The tree belongs to the Cerasus itosakura (Edo-higan) species, known for its extreme longevity compared to other cherry types.
It is locally referred to as a 'haru-tsuge-zakura' or 'spring-announcing cherry' because its early blooming signals the start of the season in the Yamatsuri area.
Despite its age, the tree remains healthy and produces a dense canopy of small, pale pink flowers annually.
The tree is situated on a small elevated knoll, which protects its root system from being waterlogged by the surrounding rice fields.
Totsube no Sakura is a solitary Edo-higan cherry tree located in Yamatsuri, Fukushima Prefecture. It is officially designated as a natural monument by the town of Yamatsuri. The tree is estimated to be over 600 years old, making it one of the oldest cherry trees in the region. It stands roughly 18 meters tall with a trunk circumference of approximately 6.5 meters. The tree is famous for blooming slightly earlier than the more common Somei Yoshino variety. It sits in a rural agricultural landscape surrounded by paddies and rolling hills. The location offers an unobstructed view of the tree against the backdrop of the local mountain range.
The path looking upward from the base of the knoll to capture the tree in full bloom against the blue sky.
Bring a portable stool or picnic mat if you intend to stay for an extended photography session.
Check the local Yamatsuri town tourism website in early spring for bloom status reports, as the exact peak dates vary by up to a week each year.
Respect the agricultural surroundings by staying strictly on marked paths and avoiding the mud of adjacent rice paddies.
Do not park on narrow shoulders of nearby roads, as this causes traffic congestion for local farmers; use designated temporary parking areas.
Best viewed during the bloom period in late March or early April; otherwise, it is a dormant tree for the remainder of the year.
Do not climb the tree, touch the bark, or enter the roped-off root protection zone.
