Ishiwari-zakura, Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree

The cover picture is the famous Rock-Splitting Cherry Tree in Morioka. It grows from a big crack in a granite boulder which is located in front of an old courthouse near Morioka station. The circumference of the boulder is about 21 meters and 1.7 meters above ground. The tree is about 350 years old and approximately 10 meters tall. It blossoms every April in spring. The snow covered mountain is Iwate Mountain. Since this city is situated in the middle of Iwate Prefecture, it is a popular hub for travel.