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Known as the “Daigo of Flowers,” Daigoji Temple is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot. This is where Toyotomi “Taiko” Hideyosi held his famous party “cherry blossom appreciation at Daigo” in 1598. He invited 1,300 guests, including his wife Nene and concubines Yodo, Matsu-no-maru, and San-no-maru, as well as his maids. It is said that he collected 700 budding cherry trees from all over the Kinki region and had them planted at Daigoji Temple especially for party. Today the temple is considered a mecca of cherry blossom viewing. A reenactment of the famous party, known as the “Toyo Taiko Hanami Procession, is held each year on the second Sunday in April. An actor, dressed in Momoyama-era costume and playing the part of Toyotomi “Taiko” Hideyoshi, walks through the temple grounds followed by a one-hundred-strong entourage. |