Cherry blossoms at Kimiidera

Approximately 500 cherry blossom trees are in full bloom at Kimiidera Temple, and it is especially famous as a famous spot for early blooming cherry blossoms in the Keihanshin region. There is a specimen tree (Somei Yoshino) designated by the Wakayama Local Meteorological Observatory in front of the main hall, and it is known as a ``temple that brings spring'' to the Kinki region. This cherry blossom also has a legend. Once, when Tamemitsu Shonin visited Ryugu Castle, he received seven treasures from the dragon god. Among them were saplings of ``Seven Cherry Blossoms,'' which are said to be the origin of the current famous cherry blossom viewing spot. The famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho also wrote about the cherry blossoms at Kimiidera. I arrived with high expectations, but the cherry blossoms had already begun to fall. ``Miaguraba Cherry Blossom Shimote Kimiidera'' A haiku that says this has been left in a haiku monument near the clean water area. In 1990, it was selected as one of Japan's top 100 cherry blossom viewing spots, and its beauty has been recognized nationwide.