Tired of goodbyes and lasts; looking for hellos and firsts.

Posts tagged 巨木

The Giant Trees of Tochigi: #59 The Giant Sawara Cypress of Nasu Shrine

Jun17
2011 Written by Mullenkedheim
#59 Giant Sawara Cypress of Nasu Shrine

Despite being labelled a tourist attraction, Nasu Shrine's grounds seem to be littered in scrap, and I know not why. Nevertheless, the Giant Sawara Cypress is still a sight to behold.

Number: 59
Name: Giant Sawara Cypress of Nasu Shrine (那須神社のサワラ)
Type: Sawara Cypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera)
Height: 31m
Trunk Circumference: 5.0m
Age: 250 years
Location: 栃木県大田原市南金丸 (36° 51′ 46″N 140° 05′ 17″E)
Date of Visit: 2011-5-21

#59 Giant Sawara Cypress of Nasu Shrine

Of the many giant trees on this path, the Giant Sawara Cypress is the greatest.

The path leading to Nasu Shrine opens up from National Route 461. In 2004, Nasu Yoichi no Sato Rest Area (道の駅　那須与一の郷) opened adjacent to the shrine grounds. Tradition states that Nasu Shrine was founded during the reign of Emperor Nintoku (who is said to have reigned from 313-399 CE and is entombed in Japan’s largest kofun, Daisen Kofun in Sakai City, Osaka). The shrine’s two-storey outer gate is one of Tochigi’s Tangible Cultural Properties. It is a lovely shrine, and it’s a shame about all the scrap littering the grounds.

The Sawara Cypress stands along the path leading to the shrine, set back a little ways from the path itself on the left side. Of course, on the grounds there are many great zelkovas and sawara cypresses, but this one seems to be the largest.

#59 Giant Sawara Cypress of Nasu Shrine

Here, too, stone lanterns have been tumbled by the earthquake of March 11th, and have not yet been righted.

#59 Giant Sawara Cypress of Nasu Shrine

御神木 - Sacred Tree. Bidding farewell, I toddle next door to the Michi no Eki for a brief respite before continuing my adventure.

I try to show you my Japan. Won’t you show us your Japan?

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The Giant Trees of Tochigi: #52 The Giant Evergreen Oak of Takioka Onsen Shrine

Jun10
2011 Written by Mullenkedheim
#52 The Giant Evergreen Oak of Takioka Onsen Shrine
This is how the Giant Evergreen Oak of Takioka Onsen Shrine appeared in November 2008, and how I expected it to look this time. I was unprepared for what I found.

Number: 52
Name: Giant Evergreen Oak of Takioka Onsen Shrine (滝岡温泉神社のアカガシ)
Type: Japanese Evergreen Oak (Quercus acuta)
Height: 21m
Trunk Circumference: 6.2m
Age: 700 years
Location: 栃木県大田原市滝岡 (36° 48′ 45″N 140° 01′ 55″E)
Date of Visit: 2011-5-21

#52 Giant Evergreen Oak of Takioka Onsen Shrine

Surrounded by a broad expanse of flat rice fields, Onsen Shrine lies on a small forested rise.

Onsen Shrine is located in Takioka, near the confluence of the Houki and Momomura Rivers, on a small, tree-laden rise amidst a sea of rice fields. In the shrine grounds, there were six evergreen oaks designated as Natural Monuments. Among those, however, one tree towered above the others, such that it could be seen from wherever one was in the rice fields. In its hunger for stronger light, this tree developed a lean, peeking out from under the cover of its neighbours to drink its fill and grow to great heights.

Though this rogue tree, going its own way, was huge, that does not seem to be the reason it was named a Natural Monument.

For an evergreen oak to grow in the wild, the mean average yearly temperature must not be less than 13°C. However, nowadays, in this part of Tochigi, the average temperature has dropped to just below 12°C. So, I guess, hundreds of years ago, the temperature must have been warmer, for these trees to have grown as they did. As these trees demonstrate that climate does change, they have been entered into the Natural Monument register.

For being able to read hints about past climate merely from the existence of these trees, one imagines that scholars must have smiled when they found them.

But you may have noticed I’ve been speaking in the past tense. The Giant Evergreen Oak of Takioka Onsen Shrine was huge; not is huge.

As this tree is located relatively close to the Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama, I headed here next. Arriving in the area, at first I was confused. Surely a tree of this size should be easy to spot. Ah, I thought, it leaned off the side of the hill, that’s a good hint to help me find it!

And then I spotted it.

#52 Giant Evergreen Oak of Takioka Onsen Shrine

The Giant Evergreen Oak of Takioka Onsen Shrine lay broken on the hillside.

I’m not sure when this happened. There was no mention of it on the information board, and I could find no one nearby to ask. It happened sometime since November 2008, as that’s when the pic at the top was taken. At first, I wondered if it had broken during the quake, but I realized that, if it had, it must have been on its last legs anyway, to have broken and to be in the condition its in now.

