A huge cherry tree, thought to be 1,000 years old, is in full bloom in the western Japanese city of Maniwa, Okayama Prefecture.



The Daigo-zakura cherry tree is 18 meters high and measures about 9 meters around the trunk. It stands alone on high ground.



Its name is said to have come from Emperor Godaigo, who reportedly praised its beauty on his way into exile in the early 1300s.



On Friday, visitors took pictures of the flowers against the blue sky and enjoyed a spring walk.



A 21-year-old woman said the cherry blossoms were majestic and beautiful, adding that she also wants to see them at night.



Local residents say the blossoms can be enjoyed for another week. They are lit up every day from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. until they fall from the tree.