What are the points for viewing the new species of Kumano-zakuracherrytree? Kumano Sakura Association Mr. Tao and I will guide you through Kumano Kumano-zakuracherrytree spots in KihoTown

Do you know about the new species of cherry tree, Kumano-zakuracherrytree, which was discovered for the first time in about 100 years?

Kumano-zakuracherrytree is a wild cherry tree that is distributed in Nara, Mie, and Wakayama prefectures in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula. Since it was discovered in 2018, it has been attracting a lot of attention as an early-blooming cherry tree with beautiful flowers.

"Kumano-zakuracherrytree" has just been discovered and there is still much that is unknown. To learn more about Kumano-zakuracherrytree, we visited Yuji Tao (hereinafter referred to as Mr. Tao), the representative of the NPO Kumano Sakura no Kai, which is involved in cherry tree planting activities in KihoTown.

This year marks the 18th year of Kumano Sakura Association's tree planting activities.

Through an interview with Mr. Tao, who has been closely associated with cherry blossoms for many years, let's check out the characteristics of Kumano-zakuracherrytree and the key points for viewing them.
We will then introduce you to KihoTown 's Kumano-zakuracherrytree spots and famous cherry blossom viewing spots as we tour with Mr. Tao.

Why was Kumano-zakuracherrytree discovered as a new species for the first time in 100 years?

Tao: ``The wild cherry blossoms are beautiful again this year, but they're so early,'' I said as I looked at them.No one could tell the difference between the different types, so I thought they were wild cherry blossoms because they only bloom in the mountains.

Kumano-zakuracherrytree grows naturally only in the area south of KihokuTown in Mie Prefecture. The cherry blossoms were talked about by the locals every spring, and it was said that the wild cherry blossoms bloom twice.

Meanwhile, in March 2018, Mr. Tao heard the news that the 10th new species of bear Kumano-zakuracherrytree has been discovered in the wild for the first time in about 100 years.

Tao: ``We've been working under the name Kumano Sakura no Kai for 18 years, so we joked that it was like a cherry tree that had been found for us.'' Please tell them I'm not copying you."

The photo shows Kumano-zakuracherrytree tree planting that took place at Hisetsu-no-takiFalls campsite in February 2020. The second person from the right in the photo is Toshio Katsuki, Ph.D. (hereinafter referred to as Dr. Katsuki) of the Tama Forest Science Garden, Forestry and Forest Products Research Institute, who discovered Kumano-zakuracherrytree.

“Few Kumano-zakuracherrytree are planted, and there are still not many opportunities to actually see them.We hope that many people will be able to see Kumano-zakuracherrytree that were planted this spring at Asari Hisetsu-no-takiFalls Campsite in KihoTown. I hope that will happen.”
Mr. Katsuki looked back on those days and gave a comment of encouragement to the Kumano Sakura Association. Mr. Katsuki and Mr. Tao are working together to investigate the natural habitat of Kumano-zakuracherrytree in KihoTown and carry out tree-planting activities.

Here are the key points to identify Kumano-zakuracherrytree!

We asked Mr. Tao to tell us the key points to distinguish between Kumano-zakuracherrytree.

An easy-to-understand characteristic of Kumano-zakuracherrytree is that it blooms earlier than Yamazakura and Someiyoshino. Generally, the best time to see them is from February to March.

Next, the appearance characteristics are as follows.

・Petals: White to pale pink, some with slightly darker tips.

・Inflorescence/branch with flowers: The inflorescence of Kumano-zakuracherrytree usually has two flowers.

・Flower peduncle/branches that support the inflorescence: Glabrous.

In fact, there are many things we don't know about Kumano-zakuracherrytree as they are still at the research stage, and there are individual differences.
For example, the petals of the same Kumano-zakuracherrytree may have slightly different colors. When viewing Kumano-zakuracherrytree, it is important to check each feature one by one and ask yourself, "Is this Kumano-zakuracherrytree?"

This is Kohigan. If you compare it with Kumano-zakuracherrytree, it is clearly different.

