Kosugi no Ōsugi, Ancient cedar tree in Sakegawa, Japan.
Kosugi no Ōsugi is an ancient cedar tree in Sakegawa that reaches about 20 meters high with a root circumference of roughly 6 meters. The tree stands in Yamagata Prefecture and impresses visitors with its massive size and gnarled structure.
The tree is more than a thousand years old and has witnessed the development of Sakegawa village over many centuries. The local community has dedicated itself to preserving this living monument throughout time.
Locals call this tree the Totoro Tree because its shape resembles the character from the anime film My Neighbor Totoro. This nickname has turned the cedar into a gathering place for fans of the movie who come to see the resemblance.
The walk to the tree takes about three minutes from the designated parking area, so sturdy shoes are recommended. During winter months, access becomes difficult as heavy snow often makes the path impassable.
A small shrine dedicated to a mountain deity stands at the tree's base, where people seek blessings for marriage and fertility. This sanctuary is deeply tied to local beliefs and adds spiritual significance to the site.
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