شجرة كرز كوماتسوناغي
The Komatsunagi Cherry Tree, in mountainous Chisato of Achi Village, Shimoina District, Nagano Prefecture, stands at about 950 m elevation — an Edohigan cherry estimated to be about 400 years old, around 20 m tall, with a trunk circumference of 3.5 m. According to legend, in 1189 Minamoto no Yoshitsune tied his horse to it on his journey to Oshu, giving the tree its name («Horse-Tying Cherry»). It is a designated Nagano Prefecture Natural Monument. Standing alone beside terraced rice fields with the dignity of an old warrior, in mid- to late April it pairs at full bloom with the surrounding paddies — flooded for planting — to mirror the cherry tree, often combined with Achi Village's «No.1 starry sky in Japan» for one of Nagano's signature single-tree compositions. Photography etiquette (no trampling paddy ridges, designated tripod positions) is in place; early morning before the crowds is the prime window.
Highlights
- About 400-year-old Edohigan Cherry — 20 m tall, a Nagano Prefecture Natural Monument linked to the Minamoto no Yoshitsune legend
- Paddy Reflection — when paddies flood for planting in mid-to-late April, the cherry mirrors perfectly on the water
- Stars and Cherry at Night — Achi Village holds Japan's «No.1 starry sky» certification; the Milky Way at new moon paired with cherry blossoms is unforgettable
- Pre-Dawn Twilight — the blue hour before sunrise, when crowds are absent and the cherry's silhouette is most beautiful
- Nearby Trails — beyond Komatsunagi, Achi Village offers other cherry spots like Kurahaku Falls Cherry and the Namiai Checkpoint ruins
Quick Answers
Practical Information
- Access
- 40-min taxi from JR Iida Station. 30-min drive from Iida-Yamamoto IC.
- Parking
- Small lot for 5-10 cars. Competitive on weekend dawns.
- Admission
- Free, but be respectful — this is a residential village.
- Duration
- 1–1.5 hr for shooting only.
- Best Time
- Late April, new moon nights for stars + paddy reflection.