| The
huge satinwood (Melia azedarach) in Kotohira |
The
massive camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora)
next to the shrine office |
Satinwood is a deciduous tree that grows in warm climates. The
tree blossoms purple blooms in early spring and afterwards bears
yellow berries. It is very rare throughout Japan that such an
old tree can still maintain its elegant standing figure in urban
areas. The satinwood was formally named gahuchi,h which means
that those who stand under the tree will find love.
Tree height :13m
Trunk circumference :6m
The tree has been designated as
a national natural treasure.
|
This tree stands on a hillside of Kotohira Mountain. Although
it has a slight disturbance in the balance, the tree mostly
keeps its natural shape. Camphor trees, as well as pine trees,
attract widespread popularity in Kagawa Prefecture. Camphor
trees are also regarded as sacred trees of Kotohira-gu Shrine.
If you take a rest under the tree, you can see both the gateway
town spread below you and a beautiful range of Sanuki Mountains
in the distance.
Tree height :24m
Trunk circumference :8.04m
The tree has been selected as
one of thirty gigantic trees in Kagawa Prefecture. |
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| The
giant fir tree (Abies firma) in Kotohira Mountain
|
The
white oak tree in the Otoshi Shrine
(Quercus myrsinaefolia blume) |
 This
fir tree stands on the upper right slope of the Shiramine Shrine,
which is located near the end of the famous approach of stone
steps, as many as 1368 steps leading up to Oku-no-yashiro, and
785 steps up to Gohongu. Fir trees are endemic to Japan. Since
firs are very tall trees, they can be the subjects of worship.
On your way to the Kotohiragu Shrine, you can enjoy forest bathing,
by which you may get over your fatigue from climbing up many
steps.
Tree height :31m
Trunk circumference :4.63m
The tree has been selected as one of thirty
gigantic trees in Kagawa Prefecture. |
 The
white oak stands on the left side soon after you pass through
the gate of Ootoshi Shirine. Since the white oaks are very rare
in Kagawa, it is designated as a gtree to be protectedh in the
prefecture. You may be able to find various insects around the
tree in summer. The God enshrined in the Wakamiya-sha is believed
to bless people with intelligence and courage. The God is also
worshipped as a guardian of infants.
Tree height :15m
Trunk circumference :1.8m
The tree has been designated as a protected
tree by Kagawa Prefecture. |
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The mukunoki
tree (Aphananthe aspera)
in the Kasuga Shrine |
The elm tree
(Ulmus parvifolia) in the Kasuga Shrine |
|  The
other protected tree in the Kasuga Shine is mukunoki tree.
Its leaves are asymmetric long oval, and its surface is rough-textured,
which are used to polish things. Usually it is monoecious,
and after blooming, its globular stone fruits, which turn
dark purple, become edible in autumn. The ulmaceae family
trees, such as the mukunoki tree and the okinire tree, are
the most representative summer-green trees around the area.
These trees are often seen in the sunny flat areas, such as
on the banks of the Kanakura River.
Tree height: 25m
Trunk circumference: 4.4m
Kagawa Prefecture has designated the
tree as a protected tree.
|
 If
you look ahead of the pair of stone-curved guardian dogs in
the Kasuga Shrine, you will find the elm tree on the left. The
tree has oval leaves with serrate edges, and the surface of
the leaves looks somewhat like leather. In early autumn, tiny
pale yellow blooms come out of the stem end of the leaves. There
are two deciduous trees of the ulmaceae family in the Kasuga
Shrine, both of which have been designated as protected trees
by Kagawa Prefecture. What is also refreshing on the grounds
of the Kasuga Shrine is the fresh running water.
Tree height: 16m
Trunk circumference: 2m
Kagawa Prefecture has designated
this tree as a protected tree.
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The massive
camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora)
in the Kinryo Sake Brewing |
 A
massive camphor tree has been associated with the spirits. It
is also believed to be the symbol of wealth, which brings good
fortune. Because the tree holds a large amount of water, it
is often worshiped as ga sacred tree,h which watches over Sake
brewing. Legend has it that in the Kamakura Period, a Tengu
(long-nosed goblin) relieved people from disaster, and on his
way back to the Zozu Mountain, the Tengu took a rest on this
tree.
The genus Cinnamomum of the Laurus family |
