A Giant Torreya in Hamamatsu
The Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree (北浜の大カヤノキ, Kitahama no Ōkaya no Ki) is a giant Japanese torreya growing in Motozawaai, Hamana Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, which in 1954 was designated a Natural Monument.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs lists it under the criterion for famous, giant and ancient trees. Hamamatsu City was appointed its managing body on 12 August 1982, and the city counts the tree among the leading cultural properties of the Hamakita area.
The Japanese torreya, kaya (Torreya nucifera), is an evergreen conifer of the yew family. Hamamatsu City says it grows from Miyagi Prefecture southwards through Shikoku and Kyushu, and that this tree is one of the finest kaya in Japan.
Its Size and Why It Was Designated
The designation description on Cultural Heritage Online gives a girth of 16.5 metres at the base, a trunk girth of 6.75 metres at 1.5 metres above ground and a height of 27 metres.
It adds that the roots spread widely, the foliage is dense and the tree is vigorous, and concludes that it is one of the outstanding large kaya. These figures date from designation; no current official measurements could be found.
What to Look For
Hamamatsu City notes that the Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree branches toward the south from a height of 2.9 metres. Walk round to the south side to see the thick limbs reaching out low from the trunk.
Look at the base, too. The spread of roots recorded as 16.5 metres round at designation shows in the way the roots swell out of the ground.
The city describes smooth grey bark, young shoots that turn from green to reddish brown, and glossy needles 2 to 3 centimetres long set in two rows along the twigs.
Visiting the Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree
The Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree stands in Motozawaai, Hamana Ward, Hamamatsu, under the care of the city as managing body. The city's page gives no visiting hours or transport information.
When visiting, avoid crossing any protective fencing or trampling the soil over the roots. Enquiries go to the Hamamatsu City cultural properties division on 053-457-2466.
Q&A
- When was the Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree designated?
- It was designated a Natural Monument on 20 March 1954; Hamamatsu City is its managing body.
- How big is the Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree?
- At designation it measured 16.5 metres round the base, 6.75 metres round the trunk at 1.5 metres, and 27 metres tall.
- What kind of tree is the Japanese torreya?
- An evergreen conifer of the yew family found from Miyagi southwards, with glossy needles 2 to 3 centimetres long.
- Where is the Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree?
- In Motozawaai, Hamana Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
- Who should I contact about the Kitahama torreya?
- The Hamamatsu City cultural properties division, 053-457-2466.
Basic Information
| Name | Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree (北浜の大カヤノキ) |
|---|---|
| Location | Motozawaai, Hamana Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Designation | Natural Monument |
| Year Designated | Designated 1954/3/20 (Showa 29) |
| Quantity | 1 tree |
| Dimensions | At designation: base girth 16.5 metres, trunk girth 6.75 metres, height 27 metres |
| Owner | Managing body: Hamamatsu City |
| Public Access | Outdoors; visible from outside |
References
- Agency for Cultural Affairs Database: Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree (Japanese)
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/maindetails/401/1356
- Cultural Heritage Online: Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree (Japanese)
- https://online.bunka.go.jp/heritages/detail/161348
- Hamamatsu City: Kitahama Great Japanese Torreya Tree (Japanese)
- https://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/bunkazai/shitei/hamakita/hamakita/kayanoki.html
- Hamamatsu City: Hamana Ward, Hamakita Area (Japanese)
- https://www.city.hamamatsu.shizuoka.jp/hk-shinko/ward/hamakitaku/hamakitatiiki-presen.html
Last verified: 2026.09.27