Ginkgo Trees at Shimotsuke Hachiman Shrine

What Makes This Tree So Special

The Ginkgo Tree of Shimono Hachimangu Shrine stands at the top of the stone staircase leading to the shrine's main hall, in the village of Shimono in Takachiho Town. According to the official designation record from Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs, the tree is a female specimen with a girth at chest height of 9.20 meters and a height of 36.40 meters. Its root circumference is identical to the trunk girth, suggesting a remarkably balanced and powerful root system that has supported it through centuries.

What distinguishes this ginkgo from other giant trees is its dramatic and unusual silhouette. From a height of 1.80 meters above the ground, a single bold branch grows straight up toward the north, defying gravity in a column-like ascent. Meanwhile, on the southern side, the main trunk divides into roughly ten substantial branches starting at the 5-meter mark, creating a fan-shaped, broom-like crown that spreads dramatically upward and outward. The result is a tree that appears to embrace the sky itself, with vigorous foliage that has lost none of its strength despite its great age.

A Living Witness to History

Local tradition holds that this ginkgo is approximately 800 years old, placing its origins around the time when Shimono Hachiman Daijingu Shrine was founded. According to shrine records, the deity known as Shōhachiman was relocated from the Iwato area in 1192, during the early Kamakura period, and the shrine pavilion was constructed during the era of Takachiho Tarō Masanobu, the founding lord of the local Takachiho clan. The ginkgo may have been planted to commemorate the establishment of the shrine, making it a living chronicle of the entire history of Shimono Hachiman Daijingu.

Throughout eight centuries, this tree has witnessed countless generations of pilgrims climbing the stone steps to pray for safe childbirth, easy delivery, and victory in life's struggles—blessings traditionally associated with the shrine's deities, Tamayori-hime no Mikoto and Homudawake no Mikoto (the deified Emperor Ōjin). The tree has stood through warring states periods, the rise and fall of dynasties, and the modernization of Japan, remaining a quiet but powerful symbol of continuity.

Why It Was Designated a National Natural Monument

On June 9, 1951, the Ginkgo Tree of Shimono Hachimangu Shrine was designated a National Natural Monument under criterion (1) of Japan's natural monument system, which covers famous trees, giant trees, old trees, unusually shaped trees, original cultivated plant trees, tree-lined avenues, and sacred shrine groves. The tree qualifies on multiple counts. Its sheer dimensions place it among the largest ginkgoes in Japan, and its age and vigor make it an outstanding specimen of arboreal longevity. The Agency for Cultural Affairs explicitly recognizes it as "one of the great giant ginkgo trees" of the country.

The designation also reflects the cultural and ecological context surrounding the tree. The forested grounds of Shimono Hachiman Daijingu host a remarkable concentration of historic trees, and the entire grove is a protected area under Takachiho Town's regulations. The neighboring zelkova tree on the same shrine grounds is also a separately designated National Natural Monument, making this site one of the rare locations in Japan where two such treasures stand side by side.

Highlights and What to See

The approach to the ginkgo is itself a memorable experience. Visitors pass through a torii gate, walk along a quiet stone-paved path, and ascend a flight of stone steps. As they climb, the great ginkgo gradually rises into view on the left side of the staircase, with the equally impressive zelkova facing it on the right—a natural gateway formed by two living national treasures.

Each season brings its own beauty. In spring and summer, the ginkgo's fan-shaped leaves form a lush green canopy that shades the shrine approach. Autumn, however, is the most spectacular time to visit. Around mid-November to early December, the leaves turn an intense, luminous gold, and when they fall, they carpet the stone steps and shrine grounds in a brilliant yellow blanket. Photographers and nature lovers from across Japan time their visits to capture this fleeting moment.

Beyond the ginkgo, the shrine grounds offer additional curiosities. The Sakasa-sugi (Inverted Cedar) is said to have grown from a cedar branch planted upside down by the warrior Nasu Daihachirō, who prayed for victory before pursuing the Heike clan into the Shiiba mountains. The Arima-sugi was reportedly planted by Arima Naozumi, the Edo-period lord of Nobeoka Domain, to mark his triumphant return from the Shimabara campaign. Each of these trees carries its own legend, weaving the shrine grounds into a tapestry of natural and historical wonder.

Visitor Information and Access

Shimono Hachiman Daijingu is located in the Shimono area of Takachiho Town, roughly 15 minutes by car from the Takachiho Bus Center. There is no entrance fee, and the shrine grounds are open to visitors throughout the year. The site is relatively quiet compared to other famous Takachiho destinations, offering a contemplative atmosphere ideal for those seeking a more intimate encounter with Japan's natural and spiritual heritage.

Visitors are kindly asked to treat the tree and shrine grounds with respect. Touching, climbing, or removing leaves and branches is prohibited, as the tree is a designated cultural property of national importance. A heavy snowfall in 2014 caused one large branch to break, demonstrating that even this venerable giant is fragile and deserves careful protection. Photography for personal use is generally welcomed.

Surrounding Attractions in Takachiho

A visit to the Ginkgo Tree of Shimono Hachimangu Shrine pairs naturally with the many other treasures of Takachiho. Takachiho Gorge, with its dramatic basalt cliffs and the 17-meter Manai Falls, is one of Japan's most iconic landscapes and lies a short drive from the shrine. Takachiho Shrine, the head shrine of the 88 shrines of the Takachiho region, hosts nightly performances of the famous Yokagura sacred dance. Amano-Iwato Shrine, associated with the myth of the sun goddess Amaterasu hiding in a cave, draws visitors interested in Japan's foundational mythology, while the nearby Amano-Yasukawara cave offers a hauntingly beautiful spiritual atmosphere.

Takachiho is also celebrated for its mountain cuisine, including local Takachiho beef, fresh river fish, and a variety of distinctive shochu. Combining a visit to the great ginkgo with these regional experiences offers a richly layered way to explore one of Japan's most mythologically resonant landscapes.