The Beauty of the Chinese Fringe Tree in Japan

While flying my drone in a local park recently, I came across a tree that made me stop in my tracks. It stood there, elegantly spreading its branches, covered in delicate white blossoms that looked like feathery snowflakes caught midair. I had never seen it bloom like this before. The sight was so striking it reminded me of the cherry blossoms in full bloom, and I couldn’t help but feel amazed. I snapped a few pictures and made a mental note to find out more.

Interestingly, just the day before, I had encountered the very same type of tree next to a quiet temple in Gifu City. It was the first time I had really noticed it, despite having passed that area many times before. Something about the way it was blooming now, during late April, demanded attention. The blossoms seemed almost otherworldly.

After some research, I learned that this beautiful tree is called the Chinese Fringe Tree, or Chionanthus retusus — known in Japanese as ナンジャモンジャ (Nanjamonja) or シナヒトツバタゴ (Shina-hitotsubatago). Native to East Asia, including parts of China, Korea, and Japan, this tree is often planted in parks, shrine grounds, and temple gardens for its ornamental beauty. What sets it apart are its snow-white, fringe-like flowers that bloom in dense clusters, giving it a light, cloudlike appearance.

This encounter left me reflecting on how endlessly diverse and beautiful nature in Japan is. Just when I think I’ve seen the full range of seasonal expression, another surprise blossoms into view. The Japanese landscape has a quiet way of revealing its hidden gems to those who pause long enough to notice.

Whether it’s a well-known sakura tree or a lesser-known Nanjamonja, each tree has its own timing, its own story, and its own way of inspiring wonder. This is exactly why I love exploring with my drone—it helps me see the world from new angles and reminds me that even the familiar can become extraordinary when viewed with fresh eyes.

Nature in Japan never ceases to amaze me. And sometimes, all it takes is a quiet moment in a park, a buzzing drone, and an unexpected tree in bloom to remember that.