu Takizakura in Fukushima Prefecture and the Neodani Usuzumizakura in Gifu Prefecture, and is designated as a national natural monument.
This year, thanks to favorable weather and a prolonged period of warm days, the trees bloomed and reached full bloom about a week earlier than usual. Visitors enjoyed taking pictures of the pale pink blossoms and simply admiring them. A visitor from Osaka said, “This is my first time here, and it’s just as I’d heard. The weather is great, so I’m really moved right now.” A visitor from Shizuoka said, “I come every year, and it feels like, ‘I made it again this year.’ The blossoms this year seem particularly vibrant and beautiful.”
The Yamadaka Jindai Cherry Tree is expected to remain in full bloom until next weekend. [TV Asahi NEWS]
