Hongō-yumimachi no Kusu, Sacred tree in Hongō district, Tokyo, Japan.
Hongō-yumimachi no Kusu is a camphor tree standing amid modern buildings in the Hongō district. The tree rises about 20 meters tall with a thick, solid trunk that forms a striking presence against the urban surroundings.
The tree grows on the former grounds of a samurai residence dating to the Edo period, where Kaisho Kiemon once maintained his estate. This connection links the neighborhood to Tokyo's feudal past.
The tree displays a sacred rope called shimenawa, showing how traditional Japanese practices honor natural elements as spiritually important. You can see this marking and sense how local people hold the place in respect.
You can reach the tree on foot from Hongo-sanchome Station with just a short walk through the neighborhood. The location sits in a busy part of the district, so parking and services are nearby if you need them.
This specimen earned recognition as the 100th selected tree on the New Japanese Famous Trees List. This distinction makes it a special landmark for those interested in natural heritage and Japanese recognition systems.
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