The cherry blossoms of Izayoi grows at Sakura-dani of Yamagoe in Matsuyama. The name of "Izayoi" derives from that it comes into bloom on 16th Jan. of the lunar calendar every year.
The legend says that the cherry blossoms came into bloom on 16th Jan. of lunar calendar, when the old father wanted to die after viewing a cherry blossom and his good son, Kichihei, prayed for his father's request practicing cold water ablution. So, this cherry blossoms are also called " The cherry blossoms of good son", because of this legend.
In 1795 (Kansei 7), Issa made a trip to Iyo to view this cherry blossoms. In this place, there is the Russian cemetery buried Russian Prisoners of the Russo-Japanese War (of 1904 - 1905), who died in Matsuyama.
"There is a hermitage On the quiet side of the mountain I view the cherry blossoms For the background scene Made up with snow" (Saigyo) "I'll stay here with a stick For little while to view The early cherry blossoms That priest, Saigyo would look up" (Ippen) "The blooming cherry trees are Just putting human feelings on the blossoms In this mild spring day" (Basho) "This cherry blossoms are rare When ume blossoms are in full bloom Right in the world now" (Issa) "Final duty to one's parents Will be well in keeping with Cherry blossoms than bamboo shoots" (Shiki) "It is unusual for me To look the buds of ume blossoms And early cherry blossoms simultaneously" (Shiki) "It could be hardly believed That the cherry blossoms of Izayoi are Come into bloom on Jan. 16th" (Shiki) "The cherry blossoms of Izayoi When ume blossoms are in full bloom Right in the world now" (Kyoshi) "The cherry blossoms of Izayoi Are in all glory of each petal it is now very brilliant" (Hekigotou) "Coming to view cherry blossoms As things turn out, I share "dengaku" Cooked just in the temple" (Kyokudo) [Notes] "dengaku": Bean curd baked and coated with miso. "A single flower came into bloom It7s really only a flower" (Santoka)