No, this probably happened a while ago. The fallen bits appear dead, and the smaller branches that ought to be on it seem to be gone.

One hopes that the roots are still strong, and from the ruined trunk, still firmly in the ground, new shoots will bring a rebirth for this great old tree.

I try to show you my Japan. Won’t you show us your Japan?

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The Giant Trees of Tochigi: #53 The Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama

Jun03
2011 Written by Mullenkedheim
#53 Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama

In a quiet village, off the main road, down someone's driveway, and nestled between a workshop and the river lies the Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama.

Number: 53
Name: Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama (佐久山のケヤキ)
Type: Japanese Zelkova (Zelkowa Serrata)
Height: 22m
Trunk Circumference: 7.1m
Age: 800 years
Location: 栃木県大田原市佐久山 (36° 48′ 30″N 140° 00′ 36″E)
Date of Visit: 2011-5-21

On the right bank of the Houki River lies the community of Sakuyama.

#53 Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama

The Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama is a recognized Natural Monument.

#53 Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama

An information board is near the base of the tree.

 

There, centrally located, off the prefectural road and slightly to the north and tucked behind some houses, there stands a lone, old zelkova tree. In front of it is Dainichi Temple, a small local temple dedicated to the supreme Buddha. Of course, due to its proximity, this tree is often called the Zelkova of Dainichi Temple.

#53 Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama

Though it looks as though it has had a rough life, the tree seems healthy.

The trunk used to stretch to the sky, branches spreading in every direction to create the appearance of a lush hemispherical canopy.

But now, the shape is as you see it. In the early part of this century, the tree was rather sickly, and, so help preserve it for the future, a series of treatments were administered to help it recover. Though recovery was slow (just three years ago, it still looked rather sad and sick), now it seems to be full of life once again.

#53 Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama

The base is broad and beautifully rooty.

In the past, local belief held that the richness of the canopy was a predictor of the harvest: poor and sickly, a poor harvest; full and rich, a good harvest. Though this may be little more than folklore, I hope the local community has a prosperous farming year.

#53 Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama

You can see how trunk looks quite sickly, bark flaking off. You can see where bits have been cut or have fallen off. Yet, now, it seems to be as healthy as ever.

#53 Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama

#53 Giant Zelkova of Sakuyama

With a final glance at the carvings of Dainichi Temple, I'm off to my next destination. What I'll find will surprise and disappoint me.

I try to show you my Japan. Won’t you show us your Japan?

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The Giant Trees of Tochigi: #77 The Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine

May27
2011 Written by Mullenkedheim
#77 Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine

The Sacred Zelkova is clearly visible as you head north along National Route 4 from the Hoshakuji Junction.

Number: 77
Name: Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine (白鬚神社の神木けやき)
Type: Japanese Zelkova (Zelkowa Serrata)
Height: 29m
Trunk Circumference: 5.5m
Age: >300 years
Location: 栃木県塩谷郡高根沢町宝積寺 (36° 36′ 56″N 139° 58′ 29″E)
Date of Visit: 2011-5-21

#77 Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine

The tree, despite its age, is clearly healthy and vigorous.

Shirahige Shrine is located immediately west of National Route 4, a short distance north of its crossing over the Kinu River at Hoshakuji. It is easily visible from the road, and impossible to overlook. However, as traffic on Route 4 is heavy, and the parking area practically nonexistant, do be careful if you choose to visit this tree.

#77 Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine#77 Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine

Inside the shrine grounds, beside the massive zelkova, there is a signboard which states that it has been added to the Tochigi’s curated list of trees of historical importance (名木). Another stone pillar proclaiming the tree to be a natural monument in Takanezawa is also there. The pillar calls the tree 「神木欅」Sacred Zelkova.

#77 Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine

The top of that retaining wall is a couple centimeters above the normal ground level. The bottom of the wall, about a meter below normal ground level.

I think the shrine’s ground level used to be lower.  Perhaps the ground was raised during the building and upgrading of Route 4 after the war. At any rate, a stone retaining wall has been built around the zelkova to protect it.

If one looks closely, one can see new sprouts popping out of roots and here and there. Maybe, in a few decades, we will be able to call this The Parent and Child Zelkovas of Shirahige Shrine.

#77 Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine

A look back to the entrance. In the distance, National Route 4, and the rise on which Houshakuji is built.

#77 Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine

A guardian worth of such a tree.

#77 Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine

Here, too, the aftereffects of The Great East Japan Earthquake can be seen.

#77 Sacred Zelkova of Shirahige Shrine

As the Sacred Zelkova gently waved in the breeze, I head off to my next destination. What will I find there?

I try to show you my Japan. Won’t you show us your Japan?

