2010.04.06.

There are many locations in Yamanashi which are famous for its great view of cherry blossoms (sakura, in Japanese). It is home to some of the most famous spots in Japan, such as the Yamataka-jindai zakura in Jissouji, the Mt.Minobu Kuonji Temple, Daihoushi Park, the Oito zakura of Kanda, Ostukazuma’s cherry blossoms, and the Kanazakura Shrine. In these places, you will be able to see one of the greatest cherry blossoms in Japan.

This time, we will introduce one of such areas around Koshu City in Yamanashi.

We shall begin with the mainstream; the Jiunji Temple. Here, you will be able to see the blossoms of the 320-year-old cherry tree which has also become one of the Natural Monuments of Koshu city. Jiunji is a Zen temple which was founded by Souseki Muso around the years of 1338-1341.

As soon as you walk through the gates of the temple, you are welcomed by the splendid sight.

Called the Itozakura [string cherry blossom], the branches of this kind drapes down in all four directions like strands of strings.

Peach blossoms were also in full bloom around the temple.

The contrast between the cherry blossoms and the rape flowers are magnificent.

We then continue our tour to Unpouji Temple. Here, the blossoms have not yet bloomed. The historical landmark is appointed as an important national treasure, and contained exhibitions of historical artifacts passed down from the famous Takeda family. We were not able to take photos within the facility, but we highly recommend seeing the treasures.

Now we move on to Erinji Temple. We visited just when cherry blossoms are best for viewing which is around the time of Erinji Shingenkou-ki, which is an even that takes place on April 12 every year in rememberance of Shingen Takeda.

Once destructed in an earlier conflict, it was revived as the family temple of the Takeda family. The funeral of the historically significant warrior, Shingen Takeda, also took place in this temple, also housing his grave. It, therefore, has the greatest number of treasures of Shingen Takeda on exhibition.

Shingen Takeda’s grave

The blossoms within the grounds of the temple were in full bloom. It was full of wonderful sights.

The four kanji characters written on the flag below are read “Fu-rin-ka-zan [wind, tree, fire, mountain]”.

The fist warrior to raise this flag was Akiie Kitabatake, but it was often used to symbolize the Takeda army after the Edo period.

Because the best locations for cherry blossoms in Yamanashi are spread apart, it is difficult to cover many places in one visit. Next year, we will introduce some of the others that we were not able to go to.

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