Yamataka Jindai Zakura

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Majestic Yamataka Jindai Zakura – Centuries-Old Cherry Tree in Yamanashi, Japan

古の時代から咲き誇る、大津山實相寺の山高神代桜

The Yamataka Jindai Zakura (山高神代桜) at Jissoji Temple in the highlands of Yamanashi's Hokuto region is one of the Three Great Sakura Trees of Japan. Standing at just 10.3 meters (33.8 ft) tall and spanning 11.8 meters (36 ft) at the trunk, it may not be the largest, but it is certainly among the oldest, with an estimated age of 1,800 to 2,000 years. This remarkable tree was designated as Japan’s first-ever Natural Monument in 1920, a testament to its historical and cultural significance.

Through the centuries, Yamataka Jindai Zakura has endured countless natural disasters. Although it is smaller than it once was, its thick trunk, and gnarled branches still stretch proudly, supported by wooden poles to preserve its legacy for future generations. These poles are not just practical—they are symbols of the local community’s commitment to this living monument.

Legend holds that the tree was planted by Yamato Takeru, a warrior prince and folk hero of ancient Japan. Centuries later, the Buddhist priest Nichiren (1222–1282), who was thee founder of the Nichiren school of Buddhism and Jissoji Temple itself, allegedly found the tree withering and prayed for its survival. His prayers, according to temple tradition, helped revive it. Since then, generations of monks at Jissoji Temple have carefully nurtured the ancient cherry tree, ensuring its survival through time.

Jindai Zakura has become a symbol of peace and unity, with its seedlings planted across Japan and around the world. Notably, you can find its descendants in Hungary, the Vatican, Italy, San Marino, Poland, Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, and more, with each sapling a living diplomat and promoter of peace between Japan and countries around the world.

In a remarkable journey beyond Earth, Jindai Zakura seeds were sent into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour to the Japanese Experiment Module "Kibo" on the International Space Station. After returning to Earth in 2009, only two of the 118 seeds germinated. One seedling was planted at a local junior high school, and the other found its home back at Jissoji Temple. Surprisingly, the sapling at the temple flourished and even began to bloom. Its blossoms are unique: while typical cherry blossoms have five petals, the "Uchu Zakura" (Space Sakura) has six petals, making for a mysterious reminder of its time in space.

With a greater understanding of this tree’s life story, I feel that the Yamataka Jindai Zakura stands as a living bridge between past, present, and even the stars, symbolizing resilience, history, and hope for the future.

• Location: Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan

• Timestamp: 2025/04/08・06:36

• Pentax K-1 II + DFA 28-105mm F3.5-5.6 + CP

• 45 mm ISO 100 for 1/40 sec. at ƒ/9

References:

1. Google Maps: Otsuyama Jisso Temple・大津山 實相寺

2. Google Maps: Yamataka Jindai Zakura・山高神代桜

3. Otsuyama Jisso Temple・大津山 實相寺 (Japanese)

4. Manualz Co.,Ltd.: Otsuyama Jiso-ji Temple (Japanese)

5. Yamanashi Tourism Organization: Yamataka Jindai Zakura 1 (English)

6. Yamanashi Tourism Organization: Yamataka Jindai Zakura 2 (English)

7. Miho Yanagisawa (Cabinet Office, Government of Japan): The Japanese and Cherry Blossoms (English)

8. Miho Yanagisawa (Cabinet Office, Government of Japan): Yamataka Jindai Zakura (English)

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Join me on a short photowalk in the rural town of Hokuto in Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県北杜市), Japan. We explore the numerous cherry blossoms and daffodil fields, the ancient Yamataka Jindai Zakura Cherry Tree (山高神代桜), and some of the beautiful grounds of the Otsuyama Jisso-ji Temple (大津山實相寺).

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