JAPANESE CULTURE, EXPLAINED
三春滝桜
Miharu Takizakura is a named weeping cherry in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, of the Edohigan-related benishidare type. The name identifies this individual tree, protected as a national Natural Monument since 1922.
Large branches spread outward and smaller twigs hang down, creating the cascading canopy associated with the name “waterfall cherry”. Location and branching form identify the tree more effectively than a close-up of an isolated pink flower.
The age of over a thousand years is estimated: decay has removed the oldest central wood and a complete ring record. The height of 13.5 metres comes from a 2007 survey. These are different kinds of evidence.
Heavy wet snow in January 2005 broke branches in the middle and upper canopy. Specialists guided treatment of the broken surfaces. The present form therefore reflects damage and care. The town’s 2022 account also records deadwood pruning every five years to reduce loading and improve airflow.
A February 2025 town notice describes work moving from the eastern side in the previous year to the west. Workers used scaffolding to inspect growth, moving, adding or replacing supports as branches developed, alongside deadwood and pest treatment. Supports are not a permanent arrangement fixed once and left alone: the tree continues growing, so care involves observation and adjustment.
The town gives a usual flowering period in mid- to late April; weather changes the timing each year. Tourism photographs retain their own dates and cannot establish today’s bloom. Other cherry trees nearby should also be distinguished from this protected individual.
The age is estimated because the oldest central wood is missing; the height is a measurement tied to a survey year.
Branches have broken and needed treatment. The canopy reflects damage and care, rather than an unchanged thousand-year-old shape.
Branches keep growing, so the position and condition of supports need checking and adjustment.
