“Gion no Yozakura” or ‘Night cherry flowers” is one of the special 
sights of the year in Maruyama Park, Kyoto (Photo: T. Okamoto) 
flowers. Though not so gigantic as the trees previously 
mentioned, it has been, from olden times, an object of 
admiration of the citizens of Kyoto and neighbouring 
districts on account of its highly graceful form, as well 
as its very favourable position. The blossoms are at 
their best about April roth. In the flowering season 
every year kagaribi or a bonfire is built at some 
distance from the tree every night, to entertain the 
crowds of townsfolk visiting the park to see the lovely 
flowers, which are still further illuminated by a number 
of electric lamps. It is a unique sight during the 
flower season. Hence the tree is better known as 
“ Gion-no-Yozakura”’ (night cherry flowers of Gion). 
A few years ago the tree became weak, but thanks to 
care it has recovered its former strength. 
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