Spring has finally arrived, and cherry blossoms are blooming everywhere. Cherry blossoms are an indispensable part of Japanese spring, not only lining up in rows but also remarkably beautiful are the "Ipponzakura" (一本樱), which, as the name suggests, are single cherry blossom trees that stand out.
This time, I introduce to you the "Ranking of Single Cherry Blossoms You Want to Visit" by the travel information magazine "Jalan," focusing on scattered "lonely cherry blossoms" throughout Japan. Let's take a look at the top 10, these astonishingly old and historic trees.
A Dreamlike Spring Scene! Enjoy the Exquisite Beauty of a Single Cherry Blossom
#10 Neodani Usuzumi (ねおだにうすずみ) / Gifu Prefecture
Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
Ranked 10th, the "Neodani Usuzumi" from Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture, is a cherry blossom tree with over 1,500 years of history, said to have been planted by Emperor Keitai, the 26th Emperor of Japan, as recorded in the "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki." Its massive size, with a height of 16.3 meters, a trunk circumference of 9.9 meters, and dimensions of 26.90 meters east-west and 20.20 meters north-south, earned it the status of one of Japan's Five Great Cherry Blossoms and one of the Three Great Cherry Blossoms, designated as a National Natural Monument.
- Neodani Usuzumi Sakura
- Address: 995 Kamidan, Neoban, Motosu City, Gifu Prefecture
- Phone: 0581-34-3988 (Motosu City Tourism Association)
- Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
- Website: Gifu Tourism Guide / Blossom Information
#9 Isshingyo Daizakura / Kumamoto Prefecture
Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
Ranked 9th is the "Isshingyo Daizakura" symbolizing Minamiaso Village, Kumamoto Prefecture. This is a wild cherry tree about 400 years old, approximately 14 meters tall, with massive branches, about 21.3 meters east-west, and about 26 meters north-south.
The lord of Yazaki Castle, Yasuki Kami, died in battle with the Satsuma and Shimazu clans, and a tree was planted, becoming a bodhi tree. The name is said to come from their spirit of "devotion to mourning." Despite being struck by lightning and attacked by typhoons, it maintains its shape, thanks to the care of the Kumamoto Green Fund.
The most attractive feature of the Isshingyo Daizakura is the vast field of rapeseed flowers surrounding it. With majestic mountains as a backdrop, you can enjoy magnificent views that fully capture the beauty of nature. The Minamiaso Cherry Blossom Planting Festival also takes place in late March.
- Isshingyo Daizakura
- Address: 3226-1 Nakamatsu, Minamiaso Village, Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture
- Phone: 0967-67-2222 (Minamiaso Tourism Bureau) / 0967-67-3321 (Limited-time Cherry Blossom Opening Information Service)
- Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
- Website: Kumamoto Prefecture Official Tourism Website / Blossom Information
#8 Miharu Takizakura / Fukushima Prefecture
Best Viewing Time: Early April
Miharu Takizakura is an awe-inspiring weeping cherry tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old, ranking eighth. It is one of Japan's most iconic cherry trees and the first cherry tree in Japan to be designated as a National Natural Monument.
Named for its shape, with branches extending in all directions like water flowing down a waterfall, it is so beautiful that it has become a model for artworks such as "Cherry Blossoms" by Imperial Palace painter Hashimoto Meiji and the mural "Four Seasons Tree" by Akasaka Commercial Building artist Senju Hiroshi.
During the day, the pale pink cherry blossoms stand out against the green fields and the blue sky, creating a truly spring-like scene. In the evening, even the tips of the branches are illuminated, creating an extremely dreamy world. With such a spectacular view, it's no wonder it is one of Japan's three great cherry blossoms, alongside the tenth-ranked Negozu Taiboku cherry blossom.
- Miharu Takizakura
- Address: 296 Takikubo, Oaza, Miharu-cho, Tamura-gun, Fukushima Prefecture
- Phone: 024-943-1651 (Fukushima Transportation Co., Ltd. Koriyama Branch)
- Admission Fee: ¥500 / Free for middle school students and below (no group discount)
- Best Viewing Time: Early April
- Website: Miharu Tourism Association / Blossom Information
#7 Hongonotakizakura (Also Called Yubei Cherry Blossom) / Nara Prefecture
Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
Ranked seventh is the Hongonotakizakura (also called Yubei Cherry Blossom), a historic tree in Nara Prefecture. This tree, approximately 300 years old, blooms on the site of the former residence of Sengoku warlord Goto Yubei, thus belovedly known as the "Yubei Cherry Blossom."
