Tadasu no Mori, Sacred grove near Shimogamo Shrine, Japan
Tadasu no Mori is a deciduous forest situated at the confluence of two rivers in Kyoto and recognized as one of Japan's oldest woodland areas. The interior presents a dense mix of tree species, with zelkova and hackberry forming the canopy while multiple small shrines rest beneath the branches.
The forest area was already inhabited during the ancient Yayoi period, as shown by archaeological discoveries of pottery and arrows from that time. Over the centuries, it became designated as a sacred site and gained its protected status, which continues to this day.
The grove serves as a sacred space where visitors come to find peace and connect with spiritual traditions centered on the shrine nearby. Small shrines scattered through the forest show how nature and faith are woven together in the practices people follow.
You can walk through the forest on natural pathways that wind between the old trees and lead to various shrines. The paths are easy to follow, and it helps to go early in the day to experience the quiet atmosphere before crowds arrive.
The forest contains many trees that are between 200 and 600 years old, offering a rare glimpse into the original landscape. These ancient trees are the result of centuries of natural regeneration without significant human change.
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