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
Explore nearby
-
Suwa Cycling Experience
Featured
-
Lake Suwa, Fireworks, Onsens in 4K
Featured
-
Unique Things To Do in Suwa
Featured
-
Popular Things To Do in Suwa, Nagano
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
Naha is One of Booking.com's 2025 Trending Destinations
Okinawa -
2
Kanazawa Makes Nat Geo's Best of the World 2025 List
Ishikawa -
3
Kumamoto Says Sayonara to IC Cards
Kumamoto -
4
Kura Sushi at 2025 Osaka Expo
Osaka - Sponsored -
5
Sleep Travel in Japan
Planning -
6
Naha City Museum of History
Okinawa -
7
Universal Studios Japan Expands with Donkey Kong Country™
Osaka -
8
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi-Katsuura and Wakayama Sightseeing
Wakayama - Sponsored -
9
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
10
Nikko Featured on Fodor's Go List 2025
Tochigi
-
1
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
2
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
3
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
8
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
9
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa -
10
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto