The 6 greatest cherry blossom trees of Japan and where to see them

The Usuzumi Zakura tree in Gifu is famous for its unusually soft pink blossoms, which have earned it its name usuzumi, which means 'pale ink'. The tree blooms in early to mid-April and is a favourite among photographers. What's more remarkable is that it's over 1,500 years old and believed to have been personally planted by Emperor Keitai (the 26th Emperor of Japan) in the year 467. 

The Usuzumi Zakura tree is in Motosu's Usuzumi Park, nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains near Tarumi Station. During cherry blossom season, the park hosts a sakura festival with various cherry blossom-inspired treats, including cherry blossom senbei (rice crackers) and sakura mochi.

This rare weeping cherry blossom tree in Fukushima prefecture is estimated to be over 1,000 years old and is regarded as a national treasure. The Miharu Takizakura is particularly striking due to its size, with a height of over 12 metres and a circumference of 9.5 metres. The tree is also known for its cascading branches, which create a stunning waterfall effect of pink blossoms during its peak bloom in mid to late April.

Finally, there's the legendary Jindai Zakura on the grounds of the Jissoji Temple in Yamanashi prefecture. Believed to be over 2,000 years old, the Jindai Zakura is considered to be the oldest living cherry blossom tree in Japan and, perhaps, the world. 

With a name that loosely translates to 'as ancient as the age of mythology,' the Jindai Zakura stands tall at roughly ten metres and boasts a trunk circumference of around 12 metres. Yet, despite its impressive age, this 2,000-year-old tree has been facing challenges in recent times. Unfortunately, two-thirds of its trunk has withered, and the remaining third produces very few blossoms.

Thankfully, efforts have been made to preserve this historic tree, such as protecting the roots and introducing nutrient-rich soil, allowing the Jindai Zakura to develop new roots and branches.