When is the best time to visit the Isshingyo Sakura Tree?

The best time to visit is from Late March to early April during peak bloom. The Minami Aso Sakura Ueki Festival occurs during this period. For sunflowers, visit in August.

What makes the Isshingyo Sakura Tree special?

A 400-year-old Yamazakura standing over 14 meters tall with a trunk circumference of approximately 7 meters. It's the second largest cherry tree in Kyushu and stands over the grave of a feudal lord from Yazaki Castle.

re there illuminations at night during cherry blossom season?

Yes, the tree is illuminated during peak bloom. The park draws approximately 200,000 tourists annually.

Is the park accessible by public transportation?

Yes. Take a bus from Kumamoto City to Nakamatsu-ekimae bus stop, then walk 15 minutes to the park. Public transport is recommended during cherry blossom season due to heavy traffic.

Aso

Isshingyo Sakura Tree

3.9 (1182)Tourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

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.

Website

www.vill.minamiaso.lg.jp

The area

Address

3226-1 Nakamatsu, Minamiaso, Aso District, Kumamoto 869-1505, Japan

Website

www.vill.minamiaso.lg.jp

What other travelers are saying about Isshingyo Sakura Tree

One of the best hanami events in the country The park is home to one famous cherry tree. It's an absolute giant, measuring over 14 meters tall, and said to be over 400 years old. Spring is one of the best times to be in Japan when the nationwide cherry blossom celebrations see the country erupt with parties and joy as the sakura trees burst into bloom. I come with friends, head to the park to enjoy some quality time outside enjoying food and drinks.