🗺️ Ishiwarizakura (Stone-Cutting Cherry Blossom)石割桜

Not far from "Morioka Castle Ruins Park" stands the Morioka District Court, home to an Edo-period cherry blossom tree that reaches about 11 meters in height, with a trunk circumference of approximately 4.7 meters. Although the tree is estimated to be 350 to 400 years old, what is most astonishing is that this massive cherry tree has grown from a crevice in a giant granite rock with a circumference of about 21 meters, as if it were splitting the rock apart. It is one of the earliest blooming cherry trees in Morioka, and the flowering season lasts from mid to late April, showcasing a vibrant display of full blossoms. Visitors can tour the grounds during the court's opening hours, and after closing, they can freely explore the walking paths. After sunset, under the glow of nearby streetlights, a dreamlike scene can be enjoyed. Morioka City is renowned for its many cherry blossom viewing spots, including the "Morioka Castle Ruins Park," where ancient Somei Yoshino trees can be seen alongside impressive stone walls, and "Takamatsu Park," which features over 1,200 cherry trees planted during the Meiji era along the pond. This stone-splitting cherry tree, along with the "Morioka Shidarezakura" at Ryukoku-ji Temple, has been designated as a national natural monument. It is worth mentioning that Morioka City is the northernmost city in Japan where cherry trees have been designated as national natural monuments, and it is rare for a single city to have multiple cherry blossom natural monuments.

Like a cherry tree that has grown out of a massive granite rock, its age is approximately 350 to 400 years. The blooming period is from mid to late April. It can be viewed within the grounds during court opening hours, and at other times from the walking path. It has been designated as a national natural monument.