Shokawa Cherry Trees

Overview

The Shokawa cherry trees are two ancient Edohigan cherry trees, estimated to be 450 years old, located in Shokawa-cho, Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. These trees faced imminent submersion during the construction of the Miogi Dam in 1960. However, Tatsunosuke Takasaki, the first president of Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. (J-Power), strongly desired their transplantation. This led to an incredibly challenging transplantation project undertaken by cherry tree expert Shintaro Sasabe and landscape architect Masamitsu Niwa, among others. Moving these giant trees was considered impossible at the time. The project involved carefully excavating the trees, preserving as much of their root systems as possible, and transplanting them with their surrounding earth – a grueling process that took approximately one year. Initially, there were concerns that the trees wouldn't survive, but thanks to the expertise of the professionals and the resilience of nature, they were successfully revived. Today, the Shokawa cherry trees are a beloved symbol of Lake Miogi. Every spring, they burst into bloom with their delicate pink blossoms, captivating visitors. During the cherry blossom season, they are also illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere. The Shokawa cherry trees stand as a moving testament to the remarkable coexistence of dam construction and the survival of these magnificent trees. Near the Shokawa cherry trees is the MIBORO Dam Side Park, which includes the Miogi Power Plant Museum and Shokawa Cherry Tree Memorial Hall. Here you can find videos, photos, and documents detailing the transplantation process and the history of the Shokawa cherry trees. Well-maintained walking paths around the memorial hall offer stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. When visiting the Shokawa cherry trees, it's best to time your trip with their blooming season. The sight of the trees in full bloom is breathtaking. The illuminated trees at night offer a different, equally enchanting experience. The Shokawa cherry trees are a miracle born from the strength of nature and human perseverance. We highly recommend visiting to witness their beauty.