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Giant Trees of Tochigi: #4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple

Feb05
2010 Written by Mullenkedheim

#4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (by Mullenkedheim)

Number: 4
Name: The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (成願寺のイチョウ)
Type: Ginkgo
Height: 30m
Trunk Circumference: 5.9m
Age: 500 years
Location: 栃木県宇都宮市西刑部町（成願寺） (36° 29′ 56″N 139° 55′ 53″E)
Date of Visit: 2010-1-31

If you head eastward out of Utsunomiya on the new-ish National Route 121, just past the Industrial Park at Shimokuwajima-machi, on the right (south) side of the road, you will see a large Ginkgo.

Much like the Gingko, Jougan Temple is a splendid temple. These days, the temple and the grounds are undergoing improvements and work. Thought I tried to avoid it, the pylons of this work could not but find their way into some of the images.

The temple was founded in Tempyou-jingo 1 (765 CE) by Shoudou, who also founded temples in Nikko. The road the passes the gate, Municipal Road 406, has been called Jougan Temple Highway since time immemorial. This Ginkgo was surely a landmark for people walking the road.

#4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (by Mullenkedheim)

#4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (by Mullenkedheim)

#4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (by Mullenkedheim)

#4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (by Mullenkedheim)

#4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (by Mullenkedheim)

#4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (by Mullenkedheim)

#4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (by Mullenkedheim)

#4 The Giant Ginkgo of Jougan Temple (by Mullenkedheim)

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Giant Trees of Tochigi: #2 The Grand Ginkgo of Asahimachi

Feb03
2010 Written by Mullenkedheim

#2 Grand Ginkgo of Asahimachi (by Mullenkedheim)

Number: 2
Name: Grand Ginkgo of Asahimachi (旭町の大いちょう)
Type: Gingko
Height: 32m
Trunk Circumference: 6.2m
Age: 300+ years
Location: 栃木県宇都宮市中央１丁目 (36° 33′ 27″N 139° 52′ 57″E)
Date of Visit: 2010-1-31

In Utsunomiya, at the intersection of the north-south road connecting City Hall with the Prefectural Government building and Ichou-dori, on the northwest corner stands this Ginkgo tree. The elevated location where it stands is the remnant of an earthen wall that formed a boundary at Utsunomiya Castle, but as it is now quite close to the downtown core, it was mostly lost. The Ginkgo was a symbol of Utsunomiya Castle, and later, an important symbol to the people of Utsunomiya City.

On July 12, 1945, from midnight until dawn, Utsunomiya suffered an American air raid. There were many victims, and approximately half the city center was lost. In the conflagration, this Ginkgo tree, too, was a victim, burned until it was completely pitch black. Yet, in the spring after the end of the war, green buds were to be seen sprouting from the tree that was thought to be dead. This gallantly strong life force lit the fire of courage in the hearts of the people of Utsunomiya.

Since then, this Ginkgo has become a symbol of the post-war revival. In 1986, on the 90th anniversary of the incorporation of Utsunomiya City, the citizens chose the Ginkgo as the city’s official tree. Surely, they were thinking of the Grand Ginkgo of Asahimachi when they made their choice.

#2 Grand Ginkgo of Asahimachi (by Mullenkedheim)

#2 Grand Ginkgo of Asahimachi (by Mullenkedheim)

#2 Grand Ginkgo of Asahimachi (by Mullenkedheim)

#2 Grand Ginkgo of Asahimachi (by Mullenkedheim)

#2 Grand Ginkgo of Asahimachi (by Mullenkedheim)

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Giant Trees of Tochigi: #1 The Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi

Feb01
2010 Written by Mullenkedheim

#1 Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi (by Mullenkedheim)

Number: 1
Name: Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi (新町のケヤキ)
Type: Japanese Zelkova (Zelkowa Serrata)
Height: 38m
Trunk Circumference: 7.4m
Age: 800 years
Location: 栃木県宇都宮市新町２丁目 (36° 32′ 53″N 139° 52′ 31″E)
Date of Visit: 2010-1-31

Just 800m southwest of Utsunomiya City Hall, turn a corner and find yourself in a quiet residential area. Here is the Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi. Despite the homes and shops that have grown up in the area, the tree is so tall it can be seen nearly two kilometers away in Fudoumae.

According to the information board, in the Edo period, the tree stood near the entrance to the grounds of Utsunomiya Castle, and as such served as a landmark for travellers.

The roots seem to have grown under the street and other pavements. Though the environment has become difficult for this Zelkova, it still stands proud and lives vigorously. Some of the branches completely overhang the road. For this to have been preserved in a city area is precious, indeed.

In the pre-war days, there were three Zelkova like this, but now, only the largest tree remains, its companions having been felled long ago. That a single tree survives, though, is a happy thing. Surely, the people who worked to preserve this tree, and still work to preserve it, deserve our gratitude.

#1 Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi (by Mullenkedheim)

#1 Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi (by Mullenkedheim)

#1 Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi (by Mullenkedheim)

#1 Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi (by Mullenkedheim)

#1 Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi (by Mullenkedheim)

#1 Giant Zelkova of Shinmachi (by Mullenkedheim)

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