In the realm of breathtaking natural wonders, Japan offers a myriad of stunning vistas. Yet, among these, the Miharu Takizakura stands out as a truly awe-inspiring sight. This ancient weeping cherry tree, with its sprawling branches adorned in delicate pink blossoms, has witnessed over a thousand springs. Its extraordinary beauty and the waterfall-like spread of its flowers make it a must-visit destination for those seeking the sublime in nature’s expressions.
What is the Miharu Takizakura?
The Miharu Takizakura is not only one of Japan’s most cherished natural wonders but also a profound symbol of the nation’s cultural and historical heritage. Located in the town of Miharu in Fukushima Prefecture, this ancient cherry tree stands as a monumental spectacle of beauty and resilience. The name “Miharu Takizakura” translates to “waterfall cherry tree of Miharu,” a poetic description that perfectly captures the essence of its appearance. The tree’s branches cascade dramatically, draped in delicate pink blossoms that flow downward like a waterfall—a stunning natural display that attracts visitors from around the globe.
Miharu, the tree’s home, is a small town rich in history and natural beauty, located in central Fukushima. The town’s name, meaning “three springs,” hints at its abundant natural springs and also metaphorically suggests the blossoming of cherry, plum, and peach trees that spectacularly bloom each spring. The area around the tree has been carefully maintained to protect and highlight its beauty, including measures to support the heavy boughs with wooden beams, ensuring that they continue to thrive and inspire.
Why See the Miharu Takizakura
- A Living Legacy: Over 1,000 years old, the Miharu Takizakura is a testament to the enduring beauty of nature. It has been recognized as a natural monument, making it a historic and cultural treasure in Japan
- Breathtaking Beauty: The tree is renowned for its expansive canopy that stretches widely, resembling a waterfall of pink blossoms during the peak bloom in mid-April. This natural spectacle draws nature lovers and photographers alike.
- Symbol of Resilience: Despite suffering damage from natural disasters like heavy snow and being close to the 2011 earthquake epicenter, the Miharu Takizakura has stood resilient. This resilience adds to its allure and the deep emotional connection many feel when they visit.
- Nighttime Illumination: During the cherry blossom season, the Miharu Takizakura is illuminated at night, creating a hauntingly beautiful and ethereal sight that is vastly different from its daytime charm.
The Enduring Spirit of the Miharu Takizakura
The Miharu Takizakura is a cultural icon deeply embedded in the history and heart of Japan. Its staggering age of over 1,000 years marks it as a silent witness to centuries of Japanese history, enduring through periods of peace and turmoil alike. This longevity has made the Miharu Takizakura a symbol of endurance and resilience, traits highly valued in Japanese culture. The tree’s survival through various natural disasters, including heavy snowfall and the proximity to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, further cements its status as a living testament to resilience.
Moreover, the Miharu Takizakura has been officially recognized as a natural monument, underscoring its ecological and cultural importance. It is also listed among the three great cherry trees of Japan, a prestigious classification that highlights its exceptional status. Such recognition not only celebrates the tree itself but also enhances the local community of Miharu, aiding in its economic and cultural tourism development. As visitors flock to this remote town, they contribute to the local economy and partake in a cultural exchange that enriches both the visitor and the host community.
My Experience
After having spent the better part of the day in Fukushima City and checking in at my hotel in Koriyama, it was already evening when I set out to see the Miharu Takizakura. I foolishly thought it was easily accessible because Miharu Station was only two stops away from Koriyama Station and from there, I could just take a shuttle bus, but I was quickly proven wrong after I got off. The station was quiet and there were barely any lights. No sign of shuttle buses anywhere. Alas, it seems like the shuttle bus service was only available during daytime.
I tried to go back to Koriyama but the next train going back was 2 hours later! Thankfully, a cab pulled in as I was grappling with my options. I got in, knowing it would be a rather expensive ride, but at that point, I thought I barely had a choice. Sensing that I was not from the area, the cab driver offered to take me to the Miharu Takizakura and fetch me after an hour or so of sightseeing. In the Japanese countryside, when the sun sets, it gets pitch dark, and transportation options are scarce. So I was really lucky to have met this kind cab driver who knew I would be in a pinch for lack of preparation.
On the way, the cab driver started telling me stories about the city. He explained that the town of Miharu, the kanji meaning “three springs”, is called such because you can enjoy seeing cherry, plum, and peach blossoms in spring. As we neared the location, the Miharu Takizakura came into view, and he drove by slowly to allow me to see it from the cab window.
Talk about omotenashi. This just made my desire to promote the prefecture even stronger. When you sense people’s love for their hometown and their eagerness to show its charms to others, you can’t help but want to bridge that gap and share it with others, too.
Once I got off, I made my way to the entrance, which was a bit of a walk from the parking lot. There were several gates set up for admission but barely any people going in. It seems like the entrance was built to handle crowds, so I guess it’s a popular attraction during daytime.
After paying the 500 yen admission fee with my Suica, I went it. From the distance, I could see the majestic tree lit up. The cascading branches swaying with the wind and glowing against the pitch black darkness took my breath away. It was a strange, sweeping feeling, like I’m staring at something much greater than me; like I’m standing in the presence of something divine.
As if confirming what I was experiencing, I spotted the offertory box in the dark. These boxes are commonly seen in shrines where you put it some coins to pay respects to the god or gods that the shrine is for. This means that the Miharu Takizakura is considered a kami (god). In Shinto belief, after all, all things, alive or not, has a spirit. And this tree, definitely inspires awe enough to call it a kami.
The garden where the Miharu Takizakura can be found is designed with a path that goes uphill, allowing visitors to see the majestic tree from different vantage points. There were also other flowers around the park, but only the Miharu Takizakura was lit up, so it was hard to appreciate them at nighttime.
After following the path, taking in the view and as many photos and videos as I could, I made my way out. There were still a few food stalls open at that time, so I helped myself with some street food and went back to Koriyama feeling like I’ve been blessed to see one of the most beautiful things on this earth.
Video
The Miharu Takizakura is featured in the “This, Too, is Fukushima” series made to showcase the prefecture’s charms and combat misconceptions that the prefecture is a nuclear wasteland. The Miharu Takizakura can be seen in the first video, “Spectacular Fukushima“, at 05:25
How to Get to the Miharu Takizakura
Miharu Takizakura (三春滝桜, みはる たきざくらら)
Open 24 Hours
Official Website
25-minute bus ride
10-minute taxi ride from Miharu Station
The closest station is Miharu Station on the JR Banetsu-to Line. On festival dates, you can ride shuttle buses via a 1-day pass that costs ¥700. These shuttle buses are only available at daytime.
Alternatively, you can get a cab from the station. If you don’t find a cab at the station, you can call a taxi company in the area, but this will most likely require Japanese language skills.
