The Birth of Somei Yoshino
Japanese people have long cherished the Yamazakura (wild mountain cherry blossom) of Yoshino in Nara Prefecture. However, growing and maintaining these trees required considerable effort. In the late Edo period, a desire to enjoy the beauty of Yoshino’s cherry blossoms more conveniently led to the creation of a new hybrid variety in Somei Village — the Somei Yoshino.
Somei Yoshino’s Journey to the World
The Somei Yoshino also made its way across the globe. The cherry trees that famously bloom along the Potomac River in Washington, D.C. are, in fact, Somei Yoshino.
Japan initially gifted cherry trees to the U.S. in 1909, but unfortunately, the trees were destroyed due to diseases and pests. Understanding the symbolic significance of this gesture, Japan sent a second batch in 1912. On March 27th, 1912, a total of 3,000 cherry trees arrived in Washington, D.C., with approximately 70% of them being Somei Yoshino.
A Blossoming Tradition
Today, the descendants of those very trees continue to bloom beautifully every spring. The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival draws countless visitors who gather to celebrate the enduring friendship between Japan and the United States, enjoying the mesmerizing view of Somei Yoshino in full bloom.
Experience the charm of Somei Yoshino and the heartwarming story they carry as you explore Japan during cherry blossom season!
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