About
In the heart of Morioka, where the city’s pulse harmonizes with the whispers of history, there stands a testament to nature's indomitable spirit—a cherry tree known as the Ishiwarizakura, or the Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree. This venerable sakura, an Edo Higan variety, emerges defiantly from the crevice of a colossal granite boulder, its roots having patiently and persistently widened the stone's fissure over centuries.
The tale of Ishiwarizakura is woven into the fabric of time. It is said that during the Edo period, this site was the garden of the North family, a lineage of Morioka domain's chief retainers. Within this serene landscape lay a massive rock, which, according to legend, was cleaved by a lightning strike, creating a narrow chasm. From this slender gap, a cherry seed found its sanctuary, sprouting and flourishing against all odds. As the tree grew, its expanding roots gradually pried the stone apart, a silent yet powerful testament to life's resilience. (morioka-kankou.com)
By the Meiji era, the tree had garnered admiration and was affectionately named "Sakuragumo-ishi," meaning "Cherry Cloud Stone." Its fame spread, and in 1923, it was designated as a National Natural Monument, recognizing its unique beauty and historical significance. (morioka-kankou.com)
The Ishiwarizakura has witnessed the ebb and flow of time, including the devastating fire of 1932 that engulfed the Morioka District Court. Amidst the inferno, the tree's northern limbs were scorched. Yet, through the valiant efforts of a dedicated gardener named Jitaro Fujimura, who braved the flames to protect this living monument, the tree survived. The following spring, it once again adorned itself with delicate blossoms, symbolizing hope and renewal. (sancider.com)
Each spring, as the snow recedes and the air fills with the promise of warmth, the Ishiwarizakura awakens. Its gnarled branches, supported by wooden crutches to bear their weight, burst into a profusion of pale pink flowers. The contrast between the delicate petals and the rugged stone from which they emerge captivates onlookers, embodying the harmonious coexistence of strength and fragility.
Visitors gather beneath its canopy, drawn by the tree's storied past and the serene beauty it imparts. The Ishiwarizakura stands not merely as a botanical wonder but as a living chronicle of Morioka's heritage, a symbol of perseverance that continues to inspire all who stand in its presence.