Yōgō no Matsu, Sacred pine tree at Kasuga-taisha shrine, Japan
The Yōgō no Matsu is a sacred pine tree positioned at the entrance of Kasuga-taisha shrine, marking the threshold between the earthly and the divine. Located near the first torii gate, it serves as an immediate visual reference point as visitors begin their passage through the shrine grounds.
The original tree was documented in the Kasuga Gongen Genki scroll from 1309, establishing a tradition of replanting successive generations. This practice of cultivating new trees has allowed the lineage to endure across the centuries.
The tree has inspired the design of painted backdrops used on Noh theater stages throughout Japan, creating a tangible link between this shrine and the country's performing arts. This artistic influence demonstrates how the tree transcends its role as a shrine object to shape cultural expression in unexpected ways.
The tree sits near the first torii gate and is easy to locate when entering the shrine grounds. It is helpful to allow time for quiet observation, as the area can become busy and the location holds spiritual significance that benefits from a moment of reflection.
According to Japanese belief, the deities of Kasuga-taisha descended to earth by passing through this particular pine tree. This conviction establishes it as a direct channel between the divine and human realms.
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