The ISHIWARI ZAKURA CHERRY TREE is located on the grounds of the MORIOKA REGIONAL COURT which used to be the home of the chief retainer of the NANBU HAN. This extremely rare 360-year old EDO HIGAN cherry tree, with a diameter of 1.35 meters, grows out of the narrow crevice of a huge rock of granite. In 1923, this tree was designated a "Natural Monument" but in 1932, during a fire at the MORIOKA REGIONAL COURT, part of the north side of the tree was scorched. At present, it blooms beautifully every spring and many people come to view this special tree.

TENSHOCHI, a park run by KITAKAMI CITY, has been selected as one of the 100 most beautiful cherry blossom-viewing sites in JAPAN. Cherry trees line the banks of the KITAKAMI RIVER for a distance of two kilometers. Strollers can enjoy the different views throughout the year from the new green leaves of spring to the brilliant colors of the autumn foliage and in winter, several hundred swans fly to the area to spend the season. Carp streamers are colorfully swaying in the wind and sightseeing carriages are operating for sightseers. During blooming season, the sight of 10,000 azaleas in full bloom will delight visitors.

Rt. 397, which links IWATE PREFECTURE to AKITA PREFECTURE, boasts a 7-km long stretch of cherry trees between TOKUSUIEN PARK and ICHINONOBANSHO PARK. These cherry trees were planted by local residents in 1964 and are lit up at night during blooming season, giving a fantasy-like atmosphere to this "tunnel of cherry trees." During winter, the branches are lit with miniature light bulbs, creating a "corridor of illumination."

Founded in 850 by Buddhist priest JIKAKU DAISHI, it came under the patronage of three generations of the FUJIWARA FAMILY. At one time, there were 40 temples and pagodas and 500 guest cottages on the grounds and was the largest sacred site in Japan. At present, there are one temple and 18 guest cottages remaining. It boasts Japan's oldest JODO-style garden and a large variety of flowers bloom throughout the seasons, giving it the nickname, "TEMPLE OF FLOWERS." Some of the flowers that bloom there include plum blossoms, azaleas, cherry blossoms, irises, lotuses, Japanese roses and Japanese bush clover. At the end of June, the garden is filled with the sight of magnificent irises in full bloom.