Miharu Takizakura
三春滝桜
Water scenery — lakes, gorges and falls that reset the pace of a trip.
Best season
May–June (fresh green) and October–November (autumn colour)
Time needed
1–3 hours
Admission
Usually free; boat rides roughly ¥1,000–2,000 (≈ $6–13)
Opening hours
Open access; boats typically 9:00–16:00
What this place is
The Miharu Takizakura (三春滝桜; lit. waterfall cherry tree of Miharu) is an ancient cherry tree in Miharu, Fukushima, in northern Japan. It is a weeping higan cherry (Prunus subhirtella var. pendula ‘Itosakura’. syn. Prunus spachiana ‘Pendula Rosea’. Benishidare-zakura in Japanese) and is over 1,000 years old. It flowers in mid to late April, and its light pink flowers spread in all directions from the branches, like a waterfall.
Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)
Why it is worth the trip
- Clear water that changes colour with the light, from deep blue in summer to jade after rain.
- Walkways, bridges and viewpoints built right along the water so the scenery unfolds as you move.
- Reflections of surrounding peaks and forest on calm mornings — the classic postcard shot.
What you can do here
- Walk the riverside or lakeshore promenade; most routes are flat and clearly signposted.
- Take a sightseeing boat or rent a rowboat, canoe or SUP where the water is calm.
- Photograph at golden hour, when low light makes the surface glow and crowds have thinned.
- Stop at a lookout café or rest house for local sweets with a water view.
Photos
Photos from Wikimedia Commons — click any image for the photographer and licence.
Getting there by public transport
Good to know before you go
- Paths near falls stay wet and slippery — wear shoes with grip, not sandals.
- Water volume peaks after rain and during snowmelt; the falls are far more dramatic then.
- Boat services shrink or stop in winter, so check the seasonal timetable before travelling.
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