Kochi

Nov 21, 2015 - 1 min read

Kochi Prefecture's 'Sugi-no-Osugi'

Majestic 3000-year-old giant cedar trees in Shikoku

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

Minami Osugi (South Giant Cedar) & Kita Osugi (North Giant Cedar)

From the street, the trees are (mostly) hidden within the forest surrounding the shrine.

Entrance to the grounds is ¥200 for adults, ¥100 for children.

Be sure to look closely at the impressive and detailed wood carvings on the shrine.

Minami Osugi's height is about 60 meters. Kita Osugi's height is about 57 meters.

There is a slightly raised boardwalk around the trees so their roots will not be harmed by visitor traffic.

It is hard to judge the amazing size of these trees in a photograph.

There are a couple of smaller shrines within the compound. And, if you look to the left of this photo, some thick wire support for the trees.

Japan's seven lucky gods are all represented at this Yasaka Shrine.

The town of Otoyo is about 35 km from Kochi City. The trees are only 3 kilometers from the Otoyo Interchange on the Kochi Expressway. Or, 800 meters from Osugi Station.

Deep in the countryside of Shikoku is 'Sugi-no-Osugi', which is actually a pair of 3000-year-old trees, 'Minami Osugi' and 'Kita Osugi'. Their roots are joined, so they are also called 'Meoto Sugi', or the wedded cedar. The trees are said to have been planted by Susano-o-Mikoto, one of the brothers of Amaterasu, the Goddess of the Sun. They sit within the grounds of Yasaka Jinja, a small shrine related to Kyoto's famous one of the same name.

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Sandra Isaka

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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