Hagurosan Jijisugi, Giant cedar tree near the Five-storied Pagoda in Tsuruoka, Japan.
This ancient cedar stands 48.3 meters tall and has been designated as a natural monument, representing one of the most impressive examples of giant trees in the sacred Mount Haguro region.
The Jijisugi has survived for over a thousand years since the Kamakura period, serving as a spiritual landmark for generations of pilgrims who have traveled to Mount Haguro for religious practices.
Known as the 'Grandpa Cedar,' this tree plays a central role in Shugendo mountain worship traditions, where pilgrims offer prayers and seek blessings for longevity, health, and spiritual enlightenment beneath its branches.
Visitors can access the cedar year-round except during winter months, following the stone staircase pathway from Dewa Sanzan Shrine while observing conservation guidelines to protect this natural monument.
The Jijisugi stands as one of the few ancient trees directly integrated into Japan's religious architecture landscape, positioned near the UNESCO-designated Five-storied Pagoda and serving as a living guardian of sacred traditions.
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