Near Misawa Air Base, the famous “Ishiwarizakura” (literally, rock-breaking cherry tree) is blooming late thanks to its proximity to the coast and the low temps blowing from the cold ocean water. Photos by Yoshihito Morita ()
Cherry blossom season finally reached the northeastern areas of Tohoku in mainland Japan. Unfortunately, the joy of spring’s blush blooms was short-lived due to stormy weather and strong winds in many parts of the area.
Near Misawa Air Base, the famous “Ishiwarizakura” (literally, rock-breaking cherry tree) is blooming late thanks to its proximity to the coast and the low temps blowing from the cold ocean water.
For a close look at this surprising tree, head to the eastern slope above Hachinohe City’s Marient Marine Science Museum parking lot. The 10-meter-tall sakura tree rises from deep within the stony ground it stands on.
Back in 2011, this area and others in Tohoku on the Pacific coast were destroyed during the Great East Japan Earthquake and the resulting 4.6-meter-high tsunami. In the flooding that proceeded with the quake and tsunami, the sea level reached the museum’s parking lot.
The tree up on the slope barely escaped the disaster and in 2011, it bloomed two months after the earthquake. The tree quickly became a symbol of hope due to the beauty of its blossoms and the encouragement area locals felt from it during a time of despair.
“I believe the cherry tree has kept watching over the sea and people since the 3/11 disaster, and will do so for the years to come,” Yoshihito Morita of the Misawa Commissary said.
According to an official of the museum, the stone-breaking cherry blossom tree will be in bloom for another week. Make plans to check out this stunning sight and, while you’re there, stop by the Marient Museum which is home to marine life and offers many activities you and your whole family will love.
Marient Marine Science Museum Location: 14-33 Shimomatsunaeba, Samemachi, Hachinohe City, Aomori Prefecture Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission: adults 300 yen ($2.25), high schoolers 200 yen, elementary and middle schoolers 100 yen URL: https://visithachinohe.com/en/places/marient/ Tel: 0178-33-7800
