Kurile cherry (Prunus nipponica Matsumura var. kurilensis), or “Chishima-zakura” in Japanese, is the cherry tree that blooms the latest in Japan. It was originally a kind of wild cherry “Takane-zakura (Prunus nipponica Matsumura),” which grows in high mountains. Kurile cherry is also called Iturup cherry or Kunashir cherry. It is also known as the cherry that grows in the highest land in Honshu.

It is a deciduous shrubby plant which grows to 1 to 5 m tall. As is typical to alpine plants, the branches extend sideways. Contrary to Somei Yoshino cherry trees, it gives an energetic impression.

The tree was named so in 1936 by Dr. Kingo Miyabe, a botanist and a professor of Sapporo Agricultural College (present-day Hokkaido University). In 1973, it was designated as a protected tree of Hokkaido. When Kurile cherry trees come into bloom in the Nemuro district in the late May, a long-lasted travel of the cherry blossom front is over. During the blooming season, cherry blossom festivals are held everywhere in this district.