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SPRING TOP > FUKUSHIMA:Taki-zakura (cascading cherry) of Miharu   When the Taki-zakura is in full bloom, innumerable cherry blossoms seem to cascade down as from a waterfall. Innumerable cherry blossoms crowd the branches of a massive weeping cherry tree as if they were water cascading from a spectacular waterfall. This ancient tree certainly lives up to its name as a symbol of all Japanese trees. Counted among one of the three major cherry trees of Japan and more than 1000 years old, the tree is recognized as a national natural treasure. With a height of 12 meters, the trunk measures 11 meters above the root, and the branches spread out to the north, east, south and west at lengths of 4.6, 10.7, 13.9 and 14.5 meters respectively. Thus, it is a huge tree not just in name but in substance as well. The best season to appreciate its beauty is from mid- through late-April. Boughs spreading out in various directions are covered with countless blossoms, and remind visitors of a waterfall tumbling into a pool. A large amount of effort and wisdom has been put into preserving this tree. The long and touching story of the relationship between those involved in this effort and the cherry tree adds to its beauty. With approximately 2000 weeping cherry trees planted throughout the town, any part of Miharu is good for viewing cherry blossoms. A leisurely stroll through the town is sure to give visitors a feeling of comfort and pleasure. In feudal times, the Miharu Domain protected its craftsmen by making them live in a designated community. Takashiba Deko-yashiki is such a community where craftsmen still reside and make traditional toys such as Miharugoma and Hariko dolls. There are five houses in the community, where Hariko dolls, Hariko masks and Miharugoma are still crafted, passing down a centuries-old tradition. Visitors can see the craftsmen at work, or actually try the coloring process. High-quality traditional handicraft, including Miharugoma and Hariko dolls are the works of the craftsmen at the Takashiba Deko-yashiki. Hariko dolls of Miharu depict people and animals in dynamic movements. Hariko dolls of Miharu are intricately crafted yet appear extremely animated. A wide variety of designs is crafted, such as scenes from Japanese Noh and Kabuki, pieces depicting folk customs, figures of Ebisu and Daikoku (two of the seven Deities of Good Fortune), and other items believed to bring good luck such as the 12 animals representing the Oriental Zodiac. The use of paper has enabled craftsmen to create works with lively depictions. A simple horse-shaped object is decorated in beautiful colors to create a Miharugoma. Miharugoma is a traditional wooden craftwork carved in the simple shape of a horse and brightly colored. People have long kept wooden horses as talismans because they believed that these animals brought luck for a good marriage, many children, and good health to their children. It is said that this was later combined with the wish for successful breeding of the Miharu horses, and eventually developed into its present form.