A giant camphor tree on the hillside on the north side of the island. It is estimated to be about 1,200 years old, with a girth of 12 meters at the base and a height of 22.5 meters; its branches reach as far as 26 meters. It was designated a natural monument of Kagawa Prefecture in April 1970. The base was buried by a landslide long ago, and thick limbs now spread in every direction from the trunk emerging from the ground. A small shrine, Okusu Jinja, sits at its foot. About a 20-minute walk from the port.
Sources: ja.wikipedia.org jeepe.jp nippon.com
This moment in the journey
The 1,200-year-old camphor tree
Climbing the slope, I came upon the island's symbol in the woods: the Okusu, a camphor tree said to be 1,200 years old. Thick trunks spread from the ground in every direction, and its branches fill the sky. At its base stood a red torii with a plaque reading "Okusu Shrine," and a tiny shrine.
Looking up, sunlight filtered down through branches full of young leaves. The phrase "life force" came to mind. I stood for a while in that majestic, sacred space.
Watch this scene on YouTube4:22
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