Sakon-no-Sakura, Cherry tree at Kyoto Imperial Palace, Japan
Sakon-no-Sakura is a cherry tree on the grounds of Kyoto Imperial Palace, located on the left side of the Emperor's throne position. The tree grows in the inner palace area and forms part of a traditional botanical arrangement alongside citrus trees.
A plum tree originally stood in this location but was replaced by a cherry tree during Emperor Ninmei's reign in the 9th century. This change established a new tradition in the palace's botanical arrangement.
The tree's name comes from the position of imperial court officials who stood nearby during ceremonial occasions. This arrangement was part of the ritual structure of the palace and shapes how visitors understand the hierarchy of the imperial court.
Visitors can see the tree as part of organized tours offered regularly through the palace grounds. The best time to visit depends on the season, as the tree displays different appearances throughout the year.
The tree forms a deliberate botanical symmetry where a citrus tree stands on the opposite side of the throne. This balanced arrangement follows a subtle aesthetic principle that visitors rarely notice, but it shapes the entire spatial design of the palace's inner area.
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