The best viewing period is typically from late March through mid-April, coinciding with the cherry blossom season in the Gifu Prefecture region. The exact timing varies each year depending on weather conditions, so it's advisable to check local bloom forecasts before planning your visit. Peak bloom usually lasts about one week.
From Nagoya, take the JR Takayama Line to Gero Station, which takes approximately 90 minutes. From Gifu City, the journey on the same line takes just over 60 minutes. Once you arrive at Gero Station, the tree is located in the Hagiwara-cho district. Since Gero is also famous for its hot springs, many visitors combine cherry blossom viewing with an onsen experience.
No, admission is free. The site is accessible to the public during daylight hours, making it an affordable attraction for travelers exploring the Gero area.
Iwataro's tree is a weeping cherry variety estimated to be over 120 years old, making it both historically significant and visually impressive. Its branches cascade downward so extensively that they create a natural canopy covering passersby walking beneath. The tree's positioning halfway up an embankment allows for a unique viewing experience where visitors can stand directly underneath and look upward through the drooping branches, creating the sensation of being showered by blossoms.
Yes, Iwataro's cherry tree has sister trees planted at nearby locations including Moriyama Shrine, Eiyo-ji Temple, and Kensei-ji Temple. Visitors can enjoy a walking tour between these multiple weeping cherry trees in the area, creating a more comprehensive cherry blossom viewing experience in Gero City.
