The weeping cherry tree at Ruri-ji Temple in Yoshida, Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture, which is said to be over 400 years old, is now in full bloom. Many visitors from outside the city are coming to admire its beauty and taking pictures.
It is said that in the 16th century, Hosokawa Yusai, the lord of Tanabe Castle, transplanted the cherry tree from Yoshida Mountain in Kyoto for Nakanoin Michikatsu, a court noble who was imprisoned in the area. The buds are said to have opened all at once at the end of March when the temperature rose, and the pale pink petals hanging from the giant tree are captivating visitors.
A 72-year-old man who lives in Maizuru City and visits every year smiled and said, "There is no other cherry tree this big anywhere else. I am proud as a citizen."
According to the "Yoshida Ruri-ji Temple Weeping Cherry Tree Preservation Society," which is made up of temple parishioners, the tree is expected to remain in full bloom throughout the week. The chairman (77 years old) said, "The way the flowers fall after they turn white is also breathtaking. I hope everyone will enjoy it."
