---
title: The Great Camphor Tree of Shishijima
url: https://karigurashijourney.com/en/notes/great-camphor-tree-of-shishijima/
lang: en
journey: https://karigurashijourney.com/en/episodes/setouchi-1/
---

# The Great Camphor Tree of Shishijima

A little of each town’s story　/　Mitoyo, Kagawa

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.

## 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.

![The great camphor tree spreading in every direction, standing before the red torii](https://karigurashijourney.com/img/setouchi-1/s61-1200.jpg)
- Sources: https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%BF%97%E3%80%85%E5%B3%B6
- Sources: https://www.jeepe.jp/ja/articles/shishijima-island-guide-2688
- Sources: https://www.nippon.com/ja/views/b08404/

Read this scene in the full journey: https://karigurashijourney.com/en/episodes/setouchi-1/