journey from the station to the village. 
The cherry tree medsures 31 feet in girth. at 
breast height. From the top of its tall trunk numerous 
slender branches hang down to the ground. Because 
the sight reminds one of a waterfall the tree is called 
Taki-zakura, or “‘ Waterfall Cherry.” The tree grows 
in a wide space in the mountain valley, and in the 
blossoming season its magnificent form, clad in a misty 
veil of crimson hue, is visible from a distance. Up 
above the valley where the cherry stands there is a spot 
where, in feudal times, the lord of the fief used to rest 
and enjoy the beautiful flowers of this waterfall cherry 
on his visit to the place in the flowering season. Ever 
since those bygone days the utmost care has been taken 
for the protection of the venerable tree, and in those 
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