Manganzakura (Shigure Sakura） at Mangaji Temple

The Manganzakura (Shigure Sakura・志ぐれ桜) at Mangaji Temple is a hybrid species of the Edohigan and Yamazakura cherry trees. It is a natural monument designated by Imabari City, with an age of over 200 years.

This venerable cherry tree, growing atop a stone wall, has parent roots that are approximately 200 years old and produce pale pink petals. From these roots, a sapling grew beneath the stone wall, blossoming into pure white flowers at about 100 years of age. Unfortunately, this offspring tree has since withered away.

The Seven Wonders of Misen

As one of the Seven Wonders of Misen, located in Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, efforts are underway to revive the “Shigure Sakura（時雨桜）.”

To this end, Mangaji Temple in Asakura Shimo, Imabari City, led by the chief priest Keisho Hoshino, is “marrying off” its Shigure Sakura to Miyajima. A ceremony to present the grafted saplings of the cherry tree was held at the temple on the 2nd.

The Shigure Sakura is known for its petals and leaves that drip dew even under clear skies. Until around 1970, a specimen existed at the summit of Misen (529 meters) on Miyajima, but it no longer exists.

Since Itsukushima Shrine and other sites were registered as World Heritage Sites in 1996, efforts to revive the Seven Wonders were initiated by former Miyajima Tourism Association Secretary-General and Ministry of the Environment volunteer Tsutomu Nakamichi (69), and Masahiro Yoshida (48), the chief priest of Daisho-in, the oldest temple on Miyajima located near Mount Misen.

They were searching nationwide for cherry trees named Shigure Sakura suitable as successors when they discovered the existence of Mangaji Temple’s Shigure Sakura in 2007.

Then, in March 2009, a sapling was gifted to Daisho-in on Miyajima. At that time, one sapling each from the parent and offspring trees was also planted at the original temple, continuing to bloom beautifully.