Miharu's waterfall tree in full bloom

The weeping cherry tree of Miharu Town in Fukushima Prefecture is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. It has been recognized as a national natural treasure and is considered one of the three greatest cherry blossom trees in Japan. Locals take great care of their treasure, mowing the grass around it and enriching its soil to keep it healthy. They named it the "waterfall" (taki) cherry tree because of the way small, pale pink flowers dot branches that extend in all directions as if flowing down towards the ground.