In 1875, three years after the dismantling of Takato Castle, the decision was passed to turn the area into a park following the governmental policy of modernization. This decision lead to Takato Castle Ruins becoming the famous cherry blossom viewing spot it is today.

In 1876 a local samurai dug up cherry trees from Sakura-no-baba and planted them in the park. Sakura-no-baba was a stable located under Takato Castle. It was where samurai used to train their horses in the Edo period. They planted the large cherry trees that lined the sides of the stable in the park.

The cherry trees planted here became the forebearers of the current cherry trees in Takato Castle Ruins Park. Today, there are about 1,500 cherry trees planted around the castle ruins. Twenty trees are more than 130 years old, and around 500 trees are estimated to be over 50 years old.

Another reason why the cherry trees in Takato Joshi Park are unique is because of their variety. In 1960, Takato Joshi Park was designated a natural monument by Nagano Prefecture as the Kohigan Cherry Blossom Forest of Takato.

The small reddish flowers are the defining characteristic of the Takato-kohiigan cherry blossoms. The tree's trunk is impressive as it twists and turns like a dragon.