Isshingyo Sakura Tree
The Isshingyo Sakura Tree stands as one of Kumamoto Prefecture's most celebrated natural monuments, located in Isshingyo Park in Minamiaso Village. This ancient Yamazakura (mountain cherry) tree is over 400 years old and measures over 14 meters tall, with branches spreading 21.3 meters east-west and 26.0 meters north-south. The tree's trunk measures approximately 7 meters in circumference, making it one of the largest cherry trees of its kind in Japan and the second largest in Kyushu.
The tree carries historical significance beyond its impressive dimensions. According to legend, it stands over the grave of Korefuyu Hoki-no-kami, the lord of Yazaki Castle. The name "Isshingyo" derives from the Japanese concept of performing a task with a single heart (isshin) while embracing the Buddhist principle of gyo. After a feudal lord's defeat, his descendants and vassals secretly returned to plant sakura seeds at this site in remembrance.
Visitors typically experience the tree during its peak bloom from late March to early April, when the Minami Aso Sakura Ueki Festival takes place. The park attracts approximately 200,000 tourists annually, who come to witness the cherry blossoms alongside surrounding rapeseed flowers that create a striking yellow-and-pink landscape.
The site offers illuminated evening viewing during full bloom and features food stalls during festival periods. Beyond spring, the park hosts about 30,000 sunflowers in August and maintains a 27-hole park golf course for recreational activities. During festival periods, admission fees are ¥300 for adults (high school age and above) and ¥100 for children (elementary and middle school students).
By car, the drive takes approximately one hour from downtown Kumamoto City, with parking available for approximately 700 vehicles (parking fees apply). Public transport users can take buses from Kumamoto City to Nakamatsu-ekimae bus stop, followed by a 15-minute walk to the park. Traffic becomes heavy during cherry blossom season, making public transportation advisable.
