Great sugi of Kayano, Sacred tree at Sugawara Shrine in Yamanaka Onsen, Japan.
The Great Sugi of Kayano is a massive Japanese cedar at Sugawara Shrine that splits into two trunks roughly 5 meters above ground. The tree's base spans a circumference of roughly 11.5 meters (38 feet), and it rises to a height of roughly 54.8 meters (180 feet).
The tree was planted roughly 2,300 years ago, making it one of Japan's oldest living trees. A Tokyo university professor examined it in 1928 and confirmed its age through scientific study.
The tree stands as a focus of reverence for local visitors who come to this shrine to honor ancient spirits and connect with the cedar's spiritual significance. Over centuries, it has served as a sacred reference point in the spiritual life of the surrounding community.
The tree sits on the shrine grounds and is easy to reach while exploring the area. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes since the shrine and surroundings are best explored on foot.
The tree received a visit from Emperor Showa in 1947 during a national sports festival, an honor few natural monuments in Japan experience. This event made it an even more recognized symbol of the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
