The Great Cedar of Kabuchi Shrine: An 850-Year-Old Living Monument in the Mountains of Gifu
Hidden deep in the forested hills of Hichiso Town in Gifu Prefecture stands a towering giant that has watched over its sacred grounds for more than eight centuries. The Great Cedar of Kabuchi Shrine (神淵神社の大スギ, Kabuchi-jinja no Ōsugi) is a magnificent Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica) designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan, drawing visitors who come to feel the timeless presence of a tree that has survived storms, landslides, and the passage of centuries while continuing to thrive.
For travelers seeking a quieter, more contemplative side of Japan—far from the crowded streets of Kyoto and Tokyo—this extraordinary tree, set within a serene shrine compound on the slopes of sacred Mt. Mihagi, offers an unforgettable encounter with the living heritage of rural Japan.
What Is the Great Cedar of Kabuchi Shrine?
The Great Cedar of Kabuchi Shrine is a single, enormous Japanese cedar that grows within the precincts of Kabuchi Shrine in Hichiso Town, Kamo District, Gifu Prefecture. With a trunk circumference of approximately 10 meters at its base and a height of around 43 meters, it ranks among the most impressive cedar trees in Japan. Its estimated age is roughly 850 years, meaning the tree would have first taken root in the late Heian or early Kamakura period—long before the rise of the samurai shogunate as we know it.
The cedar belongs to the species Cryptomeria japonica, known in Japanese as sugi, which has been a sacred and economically vital tree in Japan for over a thousand years. Cedars of this age are exceptionally rare survivors, often found at shrines where their longevity is attributed to centuries of protection by the surrounding community of worshippers.
Why It Was Designated a National Natural Monument
On February 28, 1930 (Showa 5), the Great Cedar of Kabuchi Shrine was designated a National Natural Monument by the Japanese government. The official designation describes it succinctly as "a remarkable giant cedar, with a trunk circumference of ten meters at thirty centimeters above ground." This dimension alone places it among the elite class of giant cedars recorded in Japan's national register.
The designation reflects several layers of significance:
- Botanical rarity: Single-trunked cedars of this size and age are unusual, especially those that have survived modern logging and natural disasters.
- Cultural and spiritual value: The tree is intimately tied to the religious life of Kabuchi Shrine and the local community, making it a "living shrine treasure" as much as a natural specimen.
- Resilience: Despite a major landslide in September 1910 (Meiji 43) that buried its roots under approximately one meter of debris, the tree has continued to flourish, demonstrating extraordinary vigor.
This combination of botanical, historical, and spiritual significance is precisely the kind of value Japan's national monument system was designed to preserve for future generations.
The Highlights and Charm of the Visit
An Overwhelming Sense of Scale
Standing at the base of the cedar and looking up, visitors often describe a feeling close to reverence. The massive trunk, which a small group of adults would struggle to encircle with their arms, rises straight into the canopy, where its branches blend with the surrounding forest. Sunlight filters through the foliage and dances on the moss-covered ground, creating an atmosphere that has changed little in centuries.
A Tree That Survived a Mountain Disaster
In September 1910, a powerful debris flow swept down the mountain, depositing soil and rock around the cedar's base and burying roughly one meter of its trunk. Most trees would have suffocated or weakened irreparably, yet this cedar adapted, and Gifu Prefecture's official records confirm it still displays "vigorous growth" today. For visitors, this living history is what transforms a beautiful tree into something almost mythical.
The Sacred Atmosphere of Kabuchi Shrine
The cedar does not stand alone—it is the centerpiece of Kabuchi Shrine, a shrine whose origins are traced to 672 CE (the year of the Jinshin War), when Prince Ōama (later Emperor Tenmu) is said to have enshrined a sacred mirror here to pray for his imperial fortunes. The shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto (the storm god and slayer of the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi) and his consort Kushinada-hime. The mountain rising behind the shrine, Mt. Mihagi, derives its name from a legend that Susanoo enshrined his ten-fist sword (totsuka-no-tsurugi) here in the age of the gods.
The Giant Cliff Inscription
Along the approach to the shrine, visitors will spot something unusual carved into the cliffside: enormous Chinese characters reading "御佩郷" (Mihagi-gō), each approximately two meters square. These dramatic rock inscriptions are an astonishing sight and reinforce the sense that one is entering a place set apart from ordinary life.
