Cherry Blossoms of Old Iconic Tree in Full Bloom in Akita Pref.

The Yomiuri Shimbun

13:31 JST, April 17, 2026

AKITA — A 210-year-old weeping cherry tree has reached its peak blossoming in Yuzawa, Akita Prefecture.

The iconic tree — about 10 meters tall, with branches spread out to about 20 meters — is known as “Oshirasama’s weeping cherry” because it is adjacent to Hakusan Shrine, which is affectionately called “Oshirasama.”

According to the local community development council that manages the cherry tree, the blossoms usually appear from late April to early May.

This year’s blossoms, on April 13, appeared nine days earlier than last year.