Tourists treated to view of giant cherry blossoms tree

Tourists treated to view of giant cherry blossoms tree

MIHARU, Japan - A 13.5-meter-high waterfall-like cherry tree is lit up in Miharu in the northeastern Japan prefecture of Fukushima on the evening of April 14. The tree called Takizakura (Waterfall cherry blossoms) is estimated to be more than 1,000 years old.

Image of Fukushima cherry tree in huge "chigiri-e"

Image of Fukushima cherry tree in huge "chigiri-e"

KOBE, Japan - An image of "Miharu Takizakura," a famous cherry tree in the town of Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, is part of the world's biggest ''chigiri-e'' displayed on Feb. 2, 2014, in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture. "Chigiri-e" is a Japanese art form using torn colored paper to create images.

1,000-year-old cherry tree in Fukushima

1,000-year-old cherry tree in Fukushima

MIHARU, Japan - A more than 1,000-year-old cherry tree, known as "a waterfall cherry" because of the resemblance of its branches to the cascading rivulets of a waterfall, is lit up in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, on April 17, 2014. The 13.5-meter-tall tree is designated as one of Japan's national treasures by the government.

1,000-year-old cherry tree in Fukushima

1,000-year-old cherry tree in Fukushima

MIHARU, Japan - A more than 1,000-year-old cherry tree, known as "a waterfall cherry" because of the resemblance of its branches to the cascading rivulets of a waterfall, is lit up in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, on April 17, 2014. The 13.5-meter-tall tree is designated as one of Japan's national treasures by the government.

1,000-year-old cherry tree in Fukushima

1,000-year-old cherry tree in Fukushima

MIHARU, Japan - A more than 1,000-year-old cherry tree, known as "a waterfall cherry" because of the resemblance of its branches to the cascading rivulets of a waterfall, is lit up in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, on April 17, 2014. The 13.5-meter-tall tree is designated as one of Japan's national treasures by the government.

1,000-year-old cherry in full bloom in Fukushima Pref.

1,000-year-old cherry in full bloom in Fukushima Pref.

MIHARU, Japan - A cherry tree, believed to be over 1,000 years old, comes into full bloom in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, on April 21, 2010. The 13.5-meter-high cherry tree, known as one of the three most beautiful cherry trees in Japan, attracts numerous visitors every year.

1,000-year-old cherry in full bloom in Fukushima Pref.

1,000-year-old cherry in full bloom in Fukushima Pref.

MIHARU, Japan - Visitors view a cherry tree, believed to be over 1,000 years old, in full bloom in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, on April 21, 2010. The 13.5-meter-high cherry tree attracts numerous visitors every year.

Cherry seeds to be carried to Japan's space lab

Cherry seeds to be carried to Japan's space lab

MIHARU, Japan - Visitors enjoy waterfall-like cherry blossoms called Takizakura in Miharu, Fukushima Prefecture, home to what is said to be one of the three most beautiful cherry trees in Japan, on April 21. Seeds from the tree will be taken to Japan's first space science laboratory in the International Space Station in October for research purposes.