Scenic view artificial lake of Miboro Dam
The bus tour took us along the scenic reaches of the Shokawa River, including a stop to see two 450 year old Cherry Blossom trees. Amazingly both Cherry blossom trees survived after removal from the grounds of two ancient temples, Shorenji and Korinji temples.They have survived and flourished.
Two 450 year old Cherry blossom trees
450 year old Cherry blossom trees
Ancient Sukura or Cherry blossom trees are sacred in Japan. The chief arborist in Japan at that time was not convinced the two ancient trees could be removed from the temple grounds and transplanted successfully to the lake shore. It is hard to imagine the resources and skills required to remove these two huge ancient Cherry blossom trees, and transplant them successfully, but they did. This occurred in 1960.
450 year old tree trunk of transplanted cherry blossom trees.
Shokawazukura of Miboro – Sacred Cherry blossom trees
The magnificent old trees known as ‘Shokawazukura of Miboro’, registered now as prefectural natural monuments. The two, 450-year-old Shokawazakura Cherry blossom trees grow by the observatory on the scenic shore of the artificial lake of Miboro Dam. Do they look their age? Yes, they do. Despite their age or because of their age, the Cherry blossom trees produce a mass profusion of blossoms every year in spring. After this amazing feat of removal and transplant, you would have to think ‘nothing is impossible”.
scenic shore-artificial lake of Miboro Dam
Statue scenic shore-artificial lake of Miboro Dam
‘Meiboku’ or Time-honored trees
The ‘Shokawazukura of Miboro’ are among a handful of time-honored trees known as ‘Meiboku’. The Japanese treasure ‘Meiboku’; ancient specimens of Sakura or Cherry Blossom trees. They have a special fondness for the ancient Cherry blossom trees because of their age, stately presence and ongoing ability to produce wonderful delicate cherry blossoms in spring.
Shokawazukura of Miboro, 450 year old transplanted cherry blossom trees.Takayama
Ancient Cherry Blossom trees in full bloom
The view on the lake shore is very scenic, the water of the lake a gorgeous shade of blue, a wonderful foil for the delicate pink petals of the two 450 year old Cherry Blossom trees. The Japanese believe that each petal from the cherry blossom trees represents a memory from someone who lived in the villages now buried under the waters of the dam. A beautiful and comforting thought, don’t you think?
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About Lyn
Nice scenery. My wife and I were debating going to Japan or Bali in the spring for our anniversary. The beach won out this time. We prefer natural spots to built up cities. From your photos though, there is clearly a lot of beautiful nature there. Perhaps we will consider it again for a future trip.
BTW, how do they know the trees are 450 years old?
Hi Jason, nice to hear from you again. I hope you enjoyed your trip to Bali. Takayama is a beautiful region of Japan with so much history. As to the age of the trees,I’m sure you would find the Japanese would have records from the villages and temples, as well as physical means to determine the age of the trees.Thanks for dropping by
Transplanted and also 450 years? So so phenomenal and blessed.
Yes indeed, and still flowering. I find it pretty amazing. Thanks for your comment.