Rock-Breaking Cherry Tree – Morioka, Japan - Atlas Obscura

Rock-Breaking Cherry Tree

Morioka, Japan

An approximately 360-year-old cherry tree grows out of a granite boulder. 

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In the courtyard of Morioka District Court stands a curious cherry blossom tree, growing out of a crack in a granite boulder.

Known as the Ishiwari-zakura (Rock-Breaking Cherry Tree), this tree is estimated to be over 360 years old, having grown from a Prunus itosakura seed that fell into the boulder in the garden of a feudal daimyo’s garden after it was cracked by a lightning.

In 1932, a fire broke out at Morioka District Court; though part of the Rock-Breaking Cherry Tree burned down, it survived the ordeal thanks to a brave gardener who protected it with a wet jacket and blossomed just fine by next spring. Today, the tree is a nationally designated Natural Monument (since 1923) and a beloved icon of Morioka City.

Know Before You Go

The tree can be freely viewed at Morioka District Court, open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM on weekdays. The cherry blossoms are usually in bloom from mid-April to late April.

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