Cherry blossoms are often associated with spring in Japan. But what if a cherry tree bloomed among the vibrant colors of autumn foliage instead?
Meet Shikizakura, a rare variety of cherry blossom that creates a breathtaking landscape by blooming not only in spring but also during autumn.
What Is Shikizakura?
Shikizakura is a rare variety of cherry blossom that blooms twice a year—once in spring and again in autumn.
The name Shikizakura literally means "four-season cherry blossom," referring to its unique characteristic of flowering beyond the typical spring blooming season of most cherry trees in Japan.
In spring, Shikizakura produces a relatively small number of blossoms. Its main blooming season, however, occurs from late October to early December, during Japan's autumn season.
The combination of soft pink cherry blossoms with brilliant red, orange, and yellow autumn leaves creates a spectacular landscape that is rarely seen elsewhere in Japan.
This extraordinary scenery has made Shikizakura one of Japan's most popular autumn attractions.
The History of Shikizakura
According to historical records, Shikizakura began to flourish in the Obara area of Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, in the early 19th century.
It is said that a physician named Fujimoto Genseki brought Shikizakura saplings from Nagoya and planted them in Obara.
From those original trees, Shikizakura was gradually propagated throughout the region. Today, there are approximately 10,000 Shikizakura trees growing across Obara.
Best Places to See Shikizakura in Japan
One of the most famous destinations for enjoying Shikizakura is the Obara district in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.
Obara is widely regarded as the best place to see Shikizakura, as it is home to around 10,000 trees that bloom twice each year.
Every November, the area hosts the Obara Shikizakura Festival, when the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage (koyo) reach their peak beauty at the same time.
Some of the most popular places to enjoy Shikizakura in Obara include:
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Obara Fureai Park – The main venue of the Obara Shikizakura Festival, featuring around 300 Shikizakura trees along pleasant walking paths.
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Senmi (Kawami) Shikizakura no Sato Park – Home to approximately 1,200 Shikizakura trees spread across scenic hillsides. It is considered one of the best places to enjoy the stunning contrast between pink cherry blossoms and colorful autumn leaves.
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Obara Paper Art Museum (Washi no Furusato) – A traditional Japanese paper museum that is also one of the stops along the Shikizakura sightseeing route. Although it has fewer cherry trees than other locations, it offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere.
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Maebora Shikizakura Cherry Trees – Famous for one of Obara's oldest Shikizakura trees, which is more than 100 years old and has been designated as an Aichi Prefecture Natural Monument.
The best time to visit is from mid-November to early December, when the Shikizakura blossoms are at their fullest and beautifully complemented by Japan's vibrant autumn foliage.
