Said to be more than 1,200 years old, Shiogama-jinja Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and a designated National Treasure. Its grounds are home to many varieties of blooming cherry trees including somei yoshino, weeping shidarezakura, and Shiogamazakura, nationally designated a Natural Monument, in addition to other trees and birds including pheasant and thrush. Visitors are in for a magical treat at night when special illumination lights up the trees.