I live in a place with a very severe climate. Winter lasts half a year and trees don’t grow big. Whenever I visit Japan, I can always spot its powerful trees. Trees with thick boles are very old and they are the objects of worship in Shinto religion. Such trees are marked with “Shimenawa” or "Enclosing rope" - lengths of laid rice straw rope and festooned “shide” (special zigzag made of paper). Shimenawa means purification and the space of Kami (God in Shinto religion). When I visit Jinja and see those trees, I always feel a thrill. But, resting among trees brings peace to my soul. Some trees have incredibly intricated visible roots. Of course, I was fascinated with sakura trees, many of which were quite old. Their rough trunks contrasted to tender blossoms. My favorite tree though is Fuji (Wisteria) in bloom – its magic makes me feel like I’m on another planet!
- 1 min read
Powerful Trees of Japan
Trees thriving in different prefectures of Japan

By Elena Lisina
Community writer

The biggest tree Iever seen was in Suwa Taisha, Nagano

Shimenawa at Suwa Taisha, Nagano

Twin pines at Suwa Taisha, Nagano

The size of their trunks amaze me a lot!

It's really Kami space...

Sumiyoshi Taisha, Osaka

Intricated roots at Ueno Park, Tokyo

The way to Kasuga Taisha, Nara, in Kansai

Sakura at Shinjuku Goen, Tokyo

Sakura in Nagano

Intricated tree in Saitama

Hitachi Seaside Park, Ibaraki

Ginkakuji, Kyoto, Kansai

Imperial Gardens, Kyoto, Kansai

Imperial Gardens, Kyoto, Kansai

Suwa Taisha, Nagano

Kamakura, Kanagawa

Shinjuku Guoen, Tokyo

Fuji at Ashikaga Flower Park, Tochigi

Wonderful fuji at Ashikaga Flower park, Tochigi
Explore nearby
-
Suwa Cycling Experience
Featured
-
Popular Things To Do in Suwa, Nagano
Featured
-
Unique Things To Do in Suwa
Featured
-
Lake Suwa, Fireworks, Onsens in 4K
Featured
Join the discussion
Reynald Ventura
7 years ago
What is this tree called, Elena? Can you ask the tree it's age!
I'll try to ask, but I don't live in Japan. I visited Suwa Taisha with my friends who don't really speak English, and my Japanese is very poor. But I'll try to ask them.
We suppose it's cypress tree about 100 y.o.
Relinda Puspita
7 years ago
a huge tree.
Yes, really!

Anonymous
7 years ago
excellent!
Arigatou, Andrew!
7 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
2
6 Must-See Sakura Spots in Nikko
Tochigi -
3
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
4
Japan Travel Ideas: Must-Sees and Hidden Gems
Culture -
5
Yamaguchi's Kozan Park
Yamaguchi -
6
Cherry Blossoms and Tuna Gourmet in Nachikatsuura
Wakayama - Sponsored -
7
Transit Guide: JBL Pass
Transportation -
8
Create Your Own Adventure in Uchiko, Ehime Prefecture
Ehime -
9
Garyu Sanso: An Architectural Masterpiece in Harmony with Nature
Ehime - Sponsored -
10
Two of Asia's Coolest Neighborhoods Named in Tokyo
Tokyo
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
4
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
5
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
6
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
7
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
10
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture