Kamo-no-Ōkusu, Ancient camphor tree in Higashimiyoshi, Japan.
Kamo-no-Ōkusu is an ancient camphor tree that reaches roughly 26 meters tall with branches that spread widely in all directions. The canopy is so expansive that it creates a shaded area beneath that shelters visitors from the elements.
This tree has lived for more than a thousand years, witnessing many generations and epochs in the region's past. Its longevity marks it as a living link to distant times in the history of Tokushima Prefecture.
This tree holds status as a designated natural monument, representing how communities honor and protect ancient living things as part of their heritage. Visitors come to stand beneath it and feel the presence of something that has watched over the land for generations.
The tree is accessible by a short walk from JR Awa-Kamo Station, with free parking available for those who drive. The site is open to visitors during daylight hours and offers no admission fee.
The branches of this tree grow evenly in all directions, creating a naturally rounded shape that is uncommon for trees of this size. This balanced form allows visitors to experience the full scale of the tree from every angle they approach it.
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