Now, after Mr. Tao has taught us the points to distinguish between Kumano-zakuracherrytree, let's go to the famous cherry blossom viewing spots in KihoTown.

Kumano-zakuracherrytree spot: Near the entrance to Mt. Nenotomariyama mountain trail, the best time to see them is usually in late March.

The highest mountain KihoTown 907 meters above sea level, is Mt. Konodomari. There are many Kumano-zakuracherrytree spots at the entrance to the mountain trail and along the way.

There is also a spot where you can see clusters Kumano-zakuracherrytree.

Many of Kumano-zakuracherrytree grow naturally on mountain slopes.

Therefore, it is convenient to bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom function when viewing Kumano-zakuracherrytree.

Kumano-zakuracherrytree spot: Near Mifunejima, the best time to see them is usually mid-March.

Mifunejima is located in KihoTown which is part of the grounds of Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine. Kumano Hayatama Taisha Shrine is famous for its regular festival, the Mifune Festival, in which a fast boat race takes place around the island three times.

Kumano-zakuracherrytree blossoms are growing wild in the area where you can look back at Mifunejima along Mie Prefectural Route 740, ``Kofune Kiho Line.''

Kumano-zakuracherrytree spot: On the way to Mt. Sakura, the best time to see them is usually in late February.

Next, we headed towards Mt. Sakura, which is managed by the Kumano Sakura Association. About 50 types of cherry blossoms (Edohigan, Yamazakura, Oshimazakura, Little Higan, Yoko, etc.) are planted on Mt. Sakura. Kumano-zakuracherrytree were just planted in 2019 and have not yet bloomed, but it is a spot where anyone can freely admire the cherry blossoms.

There is a signboard about 40m towards Hisetsu-no-takiFalls. From here, it is 5 km (about 15 minutes) by car to Mt. Sakura.

On the way to Mt. Sakura, there are early-blooming Kumano-zakuracherrytree that bloom around the end of February. As far as Mr. Tao knows, this is the earliest-blooming Kumano-zakuracherrytree in Mie Prefecture.

Mt. Sakura offers spectacular views of the vast mountains, ocean, and town.

The best time to see cherry blossoms at Mt. Sakura is from early March to mid-April, depending on the type. You can park your car in any available space.

You can also see Kumano-zakuracherrytree in KihoTown, mainly in the mountainous areas. Please try looking for it from the perspective of ``Is it Kumano-zakuracherrytree?'' Of course, looking outside the car while driving is strictly prohibited.

In addition to Kumano-zakuracherrytree, there are other breathtaking cherry blossom viewing spots in KihoTown. For example, at Hisetsu-no-takiFalls Campsite, you can enjoy the combination of a waterfall and cherry blossoms.

Flower Road is where you can drive along cherry blossom trees.

In the summer, you can enjoy the view of the cherry blossoms reflected in the water at Oishinomoto Water Park, which is crowded with people playing in the water.

Tao: “Every cherry tree is loved by the local community, and each one has a story.”

Cherry blossoms have survived natural disasters and damage from animals. There are people like Mr. Tao and others who have continued to be close to the cherry blossoms. Five years later, Kumano-zakuracherrytree planted by Mr. Tao and his colleagues will also bloom. And in 20 years, it may be in full bloom.

Kumano-zakuracherrytree heralds the arrival of spring. Why not go to KihoTown from February to March every year? At that time, please think about the ``Cherry Blossom Story'' while looking at the cherry blossoms.

The latest flowering status of Kumano-zakuracherrytree and Mt. Sakura in KihoTown is posted on the Kumano Sakura Association Official Facebook page. Be sure to check it out when you go out.

​〇Kumano Sakura Association Official Facebook


[Contact information]
KihoTown Hall Planning and Coordination Division
【telephone number】
0735-33-0334
[Official URL]
https://www.town.kiho.lg.jp/

[Writer profile]
Yuichiro Hamachi: A local writer living in IseCity Prefecture. Operates the website ``Mie Prefecture Souvenir Tourism Navi.'' I write and disseminate Mie Prefecture's souvenirs, special products, and tourist information.
https://mie-hamaji.com/