Surrounding Attractions in Hichiso Town
Hisuikyō Gorge (Rock Garden)
Just a short drive from the shrine lies Hisuikyō, a spectacular 12-kilometer gorge carved by the Hida River. The emerald-green waters wind between towering cliffs, and the gorge is famous for its more than 800 pot holes (ōketsu)—also designated a National Natural Monument. The area was added to Hida-Kisogawa Quasi-National Park in 1964.
Museum of the Oldest Stone in Japan
This unique museum exhibits a 2.05-billion-year-old rock discovered in the Hida riverbed near Hichiso Town, the oldest stone ever found in Japan. The museum offers hands-on activities like fossil and crystal hunting, making it a fascinating stop for travelers interested in earth sciences.
Roadside Station Rock Garden Hichiso
A convenient base for exploring the area, this michi-no-eki features an observation deck overlooking the gorge, local crafts, regional snacks, and walking paths. It is an excellent place to purchase the town's signature confection, aruheimaki, a handmade crispy rolled cracker with a sugar core that has been produced locally for more than ninety years.
Mt. Nōkoyama
At 632.9 meters, Mt. Nōkoyama is a beginner-friendly mountain offering panoramic views of the Japan Alps, Mt. Ontake, and even Mt. Haku on clear days. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the region.
Ryūmonji Temple
Founded by the medieval lord Toki Yorisada, governor of Mino Province, Ryūmonji is a treasure trove of cultural property. A renowned dragon carving on its main gate is attributed to the legendary Edo-period sculptor Hidari Jingorō.
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Q&A
- How old is the Great Cedar of Kabuchi Shrine?
- The tree is estimated to be approximately 850 years old, meaning it likely began growing in the late 12th century, around the dawn of the Kamakura period.
- When was the cedar designated a National Natural Monument?
- It was designated a National Natural Monument by the Japanese government on February 28, 1930 (Showa 5), and remains protected under Japan's Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties.
- How do I reach Kabuchi Shrine from Nagoya or Gifu?
- By car, take the Tōkai-Hokuriku Expressway to Mino-Kamo IC, then continue north on Route 41 toward Hida. From the intersection in front of Kabuchi Community Center, turn onto the local road; the shrine entrance is approximately 5 minutes away. The mountain access road is narrow, so caution is advised.
- Is there an entrance fee?
- No, there is no entrance fee. The shrine grounds, including the area around the cedar, are open to the public free of charge. Visitors are asked to respect the sacred nature of the site and refrain from touching or damaging the tree.
- What is the best season to visit?
- Spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November) are particularly recommended. Fresh green foliage in late spring beautifully frames the cedar, while autumn brings vivid colors to the surrounding forest and the nearby Hisuikyō Gorge.
Basic Information
| Name | The Great Cedar of Kabuchi Shrine (神淵神社の大スギ) |
|---|---|
| Type | National Natural Monument (天然記念物) - Plant |
| Designation Date | February 28, 1930 (Showa 5) |
| Species | Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica / スギ) |
| Estimated Age | Approximately 850 years |
| Trunk Circumference | Approximately 10.0 m at the base |
| Height | Approximately 43 m |
| Location | Kabuchi Shrine, 4168-1 Kabuchi, Hichiso-cho, Kamo-gun, Gifu Prefecture |
| Shrine Deities | Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushinada-hime-no-Mikoto |
| Access | By car: approx. 30 min from Mino-Kamo IC on the Tōkai-Hokuriku Expressway via Route 41 |
| Parking | Available near the main shrine building |
| Admission | Free |
References
- Cultural Heritage Online - The Great Cedar of Kabuchi Shrine
- https://bunka.nii.ac.jp/heritages/detail/190812
- Gifu Prefectural Government - Kabuchi Shrine no Ōsugi
- https://www.pref.gifu.lg.jp/page/367640.html
- Gifu Prefectural Government - Natural Monuments by Category
- https://www.pref.gifu.lg.jp/page/13668.html
- Hichiso Town Official Website - History and Culture
- https://www.hichiso.jp/top/kanko/sightseeing/culture/
- National Designated Cultural Properties Database (Agency for Cultural Affairs)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/401/1257
- Wikipedia - Kabuchi Shrine
- https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/神淵神社
- Gifu Tourism Guide - Hichiso Town
- https://www.kankou-gifu.jp/article/detail_291.html
Last verified: 2026.05.12