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大杵社の大スギ: A Millennium-Old Cedar

Visit a 1000-year-old cedar tree, a designated national monument, at a peaceful shrine near Yufuin Onsen in Oita Prefecture.

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The 大杵社の大スギ (Ōgosha no Ōsugi) is a giant Japanese cedar tree over 1,000 years old, located in Yufu, Oita Prefecture. Designated a national natural monument, the tree stands beside the 大杵社 (Ōgosha) shrine and features a hollow in its trunk large enough to fit several people.

A brief summary to 大杵社の大スギ(国指定天然記念物)

  • 746-19 Yufuincho Kawaminami, Yufu, Yufuincho Kawaminami, Oita, 879-5103, JP
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Yufuin Onsen, a popular hot spring resort town.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the walk up the hill to the shrine.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and experience the most peaceful atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From JR Yufuin Station, the 大杵社の大スギ is approximately a 20-minute walk. Head south from the station. Follow the road as it ascends slightly into the foothills. The shrine and the giant cedar will be visible on your left. Note that the road is narrow in some sections.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at JR Yufuin Station. A taxi ride to 大杵社の大スギ takes about 5 minutes. Expect to pay around ¥700-¥900 for the trip.

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Discover more about 大杵社の大スギ(国指定天然記念物)

Nestled in the foothills overlooking the town of Yufuin, the 大杵社の大スギ (Ōgosha no Ōsugi) is a majestic Japanese cedar (sugi) that has stood for over a millennium. This ancient tree, estimated to be over 1,000 years old, is a designated national natural monument and a symbol of the region's rich natural heritage. The tree is located beside the 大杵社 (Ōgosha) shrine, a small, peaceful Shinto shrine. The shrine is dedicated to椎根津彦命 (Shiinetsuhiko no Mikoto), a deity who guided Emperor Jimmu's voyage. The serene atmosphere of the shrine, surrounded by towering cedar trees, enhances the spiritual presence of the great cedar. The 大杵社の大スギ is remarkable for its size and unique features. It stands approximately 30-38 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of over 10 meters. The base of the trunk has a large hollow, said to be big enough to fit three tatami mats (traditional Japanese floor mats). Inside this hollow, a small shrine is housed. Over the centuries, the tree has survived multiple fires, including one in 1897 that burned for ten days. Ironically, these fires may have contributed to the tree's longevity by cauterizing the wood and preventing further decay. Despite its age and past hardships, the 大杵社の大スギ remains a powerful symbol of resilience and longevity.

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