Muku Tree of the Shimizudani Residence
landmark
Muku Tree of the Shimizudani Residence
清水谷家の椋
Overview
This venerable muku tree (Aphananthe aspera) has stood in the estate garden of the noble Shimizudani family for over 300 years.
This muku tree in the garden of the Shimizudani noble family's estate has stood for over 300 years. The family produced Shimizudani Sanenari, one of the leading waka poets of the Edo period, known for bringing poetry to commoners alongside aristocrats. In 1864, the tree witnessed a darker moment when Choshu samurai leader Kijima Matabe, commander of the radical Sonno Joi faction, committed suicide beneath its branches after his political fortunes collapsed. The tree is a living marker of Kyoto's literary and political past, standing in the residential fabric of the Shimizudani neighborhood.
Practical info
- Japanese name
- 清水谷家の椋
- Nearest station
- Maruta-machi Station (10 min walk)
- Payment
- Cards accepted
- Reservations
- not required
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