The 13-meter tall weeping cherry blossoms bloom vibrantly against the stone walls, exuding vitality, perfectly suited for Japan's spring. Adding to the spectacle of the Yubei Cherry Blossom are the peach trees planted around it.
During cherry blossom season, up to 60,000 visitors come to admire the unique beauty of the pale pink cherry blossoms juxtaposed with the deep pink peach trees. It's a breathtaking sight, making you imagine Matahei retiring from war and living out his peaceful life.
- Hongonotakizakura (Also Called Yubei Cherry Blossom)
- Address: Hongonotakizakura, Ōdouda, Uda City, Nara Prefecture
- Phone: 0745-82-2457 (Uda City Tourist Association)
- Best Viewing Time: Late March to Early April
- Website: Nara Prefecture Official Tourism Website / Blossom Information
#6 Rikugi-en Lonely Cherry Blossom / Tokyo
Optimal Viewing Period: Mid-March to Late March
A prominent cherry blossom in Tokyo's famous cherry blossom viewing spot, Rikugi-en, ranks sixth. This weeping cherry tree, about 70 years old, proudly stands in Rikugi-en, one of Edo's two major gardens, towering approximately 15 meters and taking the top spot.
The cherry blossom's width spans about 20 meters, with its blossoms cascading beautifully to the ground, perfect for photography. Special lighting events are held in the evenings, and during cherry blossom season, the area is crowded with numerous cherry blossom enthusiasts throughout the day.
The stroll-style garden was built by the vassal Yanagizawa Yoshiyasu during the fifth shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi's era. It houses nearly 80 cherry blossom trees, including Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms and wild cherry blossoms. You can enjoy cherry blossoms while elegantly strolling through the lord's garden, inspired by Chinese classics and Japanese ancient and modern poetry collections.
- Rikugi-en Lonely Cherry Blossom (Rikugi-en no Ipponzakura)
- Address: 6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-3941-2222 (Rikugi-en Service Center)
- Admission Fee: General ¥300 / Seniors (65 and older) ¥150 / Elementary school students and below, Tokyo residents, junior high school students attending school in Tokyo: Free
- Optimal Viewing Period: Mid-March to Late March
- Website: Tokyo Park Association / Blossom Information
#5 Izawazawa Kubo Cherry Blossom / Yamagata Prefecture
Optimal Viewing Period: Mid-April to Late April
Ranked fifth is the "Izawazawa Kubo Cherry Blossom," designated as a National Natural Monument. With an astonishing history of 1,200 years, it is one of Japan's oldest Edo period cherry blossom trees.
The cherry blossom not only boasts a long history but also a poignant legend. During the Heian period, the conquering general Saka-no-ue-no-Tamuramaro came here to quell the Oshu region. Although he married Kobu, the daughter of the Kubo family who stayed behind, he returned to Kyoto after the war. Oyama died of illness due to missing Tamuramaro.
It is said that Tamuramaro was deeply saddened upon hearing this and sent a cherry blossom tree to be planted, hence this tree is also known as "Oyama Sakura." A lively "Cherry Blossom Festival" is held around the cherry blossoms every year, and now the cherry blossom has grown to a height of 13 meters.
- Izawazawa Kubo Cherry Blossom (Izawazawa no Kubo Zakura)
- Address: 2027 Kamiiizazawa, Nagaoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
- Phone: 0238-88-5279
- Optimal Viewing Period: Mid-April to Late April
- Website: Yamagata Prefecture Official Tourism Website / Blossom Information
#4: Crocodile Tomb Cherry Blossom / Yamanashi Prefecture
Optimal Viewing Period: Late March to Late April
The "Crocodile Tomb Cherry Blossom," designated as a natural monument by Nirasaki City, ranks fourth. The age of this Edo-period cherry tree is approximately 330 years, making it one of the youngest trees on this list, but its popularity is growing due to the majestic presence of Mount Fuji in the background.
Standing at about 17 meters tall with a circumference of around 3.6 meters and branches extending up to 23 meters wide, its graceful form is one of its charms. Blooming atop the "Crocodile Tomb," it is said to be the burial place of Takeda no Musashi no Kami's son, Takeda no Ōji, mentioned in Japanese mythology.
In addition to the backdrop of Mount Fuji adorned with cherry blossoms, one can also capture photos with the Yatsugatake mountains from a different perspective, making it one of the best spots in Japan to appreciate both mountains and cherry blossoms. Due to its spectacular scenery, the Crocodile Tomb Cherry Blossom often appears in media and posters.
