A Century-Old Cherry Blossom Tree Creates a Hidden Springtime Wonderland

#cherryblossom25 Tucked away in the mountainous northern region of Kyoto, Kasuga Shrine is one of the most breathtaking yet little-known cherry blossom sanctuaries—even among locals in Japan. 🌄 Main Highlight: Inside the shrine grounds stands the awe-inspiring “Kuroda’s Century Sakura” — a cherry blossom tree over 300 years old. This ancient tree is a rare mutated variety of Yamazakura, with blossoms made up of 10 to 12 layered petals per bloom, forming tight clusters of pale pink, like pom-poms in full bloom. Whether viewed up close or from afar, its beauty is absolutely captivating. Surrounding the main tree are several Yaezakura (double-layered cherry blossoms) that bloom together in unison. During peak season, they envelop the entire tiny Kasuga Shrine in a sea of pink petals—creating a scene so dreamlike and romantic, it could rival even the worlds in a Makoto Shinkai anime.