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
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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
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