Ichōzan Shrine

Ichozan Shrine was established in 658 CE to pray for the military campaigns of General Abe no Hirafu. The name means 'Ginkgo Mountain,' after the large ginkgo trees that have grown on the grounds for over three centuries. Ginkgos are planted at many Japanese temples and shrines because their high moisture content makes them difficult to burn, functioning as natural firebreaks. The 28-meter 'Breast-Pillar Ginkgo' near the shrine is several trunks grown tightly together. A second pair of trees further along the path is considered husband and wife, and visitors seeking a romantic partner are said to walk around them three times in a figure-eight pattern.