Ishiwari Cherry Blossom

Morioka District Court is located near "Morioka Castle Ruins Park". The Edohigan-zakura cherry blossom stands in the grounds of the Morioka District Court, about 11 meters high with a root circumference of 4.7 meters. The tree is about 350-400 years old, but the most surprising thing is that the huge cherry tree is growing out of a gap in the huge granite rock, which has a circumference of about 21 meters, as if it were breaking through a stone. It is the earliest in Morioka, and is at its best from mid to late April every year, when it is in full bloom, full of life.

Viewing is allowed on the grounds during the opening hours of the courthouse and from the sidewalk after the gates are closed. After sunset, visitors can enjoy the fantastic sight illuminated by nearby streetlights.

Morioka City is known for its many cherry blossom viewing spots, such as Morioka Castle Ruins Park, where you can enjoy the coexistence of old Someiyoshino trees and magnificent stone walls, and Takamatsu Park, where more than 1,200 trees were planted along the banks of a pond during the Meiji period. The Ishiwari cherry blossom is designated as a national natural monument along with the "Moriokashidare" cherry blossom at Ryukoku-ji Temple. Morioka City is the northernmost city in Japan to have cherry trees designated as a national natural monument, and it is rare to have multiple natural monuments of cherry trees in one city.