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▲Jindai-Zakura (Hokuto City)
In Yamanashi’s Hokuto City, there is a legendary cherry blossom tree known as the “Jindai-Zakura.” Although the exact age of this large tree (10.3 meters) is yet to be determined, its estimated to be between 1,800 to 2,000 years old—making it the oldest cherry blossom tree in Japan and perhaps the world.
Tales of the Jindai-Zakura’s roots trace all the way back to Japan’s legendary Yamato Takeru, also known as “Prince Otsu.” He served as Japan’s 12th Emperor, and it is said that he was the legendary figure who planted this tree when he traveled to the region during the first century. However, he is not the only famous figure to be associated with the tree. Buddhist Priest Nichiren (1222-1282) is also said to have encountered the tree at a time when it was withering and looked as if it would soon die. Seeing it in this dismal state saddened Nichiren, and it is said that he prayed for its recovery. Not long after, it seemed to completely recover, and adopted the name “myoho-zakura,” meaning “Saddharma cherry blossom.”
Inside the precinct of Jissoji Temple, where the tree is housed, you can spot another interesting tree—the Uchu Zakura (space cherry blossom). It is a smaller tree, cultivated from seeds taken from the Jindai-Zakura, but that isn’t the only thing that makes this tree special. Back in November of 2009, these very seeds from the Jindai-Zakura were taken into space by NASA, and they spent approximately eight months circling the globe in the space station. Out of the 118 seeds brought to space, only two managed to bloom, one being the Uchu Zakura at Jissoji Temple. Interestingly enough, although a typical cherry blossom has only five petals—those of this tree have six.
This year (2020), temperatures have been a little warmer than usual. According to reports from the Japan Meteorological Agency, cherry blossom season is expected to start early, beginning on March 20th with flowers coming to full bloom by the 27th. The trees at Jissoji Temple are especially popular, so try to come on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Don’t forget to take in the ephemeral beauty of these special cherry blossoms on your next trip to Yamanashi!
More Info
Hokuto Tourism Association website:
https://www.hokuto-kanko.jp/sp/sakura_jindai
Address: 2763, Mukawacho Yamataka, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi
Search for "Yamataka Jindaizakura"
I'm an enthusiast with a deep knowledge of botanical history, particularly in the realm of ancient trees and their cultural significance. Over the years, my passion has led me to explore and understand the narratives surrounding legendary trees, and one such fascinating specimen is the Jindai-Zakura in Hokuto City, Yamanashi.
The Jindai-Zakura is an awe-inspiring cherry blossom tree, standing at an impressive 10.3 meters. What sets it apart is its remarkable age, estimated to be between 1,800 to 2,000 years old, making it not only the oldest cherry blossom tree in Japan but quite possibly the world. My expertise extends to the historical tales woven around this iconic tree, tracing its roots back to Japan's legendary Yamato Takeru, also known as "Prince Otsu," who is believed to have planted the tree during the first century.
However, the historical narrative doesn't end there. Another significant figure associated with the Jindai-Zakura is the Buddhist Priest Nichiren (1222-1282). Legend has it that Nichiren encountered the tree in a withering state, and moved by compassion, he prayed for its recovery. Miraculously, the tree rebounded and was named "myoho-zakura," meaning "Saddharma cherry blossom."
Within the precinct of Jissoji Temple, where the Jindai-Zakura is housed, you'll find another intriguing tree—the Uchu Zakura or space cherry blossom. This smaller tree, cultivated from seeds of the Jindai-Zakura, holds a unique story. In 2009, NASA took seeds from the Jindai-Zakura into space, and after eight months of orbiting the Earth, only two seeds bloomed—one of them becoming the Uchu Zakura. Notably, this tree's blossoms have an extra petal, boasting six instead of the usual five.
As an expert, I can also provide insights into the broader context of cherry blossom seasons in Japan. In the case of the Jissoji Temple trees, it's advisable to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during the early bloom period predicted by the Japan Meteorological Agency, starting on March 20th and reaching full bloom by the 27th.
For those interested in experiencing the ephemeral beauty of these special cherry blossoms and planning a trip to Yamanashi, the Hokuto Tourism Association website () is a valuable resource. Additionally, the specific location of the Jindai-Zakura can be found at 2763, Mukawacho Yamataka, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi. If you're eager to explore further, you can search for "Yamataka Jindaizakura" for additional details.
