Standing quietly in Hongo, Ouda, Uda City, Nara Prefecture, the Matabei Cherry Tree is one of the region’s most celebrated cherry trees. Its magnificent spreading branches and association with Japanese samurai history attract large numbers of visitors and photographers every spring.
Estimated to be around 300 years old, this tree is a weeping cherry, known in Japanese as shidarezakura. It is also called Takizakura, meaning “Waterfall Cherry Tree,” because its graceful, cascading branches resemble a flowing waterfall. The tree’s elegant form creates a striking contrast with the surrounding mountains and rural landscape.
As a single-standing cherry tree, Matabei Cherry Tree has a remarkable presence. Although it harmonizes beautifully with the surrounding countryside, its impressive size and sweeping branches make it the unmistakable centerpiece of the landscape.
When the blossoms reach full bloom in spring, the tree becomes a spectacular sight, resembling a scene from a traditional painting. It is protected as a notable tree in Nara Prefecture and treasured as part of the region’s natural heritage.
The best time to see the blossoms is generally from early to mid-April. During the flowering season, the tree is sometimes illuminated at night, offering a different atmosphere from the daytime view.
Under the lights, the pale pink blossoms and flowing branches create an enchanting scene. The combination of the illuminated tree and the quiet rural surroundings makes this a popular destination for photographers and visitors enjoying Japan’s cherry blossom season. Illumination dates and arrangements may vary from year to year.
The tree takes its name from Goto Mototsugu, better known as Goto Matabei, a military commander who lived during the late Sengoku period and the early Edo period. He was known for serving the Toyotomi family and is remembered as one of the celebrated warriors associated with the Kuroda clan, including the group known as the Kuroda Twenty-Four Cavalry and the Kuroda Eight Tigers. He was also counted among the Toyotomi side’s Five Great Generals at Osaka Castle.
According to local legend, after the fall of the Toyotomi family, Goto Matabei withdrew to the Uda area and waited for an opportunity to make a comeback. The cherry tree is said to stand on the former site of the Goto family residence.
Although the story belongs to local tradition, it gives the tree a special historical atmosphere. Its blossoms evoke the memory of a warrior who lived through one of the most turbulent periods in Japanese history, making Matabei Cherry Tree more than a beautiful natural landmark.
Goto Matabei, whose formal name was Goto Mototsugu, was born in 1560 in the area around present-day Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture. He demonstrated military ability at a young age and became known through his service to the Kuroda and Toyotomi families.
Matabei achieved distinction while serving Kuroda Yoshitaka, also known as Josui, and Kuroda Nagamasa. He took part in major military campaigns, including the Japanese invasions of Korea and the Battle of Sekigahara. He later became lord of Masutomi Castle in Chikuzen Province and held a fief of more than 10,000 koku, a traditional measure of rice-based land income.
Matabei eventually left the Kuroda family. Accounts attribute his departure to strained relations with Nagamasa and disagreements connected with his relationships with other feudal lords. After a period as a masterless samurai, he joined the Toyotomi forces during the Siege of Osaka in 1614.
During a military review at Tenma-no-Ura, his command was so impressive that he was reportedly praised as the reincarnation of Marishiten, a Buddhist deity associated with warriors. He became widely known as one of the Five Great Generals of Osaka.
In 1615, during the Summer Siege of Osaka, Matabei fought against Tokugawa forces at the Battle of Domyoji. He died in the fighting at the age of 56. His final battle has been remembered in military tales and traditional storytelling as an expression of loyalty and samurai courage.
Take the Kintetsu Osaka Line to Haibara Station. From there, board a Nara Kotsu bus bound for Ouda and get off at Ouda High School bus stop. The cherry tree is approximately a 20-minute walk from the bus stop.
From Hari Interchange on the Meihan Expressway, follow National Route 369 toward Haibara, then continue via National Routes 370 and 166 toward the Ouda area. Follow local signs toward the Ouda regional office area and the cherry tree.
Temporary parking areas may be provided during the cherry blossom season. As this is a particularly popular time to visit, arriving early can help avoid congestion. Parking arrangements and traffic restrictions may change during the peak season.
Matabei Cherry Tree captivates visitors not only with its beauty but also with the stories and traditions associated with it. The brief spectacle of spring blossoms and the legend of a warrior from Japan’s age of civil war come together in this peaceful corner of Uda City.
Visiting at full bloom offers a chance to appreciate the tree’s graceful branches while reflecting on the history that has become part of its identity. For travelers exploring Nara Prefecture in spring, Matabei Cherry Tree is a memorable destination where natural beauty and local legend meet.