Somei-Yoshino Cherry Blossoms on the Banks of the Hinokinai River (Nationally Designated Place of Scenic Beauty) A two-kilometer-long cherry blossom tunnel. Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom in full glory on the banks of the Hinokinai River, which flows through the center of town. They were first planted in 1934 to commemorate the birth of the former Emperor. They are now also designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Somei-Yoshino cherry trees are tolerant of environmental conditions and are characterized by the fact that they produce pale pink-white flowers that cover the entire tree before the green young leaves appear. When in full bloom, the petals decorate the branches in a spectacular display, making for a truly spectacular sight.
Cherry blossoms in Kakunodate
The origin of cherry blossoms – Somei Yoshino edition –
At one point, the entire area was in danger of being cut down!
Planting cherry trees on river banks was not unusual in Japan, but around 1972, the River Law was enacted, stating that trees could not be planted on banks, as it was thought that if the trees took root they would create holes in the banks, which would allow water to seep in and cause the banks to collapse. Instead, grass was planted instead, and the Hinokinai River bank was no exception. The townspeople were faced with the risk of the cherry trees they had lovingly nurtured being cut down.
The thoughts of the residents who have continued to protect the cherry blossoms
“We want to preserve the cherry blossoms somehow.” As the plan steadily progressed, the townspeople came up with the idea of “getting the cherry blossoms on the Hinokinai River bank protected by law.” They came up with the idea of using the Cultural Properties Protection Act instead of the River Act, meaning that in order to preserve the two-kilometer cherry blossom tunnel on the Hinokinai River bank, they could have it designated as a national cultural property and protected by law. As a result, the town proposed this to the assembly, and the bank was designated as a town road. The “cherry blossoms on the bank” were left uncut, as they became “cherry blossoms as a tree-lined avenue,” and the landscape, which harmonizes with the gentle flow of the river, was praised as being as beautiful as a masterpiece.
Overcoming the crisis and becoming a national designation
The cherry blossoms on the banks of the Hinokinai River, which the residents have continued to protect, have now been designated a National Place of Scenic Beauty. The cherry blossom-colored tunnel that stretches out like a fairy tale world is filled with the passionate feelings that the townspeople have for the cherry blossoms.
〇The origin of cherry blossoms – weeping cherry tree edition –
Past flowering information
basic information
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