What Is Miharu Takizakura?
Miharu Takizakura is a weeping cherry tree over an estimated 1,000 years old, located in Miharu Town, Tamura District, Fukushima Prefecture. Its long branches spread in all directions, and during the blooming season, countless flowers cascade down from the branch tips.
Its appearance during the blooming period evokes water flowing down like a waterfall, which is why it is called "Takizakura" (waterfall cherry tree).
Basic Information on Miharu Takizakura
The variety is Beni-shidare-zakura of the Edohigan type, with an estimated age of over 1,000 years, and typically blooms from mid- to late April.
It is a giant tree with a height of 13.5 meters, a root circumference of 11.3 meters, and a trunk circumference of 8.1 meters.
The branches extend 11.0 meters to the east, 14.5 meters to the south, 14.0 meters to the west, and 5.5 meters to the north, with the vast spread in all directions being one of Takizakura's signature features.
The address is 296 Sakurakubo, Taki, Miharu-machi, Tamura-gun, Fukushima Prefecture, useful as a guide for car navigation or map searches.
Why Miharu Takizakura Is Called One of Japan's Three Great Cherry Trees
The appeal of Miharu Takizakura lies in how a single cherry tree combines both historical depth and scenic beauty.
It is counted as one of Japan's "Three Great Cherry Trees" along with the Yamataka Jindai-zakura in Yamanashi Prefecture and the Neo-dani Usuzumi-zakura in Gifu Prefecture, and on October 12, 1922 (Taisho 11), it became the first cherry tree to be designated a National Natural Monument.
Already well known as a famous tree during the Edo period, records remain of how it was protected by local residents and rulers.
Beyond the Blossoms: The Story of Its Preservation
Its current form is not simply the result of nature alone.
Responses to broken branches, along with continued conservation efforts by preservation societies, schools, and the local community, have allowed many people to enjoy this tree today.
Ongoing, often invisible work such as installing support props and improving the soil has contributed to its current form, now over 1,000 years old.
Best Time to Visit and How to Enjoy Miharu Takizakura
The best time to see Miharu Takizakura typically falls from mid- to late April, and over the most recent five years (2019–2023), the average opening date was April 2 and full bloom was around April 7.
Especially when it reaches full bloom, the spread of the branches and the volume of flowers become clearly visible, and the impression changes between viewing up close and stepping back to see the whole tree.
Standing on a hillside, it can be viewed from both above and below, making it popular as a photo spot.
Illuminations That Transform Day into Night
During the blooming season, illuminations are held in some years, typically announced from around 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in recent years.
At night, the flower color and branch outlines stand out against the darkness, creating a dreamlike atmosphere quite different from the soft pink of daytime.
Since dates and times vary by year, checking current information before your visit is recommended.
How to Get to Miharu Takizakura and Viewing Fees
Miharu Takizakura is located about 8 kilometers from JR Miharu Station on the Ban'etsu East Line, and from Koriyama Station, you can reach Miharu Station in about 13 minutes by the Ban'etsu East Line, followed by a taxi ride.
During the blooming season, special buses from Miharu Station to the Takizakura area operate in some years, and traffic restrictions are enforced in the surrounding roads, so checking not only bloom conditions but also traffic information will make your trip smoother.
Parking Information for Visitors by Car
By car, a free Takizakura main parking lot (capacity of about 850 cars) is available, and entering "296 Sakurakubo, Taki, Miharu-machi, Tamura-gun, Fukushima" in your car navigation works smoothly.
Weekends during peak bloom get crowded from early morning, so visiting in the early morning or on weekdays tends to allow for a calmer viewing experience.
About the Viewing Fee
During the blooming season, a viewing fee of 500 yen (free for junior high students and younger) is required as an environmental conservation cooperation contribution.
Collection hours are from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., extended until 8:30 p.m. on illumination days. The fee is waived with a disability certificate.
Items to Check Before Your Visit
- Bloom status and peak-bloom forecast
- Whether traffic restrictions are in place
- Information on shuttle buses and the special "Takizakura-go" bus
- Whether illuminations are held and their hours
- Collection period of the viewing fee
Check official announcements for blooming updates, illumination schedules, traffic restrictions, and special bus service.
Viewing Etiquette for Miharu Takizakura
When viewing Miharu Takizakura, visitors are asked to refrain from entering private property, cooperate with signs and guides' instructions, and avoid drone flights and roadside parking.
To protect this famous tree for years to come, quietly viewing from outside the fence also helps preserve the scenery.
Visitors are asked to take their trash home and to avoid gathering wild plants or touching the branches.
How to Think About Taking Photos
More important than taking photos is not blocking the flow of other visitors.
During crowded peak-bloom times, being mindful of where and how long you stop, and avoiding photography styles that inconvenience others (such as using tripods or waiting for backlight), helps create a more pleasant experience for everyone.
Enjoying Spring in Miharu Town Beyond Takizakura
Miharu Takizakura is both a spot to see a single tree and a gateway to experiencing spring in Miharu.
True to its name ("Miharu" meaning "three springs"), Miharu Town is also known as a place where plum, peach, and cherry blossoms bloom at the same time, and during the blooming season, guides for visiting other cherry trees in town are often available.
Rather than going home after seeing only Takizakura, pair your visit with the scenery of the town and its old castle-town streets.
Summary
Miharu Takizakura is one of Japan's Three Great Cherry Trees, grown and protected over a long span of time.
Beyond the beauty of the blossoms, knowing the history of preservation carried on by the people of Miharu gives your on-site experience a little more depth.
If it is your first visit, check peak bloom, traffic restrictions, viewing fees, and whether illuminations are held in advance, and prepare calmly so you can enjoy the blossoms at a relaxed pace.
