Giant Cedar of Zenshoji Temple

An enormous cedar tree towers over the halls and pavilions of Zenshoji Temple, lending an aura of grandeur to this tranquil site of Buddhist worship. The tree is believed to be more than 1,300 years old. It has a height of 45 meters and a trunk circumference of approximately 12 meters. Unlike other trees of a similar age, the cedar at Zenshoji has remained remarkably sturdy and appears to be in good health. The branches on its upper trunk burst outward with verdant foliage. The giant cedar is a National Natural Monument. Its significant age recalls the long history of the temple, which is believed to have been built in the Heian period (794–1185).