Kayano Giant Cedar: A 2,300-Year-Old Sacred Tree in Japan

Looking for a power spot to enrich your journey and your life? If so, let us take you to a hidden gem in Yamanaka Onsen, Ishikawa Prefecture. There stands a colossal tree, over 2,300 years old, quietly commanding an overwhelming presence.

This is the Kayano Osugi (Great Cedar of Kayano), designated as a Japanese Natural Monument.

In this article, we'll cover everything you need for your visit — the tree's charm, how to get there, how long it takes, and nearby highlights. Come and fully experience the tranquility and natural fragrance of a beautiful Japanese forest.

(The Kayano Osugi, once visited by the Emperor of Japan)

Kayano Osugi is a massive cedar tree standing on the grounds of Sugawara Shrine in Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is roughly 2,300 years old and about 54 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of around 11.5 meters at the base — wide enough that it takes seven adults joining hands to encircle it. Because Emperor Showa viewed the tree in 1947, it is also known as the "Tenran no Osugi" (Great Cedar Seen by the Emperor).

Being 2,300 years old means this tree has quietly watched over the land since before the Common Era. It's so massive that looking up at it can make you feel like you might topple over — its presence is simply overwhelming.

Locals have long revered it as a tree inhabited by a deity, and simply standing before it feels sacred enough to cleanse the soul. Its quiet, powerful energy carries a reassuring strength — one said to ward off negative energy and help create a new future.

Be sure to take a deep breath beneath the great cedar and feel the energy that has transcended 2,300 years of time!

(The 2,300-year-old great cedar)

Surrounded by moss-covered rocks and standing amid a silent forest, the great cedar creates a fantastical scene straight out of a Studio Ghibli film — a view that embodies Japan's quiet, distinctive beauty.

Within the shrine grounds is the Ukihashi Sando (floating bridge approach), a wooden walkway built to protect the tree's roots. The view of the great cedar from here is truly special — especially in the early morning mist, when the tree seems to radiate an almost otherworldly aura, making for stunning photos!

(Four giant trees)

The grounds of Sugawara Shrine (Sugawara Jinja) are home to four massive sacred cedar trees, including the Kayano Osugi. The largest, Kayano Osugi, is a nationally designated Natural Monument, while the other three are designated Natural Monuments by Ishikawa Prefecture. Surrounded by these four giants, the space feels like a true natural power spot — take a forest bath and feel the energy radiating from each tree.

The word "hidden gem" might suggest a remote, hard-to-reach spot, but Kayano Osugi is actually only about 2.5 km south of central Yamanaka Onsen. It's roughly a 15-minute drive, and parking is available on-site.

You can also combine it with a stroll through Kakusenkei Gorge, walking about 30 minutes to reach it, or take a local bus.

This route combines a walk through Kakusenkei Gorge, one of Yamanaka Onsen's most popular spots, with a stroll to Kayano Osugi. From the onsen town, head south along National Route 364, and you'll arrive in about 30 minutes.

The charm of this route is enjoying the peaceful, rural Japanese scenery along the way. It's especially recommended for those staying in Yamanaka Onsen.

[id=yamanakaonsen-kakusenkei-kawadoko]

Buses bound for Kayano depart from Yamanaka Onsen Bus Terminal.

(Kayano Bus Stop)[https://maps.app.goo.gl/VVCk75zeFcymR1957]

*Buses bound for Kayano run infrequently, so please check the timetable in advance. If the bus schedule doesn't work for you, it's about a 5-minute taxi ride.

After soaking up the full power of Osugi, the giant cedar tree, be sure to soothe your travel fatigue at Yamanaka Onsen. The waters of this 1,300-year-old hot spring are gentle on the skin, making it perfect for detoxing during your journey. For a quick and easy soak, we recommend Kiku-no-Yu. Combine the hot spring with this power spot for a trip that brings good fortune!