The Great Camphor Tree at Ise Shinmei Shrine
Shizuoka’s “Ise-san”: The Great Camphor Tree of Ise Shinmei Shrine
According to ancient lore, Ise Shinmei Shrine was once surrounded by sakaki trees, and because a giant camphor tree stood among them, it was revered as a sacred tree. It is said that in 1572 (Genki 3), a worship hall was constructed here, and after petitioning the Yoshida Shrine in Kyoto, the shrine was granted the sacred emblem of Amaterasu Omikami.
There is also a legend that in 1590 (Tenshō 18), the shrine petitioned the Imperial Court and was granted a divine spirit (mitama) from the Bureau of Shinto Affairs in 1592 (Bunroku 1).
The giant camphor tree on the shrine grounds was already a massive tree at the time of the shrine’s founding and was revered as a sacred tree by the villagers. Although its age is estimated to be over 1,000 years, it continues to grow to this day. With a trunk circumference of 12 meters and a height of 30 meters, it is a first-class camphor tree that possesses the perfect combination of size, shape, and vitality. It is extremely rare to find such a large tree in the middle of a city, and in 1977, it was designated a Natural Monument by Shizuoka Prefecture.
Today, many visitors come to this power spot to pray for good health and longevity, and you can often see people offering their prayers with hands pressed together before the tree. Please come and pay your respects to receive the power and energy of this great camphor tree.
- Ise Shinmei Shrine Worship Hall
- The Great Camphor Tree on the Temple Grounds
- View of the Ise Shinmei Shrine Torii Gate and the Great Camphor Tree
Basic Information
- Address
- 886 Oshika, Suruga Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture 422-8021
- Access
[Car]
A 5-minute drive from the "Nihondaira-Kunozan Smart IC" on the Tomei Expressway[Public Transportation]
About a 20-minute bus ride (Miwa-Oya Line) from JR Shizuoka Station; get off at "Kojika Community Center" and walk 5 minutes- Car Park
[Standard-sized vehicle]
10
*Please note that business hours, holidays, and prices are subject to change, so please check with the contact information provided before visiting.
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