Toranoozakura

Founded more than 1,300 years ago, Hoyo-ji Temple is the oldest Tendai sect temple in Aizu and is famous for its three-story pagoda, which is designated as a prefectural important cultural property. The "Toranoozakura" in front of the Kannondō Hall built within its precincts is one of the "Aizu Gozakura", famous cherry trees representing Aizu, along with "Ishibe-zakura" in Aizu Wakamatsu City, "Usuzumizakura" in Misato Town, "Sugino-itozakura" in Sakashita Town and "Oshikazakura" in Inawashiro Town. A collection of popular "things" and "things to do" in Aizu Castle Town, such as Noh Kyogen, famous places, and sake, the five Aizu cherry trees are also introduced as "Takamyozakura" in "Wakamatsu Midori Takamyo Gofuku pair" compiled in the Edo period.

The variety is a sato cherry of the Oshima cherry family. It is characterized by its light-colored double petals and the fact that the leaves sprout slightly earlier than the flowers, unlike normal cherry trees. There are two theories about the origin of the name, one is that the shape of the tree resembles a lying tiger, and the other is that the stamens extending from the central part of the petals resemble a tiger's tail. The best time to view the blossoms is in late April, when they are said to have been admired by successive lords.