- Crocodile Tomb Cherry Blossom (Wanizuka no Sakura)
- Address: 624 Kitamiyaji, Kamitsuru, Nirasaki City, Yamanashi Prefecture
- Phone: 0551-22-1991 (Nirasaki City Tourism Association)
- Optimal Viewing Period: Late March to Late April
- Website: Nirasaki Tourism Guide / Blossom Information
#3 Yoshitaka Ohsakura Cherry Blossom / Chiba Prefecture
Optimal Viewing Period: Early April
The third-ranked cherry tree is the Yoshitaka Ohsakura Cherry Blossom (Yoshitaka no Ōzakura), designated as a natural monument by Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture. With a history of over 400 years, it stands at 10 meters tall with branches extending over 25 meters, presenting a spectacular sight.
What makes the Yoshitaka Ohsakura Cherry Blossom so popular is its mystique and ephemeral nature. It is not a typical tourist spot, frequented more by locals, and because it is a wild cherry tree, its blooming period is short, lasting only two to three days.
If you are fortunate enough to witness the blossoms, you can also admire the majestic silhouette of the large cherry tree, earning it the nickname "Lonely Cherry Blossom." Inzai City also boasts two other major cherry blossom viewing spots, namely the famous Kobayashi Ranch Cherry Blossoms; we recommend visiting both of these sites.
- Yoshitaka Ohsakura Cherry Blossom (Yoshitaka no Ōzakura)
- Address: Yoshitakachi, Inzai City, Chiba Prefecture
- Phone: 0476-45-5300 (Inzai City Tourist Information Center)
- Optimal Viewing Period: Early April
- Website: Inzai City Homepage
#2: Solitary Cherry Blossom at Koiwai Farm / Iwate Prefecture
Optimal Viewing Period: Late April to Early May
Ranked second is the "Solitary Cherry Blossom at Koiwai Farm" in Iwate Prefecture, which stands out amidst lush green farmland. Originally planted as a shade tree to protect cows from direct sunlight on the farm, it has now become a celebrated spring spectacle.
The Edo Higan Cherry tree, with an age of approximately 100 years, reaches its peak in late April each year. Set against the towering Mount Iwate, which still retains snow in the background, one can enjoy a breathtaking view that seems to blend winter and spring, adding to its allure.
Currently, the area is used for haymaking for cattle feed, making the surrounding greenery even more beautiful. Nearby, the Uemaru Cattle Barns feature 90 Yoshino Cherry trees, and there are numerous family-friendly attractions like ranch gardens.
- Solitary Cherry Blossom at Koiwai Farm (Koiwai Nōjō no Ipponzakura)
- Address: 36-1 Maruya, Shizukuishi-cho, Iwate Prefecture, within Koiwai Farm
- Phone: 019-692-4321 (Operating Hours: 9:00-16:30)
- Optimal Viewing Period: Late April to Early May
- Website: Koiwai Farm Homepage / Blossom Information
#1: Drooping Cherry Blossom at Shimizu / Kyoto Prefecture
Optimal Viewing Period: Mid-April to Late April
The indisputable first place goes to the "Drooping Cherry Blossom at Shimizu," blooming in the Kyoto Imperial Palace National Garden in Kyoto City. This drooping cherry tree is approximately 80 years old, with the area having a history of about 80 years, once serving as the residence for 200 imperial and court nobles during the Edo period.
Kyoto Imperial Palace is a highly popular tourist spot located in the heart of Kyoto City, renowned for its variety of cherry blossoms. Among them, the drooping cherry blossoms are famous for blooming first. They have double-layered flowers with relatively large petals.
Its popularity lies in its broad, beautiful overall silhouette, resembling a painting. Within Kyoto Imperial Palace, there are various other cherry blossoms, including the Edo Higan known as "Silk Cherry Blossoms," the Rizakura said to be one of the most beautiful cherry blossoms in Kyoto, and the Sanyo Cherry Blossoms hailed as "Kyoto's Most Beautiful Cherry Blossoms." It's an excellent way to experience Kyoto in spring.
- Drooping Cherry Blossom at Shimizu (Shimizu no Shidarezakura)
- Address: 3 Kyoto Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
- Phone: 075-211-6364 (Operating Hours: 8:30-16:30)
- Optimal Viewing Period: Mid-April to Late April
- Website: Kyoto Imperial Palace Homepage
This article ranks the stunning "solitary cherry blossoms" decorating each region, many of which have a long history that's surprising, creating romantic and spectacular views. Why not visit one of these blooming solitary cherry blossom trees and enjoy the magnificent scenery of spring?
