🗺️ Tiger Tail Cherry虎の尾桜

Hōyō-ji, established over 1300 years ago, is the oldest temple of the Tendai sect and is famous for its three-story pagoda, designated as an important cultural property by the prefecture. Standing in front of the Kannon Hall at Hōyō-ji is the "Torao Zakura" (Tiger Tail Cherry), which, along with the "Ishibu Zakura" from Aizuwakamatsu City, the "Usuzumi Zakura" from Misato Town, the "Sugi-kei Zakura" from Sakakibara Town, and the "Oshika Zakura" from Inawashiro Town, is one of the famous cherry trees representing Aizu, collectively known as the "Aizu Five Cherry Trees." The "Wakamatsu Ryokutaka Meiboku Tai," compiled during the Edo period, features popular "things" and "events" from the Aizu castle town, including Noh and Kyogen performances, scenic spots, and sake, and introduces the Aizu Five Cherry Trees under the name "Taka-me Zakura." The variety is a type of cherry derived from Oshima Zakura, known as "Sato Zakura" (domestic cherry). Its pale-colored, double petals are different from typical cherry blossoms, and its leaf buds emerge slightly earlier than the flower buds. There are two theories regarding its name: one suggests that the tree's shape resembles a tiger lying down, while the other posits that the flag petals extending from the center of the flower resemble a tiger's tail. The blooming period is in late April, and one can still see the beautiful appearance that the historical lords of the past admired.

The cherry tree standing in front of the Kannon Hall of Hōyō-ji Temple. It is one of the famous cherry trees representing Aizu, known as "Aizu Gozakura." This rare variety has leaf buds that emerge slightly earlier than the flower buds. The best blooming period for the cherry blossoms is typically in late April each year. The wooden statue of the Kongōrikishi in the Kannon Hall of Hōyō-ji Temple was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan on June 9, 1960.