Ogyō no Matsu, Pine tree in Taitō-ku, Japan.
Ogyō no Matsu is a pine tree standing on the grounds of Saizo-in Temple in the Negishi district, reaching approximately 13 meters in height. The tree forms a distinctive feature of the temple grounds, marking a notable landmark within the sacred space.
The original tree was designated as a National Living Monument in 1915 and survived for about 350 years before declining due to environmental factors in 1928. The current specimen represents the third generation to occupy this sacred location.
The tree gained recognition through depictions in Edo Meisyo Zue texts and artworks by Ando Hiroshige, reflecting its artistic importance during that era. Visitors can observe how such natural monuments remain rooted in Japanese temple grounds and continue to draw artists and conservationists.
The temple is accessible year-round and reaches easily via Uguisudani Station on the Yamanote Line. The tree stands within the temple grounds, so visitors should observe the standard rules for sacred spaces.
The roots of the original tree were transformed into a Buddhist Fudo statue housed within Saizo-in Temple and remain preserved there as a spiritual relic. This transformation links the tree's physical existence to religious practice and shows how ancient natural monuments continue to live within Japanese culture.
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