Matabei cherry in Uda City, Nara Pref. is a weeping cherry tree with gracefully-shaped branches. This famous cherry tree, which is said to be 300 years old, is visited by many photographers and tourists when it is in full bloom. The name Matabei comes from Goto Matabei Mototsugu, who took an active part in the Summer War of Osaka on Toyotomi forces and earned his nickname of “Matabei, the Spearer.” His residence used to be at the place where Matabei cherry stands. After Toyotomi forces lost the war, he moved to this place and became a Buddhist priest. This cherry tree had not been known until 2000, when the tree was used for the opening scene of NHK’s Taiga Drama “Aoi Tokugawa Sandai.” Since then a lot of visitors have come to enjoy seeing cherry blossoms every year. When it is lit up at night, the tree looks most fantastic as if a cascade were falling from the dark sky.