– Designated on October 9, 1974
– Additional designation on February 12, 2009
In spring, Kakunodate is colored by the gracious blooms of the weeping cherry trees against the background of various other trees of the tranquil samurai residences.
The weeping cherry trees were brought from Kyoto and planted here during the reign of Yoshichika Satake, who was appointed lord of Kakunodate in 1656, and that of his son, Yoshiaki Satae.
They are the weeping variant of the Edohigan Cherry (Prunus Pendula), and produce blossoms in two colors: white and faint red.
The weeping cherry trees were planted at the samurai residences of the Omotemachi and Higashikatsurakucho areas. Among 200 trees, some of which are as old as 300 years, 162 are designated as natural treasures. This is the only case in Japan where such a large number of cherry trees remain from older times.
National Agency of Culture, Akita Prefectural Board of Education, and Semboku City Board of Education”
