Before the middle of the 19th century, cherry trees could be seen in the mountainside forests, shrines, and temples of Kyoto, while from the 1880s to the 1930s, cherry trees were planted in urban areas. Additionally, a newly developed species of cherry, named SOMEI-YOSHINO, began to spread from 1904, from which time spring scene changed dramatically.
In research concerning cherry trees in Kyoto before World War II, Hiroshi Takagi analyzes the social significance of planting cherry trees in terms of cultural history. He also discusses how SOMEI-YOSHINO were especially chosen as a nationalistic symbol and/or a symbol of the modern age and civilization. In his thesis, the traditional species YAMA-ZAKURA and SATO-ZAKURA were planted in areas with a traditional narrative like Heian Shrine, while SOMEI-YOSHINO were planted in areas that symbolized modern civilization like Kyoto City Zoo. In this paper, the planting of cherry trees is discussed in the context of landscape formation in modern Kyoto by investigating the planting process.
From a botanical perspective, cherry trees are not suitable for roadside planting but instead favor waterside planting as they require a great deal of water. Furthermore, the planting method differs depending on the species. YAMA-ZAKURA lend themselves to a backdrop of Japanese red pine and maple trees, while SOMEI-YOSHINO, the new breed of cloned cherries, propagate quickly, making mass production possible and lending themselves to planting in rows. Meanwhile, SATO-ZAKURA, with their exquisite flowers, are best viewed individually and up close.
We divided the planting locations of cherry trees in Kyoto into five groups according to their planting formation: (1) Waterside + Mountainside; (2) Facility type; (3) Facility type + Waterside; (4) Lake Biwa canal side; and (5) Kamo Riverside. Planting by groups was analyzed using original historical archives written by the planting organization and stored in Kyoto Prefecture and City Bureau. This allowed the planting context to be clarified with reference to the stakeholders, purpose, time period, space, and species of cherry trees in each location. Cherry trees planted before World War II in Kyoto did not all represent the idea of symbolism and psychology. The common keyword “scenic” often appears as the intent of planting. However, the purpose and context of the word “scenic” had various meanings and contexts since “scenic” had different purposes depending on the intention of each planting.
In Kyoto, the shift to planting SOMEI-YOSHINO began in 1904. This shift to the new species also triggered a dramatic shift in the landscape style around urban areas.
