Tohoku · FukushimaFlower
A single thousand-year-old cherry tree cascades pink blossoms like a waterfall, drawing visitors from across Japan each spring.
Overview
The Miharu Takizakura, or ‘waterfall cherry’, is one of Japan’s three great cherry trees and a designated national natural monument. Standing over thirteen metres tall with branches that tumble toward the ground, it puts on a spectacular solo display in the Fukushima countryside. In the evenings the tree is illuminated, revealing a very different, dreamlike side to its daytime pink.
When & Where
In 2026 the tree was in full bloom around April 7, with a viewing window of roughly April 4 to 15; timing shifts each year with the weather. The tree stands in the Taki district of Miharu Town, Fukushima. Nearest station: JR Miharu Station, with a seasonal shuttle running during the bloom.
Getting There
From Koriyama, take the JR Ban-etsu East Line to Miharu Station, where seasonal shuttle buses run to the tree in about 20 minutes during peak bloom. Because the flowering period is short and popular, check the town’s bloom updates before travelling and go early on weekdays to avoid the heaviest crowds.
What to Expect
- A single 1,000-year-old weeping cherry over 13 metres tall
- Long branches cascading toward the ground like a waterfall
- Evening illumination during the peak bloom period
- A hillside of additional cherry trees around the main tree
- Seasonal food stalls near the site
Tickets & Access
A conservation cooperation fee of 500 yen is collected during viewing hours (free for junior high students and younger). Hours are typically 6:00 to 18:00, extended to about 20:30 on illumination evenings.
Tips for Visitors
Full bloom lasts only a few days, so build flexibility into your plans and watch the official bloom forecast. Visit once in daylight and again after dark for the illumination, and dress warmly as spring evenings in the hills stay cold.
Access and Map
| Dates | Around April 4 to 15, 2026 (full bloom near April 7; varies yearly) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Miharu Takizakura, Taki, Miharu Town, Fukushima |
| Nearest station | JR Miharu Station (seasonal shuttle) |
| Access | JR Ban-etsu East Line from Koriyama to Miharu, then shuttle (~20 min) |
| Admission | 500 yen conservation fee (free for junior high and younger) |
| Official site | Fukushima Travel (Fukushima Prefecture Tourism) |
Source: Fukushima Travel (Fukushima Prefecture Tourism)
Image: Photo: 京浜にけ at Japanese Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)
