In Unnan City, located in Shimane Prefecture’s Chugoku region, visitors can witness a rare sight – cherry blossoms that bloom in shades of green, or Gyoiko-zakura.
A Long-Lasting Sakura Season in Unnan City
Located south of Matsue in Shimane Prefecture, Unnan City encompasses the towns of Daito, Kamo, Kisuki, Mitoya, Yoshida, and Kakeya. Surrounded by abundant nature and rich cultural heritage, the city offers a variety of scenic attractions and historical sites throughout the year. One of its highlights is the chance to enjoy different varieties of cherry blossoms over an extended period, from late February to late April.
The Kisuki area comes to life from late March through early April as hundreds of Somei Yoshino cherry trees bloom along the Hii River, creating a breathtaking two-kilometer flower tunnel. Recognized as one of Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots, this is one of the largest cherry blossom tunnels in Shimane.
Visitors enjoy the scenery by having picnics under the trees, strolling through the tunnel, and capturing the beauty of the blossoms. Street food stalls line the area, offering treats like fried chicken and taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste or other flavors. In the evening, lanterns illuminate the blossoms, creating a magical yozakura atmosphere.
The beautiful green color of Gyoiko-zakura
Arashiyama, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Discovering Unnan City’s Rare Green Cherry Blossoms
In Mitoya Town, along the banks of the Mitoya River in Unnan City lies the picturesque Cherry Blossom Road, a stunning two-kilometer stretch lined with cherry trees. Overlooking this scenic path from a nearby hill are the ruins of Mitoya Castle, offering a breathtaking view of both the river and the blossoms below. While the area is known for its vibrant sakura, one variety stands out – the rare Gyoiko-zakura, a green cherry blossom that blooms from mid to late April, adding a unique touch to this beloved hanami spot.
The name “gyoiko” originates from the light green (moegi) color of noble court attire in ancient times. According to Suyama Miho of the Unnan City Tourism Association, these trees were transplanted approximately 70 years ago from Yoshino Town in Nara Prefecture.
A type of yae-zakura (double-flowered cherry blossom), Gyoiko-zakura features 10 to 15 overlapping petals with subtle pink streaks. Around 120 of these rare trees grace both Mitoya Riverbed Park and Mitoya Castle Ruins Park, creating a truly unique hanami experience.
During the early blooming phase, the flowers appear deep green, gradually lightening as they open, with pink lines emerging at the center before they fall. The best time to view them is typically in late April, about two weeks after the peak of the more common cherry blossoms. This staggered bloom period allows visitors to enjoy a more relaxed and extended hanami season. For an even more enchanting experience, the trees are illuminated at night.
For all the different cherry blossom cultivars and when they bloom, please see this article.
Gyoiko-zakura are found in different areas of Japan
t-mizo, CC BY 2.0, via flickr
Preserving Beauty for Generations
Unnan City takes great pride in its cherry blossoms, with dedicated professionals known as Sakura-Mori overseeing their care. The Sakura-Mori program involves year-round care and maintenance of cherry blossom trees to ensure their health and longevity. During the winter, this includes pruning affected or unnecessary branches from sick trees and providing fertilization to support their growth. Pest control is also an essential part of the process, along with cutting the grass that grows beneath the trees to maintain a clean and healthy environment. Each of these tasks plays a vital role in preserving the beauty of the cherry blossoms for future seasons.
The city also supports preservation efforts through the Unnan City Sakura Association and local community initiatives. These collective efforts ensure that the beauty of Unnan’s cherry blossoms endures for generations to come.
Unnan City offers many other stunning cherry blossom viewing spots, each with its own unique charm. Seasonal events and festivals held during the bloom add to the festive atmosphere, while evening illuminations provide a chance to experience the beauty of the blossoms in a completely different light. A visit during cherry blossom season promises a tranquil and unforgettable journey into Japan’s rich floral heritage.
Cover photo: Arashiyama, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
