Originally a plum tree was planted when the Emperor Kanmu transferred the capital; however, a cherry tree was planted instead during the period of the Emperor Ninmyo as the original plum tree died during the Showa era (834 to 847).
もとは梅の樹で桓武天皇の遷都のときに植えられたが、承和(日本)年間（834年-847年）枯死したため、仁明天皇のときあらためて桜を植えた。