This is an old cedar tree about 800 years old that stands at the east foot of Mt. Daimanji, Oki Islands, Japan. This tree has a height of 30 meters, a circumference of 16 meters at the roots, and branches out in 15 places from the middle of the trunk.
One of its most striking features is the presence of 24 giant stalactite-shaped breast roots about 10 meters above ground. The longest of these has reached an impressive 2.6 meters in length. Due to this unique characteristic, the local people call this the “Chichi-sugi Tree” (Breast Tree). Every year on April 23rd, a ceremony is held here to honor this sacred tree.
The area around the Chichi-sugi is said to have a cool and refreshing atmosphere even in the summer. After rainfall, a mystical ambiance engulfs the ancient tree, making it a truly captivating sight.
Photo Credits: 朝日新聞（The Asahi via Sujit Samajpati)
Leave a Reply