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

Posts tagged giant tree

The Giant Trees of Tochigi: #58 The Giant Ginkgo of Oonomuro

Jul08
2011 Written by Mullenkedheim
#58 Giant Ginkgo of Oonomuro

At the end of a long tree-lined path, just before the shrine, we reach the Giant Ginkgo of Oonomuro.

Number: 58
Name: Giant Ginkgo of Oonomuro (大野室のイチョウ)
Type: Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree (Ginkgo biloba)
Height: 30m
Trunk Circumference: 6.5m
Age: >300 years
Location: 栃木県大田原市寒井大野室 (36° 55′ 19″N 140° 06′ 34″E)
Date of Visit: 2011-5-21

On the right bank of the Naka River, not so far from prefectural road 34 which connects Kuroiso with Kurobane, one can find Mishima Shrine. In the long, perfectly straight avenue of cryptomeria leading to the shrine, slightly out of place, is this single Giant Ginkgo.

#58 Giant Ginkgo of Oonomuro

The cryptomeria-lined avenue leads to the ginkgo, and to Mishima Shrine.

This ginkgo is considerably older than the cryptomeria that line the approach to the shrine. One can imagine that once upon a time, the scenery of the approach was quite different than it is today.

#58 Giant Ginkgo of Oonomuro

This information board was erected in August 1995.

Nearby, a handwritten information board made from a slice of another giant tree can be seen. According to that sign, the shrine was established in the 2nd year of the Daidou Era (so, 807 CE). At first, Yakushinyorai (薬師如来, Bhaisajyaguru, the buddha who is able to cure all ills) was enshrined here, where he was called Wise God Mishima.

#58 Giant Ginkgo of Oonomuro

A chain fence discourages people from approaching too closely.

As for the ginkgo, it is written that people used to pray here for troubles with breastfeeding, but there seems to be no explanation beyond that.

#58 Giant Ginkgo of Oonomuro

It was approaching 5pm on a mid-May day. Daylight was starting to fade, but I still had two more giant trees to find that day. Must keep moving.

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

Posted in Giant Trees of Tochigi - Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

The Giant Trees of Tochigi: #54 The Giant Zelkova of Yakumo Shrine

Jun24
2011 Written by Mullenkedheim
#54 Giant Zelkova of Yakumo Shrine

Approaching the shrine from the street, before you take a single step upwards, your vision is dominated by the Giant Zelkova.

Number: 54
Name: Giant Zelkova of Yakumo Shrine (八雲神社のケヤキ)
Type: Japanese Zelkova (Zelkowa serrata)
Height: 28m
Trunk Circumference: 5.1m
Age: >300 years
Location: 栃木県大田原市黒羽田町 (36° 51′ 38″N 140° 07′ 21″E)
Date of Visit: 2011-5-21

On the left bank of the Naka River, at the east end of National Route 461′s Naka River Bridge, you find Kurobaneta-machi. Before Kurobane Town amalgamated into Otawara City in 2005, you could find the town hall here.

#54 Giant Zelkova of Yakumo Shrine

I do hope those aren't insect holes. I'd hate for something to happen to this tree, like the Giant Evergreen Oak of Takioka Onsen Shrine.

Yakumo Shrine is found on the high ground to the east of the old town hall. Stepping onto the stone staircase leading up to the shrine, you can’t help but notice a majestic tree at the top on your right-hand side. This is the Giant Zelkova of Yakumo Shrine. The thin rope encircling its trunk suggests that herein dwells a kami.

#54 Giant Zelkova of Yakumo Shrine

What a mighty tree.

In 1989, the first survey of Giant Trees was carried out, and this zelkova was recorded. Since that time, the trunk circumference has increased a further 25cm. Despite its advanced years, it’s still managing to carry on strong growth.

From low on the trunk and looking upwards, one can see that there were many branches at one time, but as they get thick, they seem to be shed. Perhaps they become too heavy for their own good. At any rate, in the months and years after such a shedding, this zelkova works to heal itself, and now the wounds of these lost brances are nothing more than lumps and bumps here and there.

Though obscured by leaves on this warm spring day, it seems that, once, long ago, the tree forked further up, but that the southermost half of the fork has been lost. One wonders how wide the canopy may have reached if that fork had continued to grow.

#54 Giant Zelkova of Yakumo Shrine

The roots don't have an easy time of it, but they've made do.

#54 Giant Zelkova of Yakumo Shrine

Before leaving, I gave this tree a hug. I couldn't not, it was just such a warm, inviting tree. I'll come back here one day. But, ever onwards!

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

 

Posted in Giant Trees of Tochigi - Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

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?

Posted in Giant Trees of Tochigi - Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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?

Posted in Giant Trees of Tochigi - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

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?

Posted in Giant Trees of Tochigi - Tagged , , , , , , , ,

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)

Posted in Giant Trees of Tochigi, Photos - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

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)

Posted in Giant Trees of Tochigi, Photos - Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

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)

Posted in Giant Trees of Tochigi, Photos - Tagged , , , , , , ,