The Somei Yoshino cherry trees along the Hinokinai River embankment (designated as a national scenic spot) form a tunnel of cherry blossoms stretching for two kilometers. These Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom magnificently along the Hinokinai River embankment, which flows through the heart of the town. They were first planted in 1934 to commemorate the birth of the Emperor Emeritus. Currently, they are designated as a national scenic spot. Somei Yoshino cherry trees are hardy and have the characteristic of covering the entire tree with pale pinkish-white flowers before the green young leaves appear, so when they are in full bloom, the petals magnificently adorn the branches, creating a truly spectacular sight.
Cherry blossoms in Kakunodate
The origin of cherry blossoms – Somei Yoshino variety –
Kakunodate area
#Experience and see
#Nature and scenery
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At one point, it was in danger of being completely cut down!?
In Japan, it was not uncommon to plant cherry trees on riverbanks, but around 1972, it was thought that if trees took root, they would create holes in the embankment, allowing water to seep in and cause the embankment to collapse. As a result, a rule was established in the River Law prohibiting the planting of trees on embankments. Instead, the method of planting grass was adopted. The Hinokinai River embankment was no exception. The townspeople faced the crisis that the cherry trees they had carefully cultivated might be cut down.
The feelings of the residents who continued to protect the cherry blossoms
“We want to save the cherry blossoms somehow.” As the plan steadily progressed, the townspeople came up with the idea of “getting the cherry blossoms along the Hinokinai River embankment protected by law.” They thought of using the Cultural Properties Protection Act instead of the River Act, that is, getting the two-kilometer-long tunnel of cherry blossoms along the Hinokinai River embankment designated as a cultural property by the national government and protected by law. As a result, the town proposed to the council that the embankment be designated as a town road. The “cherry blossoms on the embankment” were left untouched as they became “cherry blossoms along a tree-lined road,” and the resulting scenery, harmonizing with the gentle flow of the river, was praised for its beauty, like a masterpiece painting.
Overcoming the crisis and becoming a nationally designated country
Thanks to the residents’ continued efforts to protect the cherry blossoms along the Hinokinai River embankment, they have now been designated a national scenic spot. The tunnel of cherry blossoms that unfolds like a fairytale world is filled with the passionate feelings that the townspeople have for their cherry blossoms.
The origin of cherry blossoms – Weeping cherry blossoms edition –
Past flowering information
basic information
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