It is officially recognized as one of the 'Three Great Cherry Trees of Japan' alongside the Jindai Zakura and the Miharu Takizakura.
Legend credits the 26th Emperor Keitai with planting the tree to commemorate his accession to the throne.
The tree underwent a major life-saving operation in the 1990s involving soil replacement and root system restoration to combat decay.
The blossoms are technically a variant of the Cerasus spachiana f. ascendens, known for longevity compared to standard Yoshino cherry trees.
The tree was declared a National Natural Monument of Japan in 1922.
An on-site museum, the Usuzumizakura Memorial Hall, displays artifacts and historical data regarding the tree's preservation.
During peak blooming season, the area is illuminated at night to highlight the gray-tinted petals.
Neodani Usuzumi Zakura is one of Japan's three most famous cherry trees, designated a National Natural Monument. This Edohigan cherry tree is estimated to be over 1,500 years old. The tree is named for its unique color progression; the blossoms start pale pink, turn white at full bloom, and fade to a pale 'usu-zumi' gray ink color as they fall. It stands approximately 16 meters tall with a trunk circumference of nearly 10 meters. The tree has been grafted and propagated multiple times to ensure its survival despite its extreme age. It is located in a dedicated park area maintained by Motosu City in Gifu Prefecture.
The designated observation platform slightly elevated from the tree provides a clear panoramic view of the branches against the mountain backdrop.
Expect significant crowds during the peak bloom; arriving early in the morning is essential to avoid peak congestion.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the viewing area involves navigating paved paths with slight inclines.
Check local Motosu City bloom forecasts online, as the exact timing varies by up to two weeks depending on the spring temperature.
Do not visit outside of the blooming season expecting to see the flowers; the tree is a skeletal, dormant specimen for most of the year.
Best viewed during the spring flowering season; the surrounding park area is generally accessible year-round, though the tree itself is dormant during winter.
Do not touch the tree, cross the protective fence barriers, or step on the root zone within the designated enclosure.
