Babadaimon no Keyaki Namiki, Ancient zelkova tree avenue in Fuchū, Japan.
Babadaimon no Keyaki Namiki is a double row of zelkova trees stretching about 500 meters, forming a natural corridor that leads toward Okunitama-jinja Shrine. The avenue consists of numerous mature specimens that create a dense canopy overhead, providing shade throughout the year.
The avenue dates back to 1062, when Minamoto no Yoriyoshi and his son planted over 1,000 zelkova saplings before departing on an important military campaign. Many of these original trees have grown into massive specimens over the centuries and remain standing today.
The tree rows form a sandō, which is a traditional approach path to a shrine, and serve as a place where visitors walk with intention and respect. This arrangement reflects how Japanese culture integrates nature and spirituality into everyday movement and contemplation.
The site is open year-round and can be reached from Fuchū Station on the Keio Line. Morning and late afternoon visits offer the best conditions, with fewer crowds and pleasant light for walking through the avenue.
This site holds the sole designation among Japan's natural monuments specifically dedicated to a zelkova tree avenue, with some individual trees over 400 years old. This rare distinction makes it an exceptional example of a long-lived tree-lined pathway composed of a single species.
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