CHERRY blossom trees will be planted at Conwy Castle and the Eisteddfod Stone Circle as part of a heritage project with Japan.

More than 60 of the Sakura cherry tree, famous for its pink blossom, have been gifted to each the two sites, as well as the Roe in St Asaph and 16 primary schools across North Wales.

The Sakura Cherry Tree Project, which will see 1,000 saplings planted across Wales to form a lasting legacy following the Japan-UK Season of Culture in 2019-20, during which Conwy Castle was twinned with Himeji Castle in south Japan.

The primary schools that applied to take part include Ysgol Bro Hedd Wyn and Ysgol Y Moelwyn in Blaneau Ffestiniog in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Ysgol Bro Lleu near Caernarfon, Ysgol Bryn Elian in Old Colwyn, Ysgol Dyffryn Conwy and Ysgol Porth in Llanrwst and Ysgol Gymuned y Fali on Angelesey.

Keith Dunn, Honorary Consul for Japan in Wales, said the project is aimed at celebrating the historic friendly relationship between Wales and Japan and to boost Welsh tourism.

“Wales and Japan have a strong relationship developed over more than 100 years," he said. "At the heart of the relationship is a desire for mutual understanding and to learn from each other’s way of life, culture and history.

"These trees to be planted in North Wales are a strong symbol of our friendship that can be supported and enjoyed by future generations and I hope these plantings, particularly at this current time, will be embraced by our communities for the future.”

The saplings were donated to the project by Japanese businesses and the first planting ceremony was attended by the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford and the Japanese Ambassador to the UK, Yasumasa Nagamine at St Fagan’s National Museum of History in Cardiff on December 4.

Keisaku Sandy Sano, founder and joint chairman of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project team, said: “The response we have had from all across Wales, has been amazing. It is testament to the strong relationship between our countries, and we hope the trees will be a lasting tribute to that. Many Japanese corporations have decided to, through the Japan-British Society, generously donate to this project.

"I am deeply grateful for all the efforts and support given by people and corporations both in Japan and UK to this project.”