Exploring 'Witness of History': Japan's Oldest 400-Year-Old Planted Forest

About this event

This is an exploratory tour visiting the giant tree 'Witness of History' (Rekishi no Shonin), estimated to be about 400 years old, located in Kawakami Village, Nara Prefecture. The planted forest spreading across the Yoshino region, where forestry has been practiced since the Muromachi period 500 years ago and is designated as a Japan Heritage site, is said to be the oldest in Japan. Among the trees, the giant Japanese cedar (sugi) 'Witness of History,' estimated to be 410 years old, has a trunk circumference of about 5.4m, a diameter of 172cm, and a height of about 55m, quietly continuing to stand as living proof of afforestation in the early Edo period. Although it once faced the danger of being cut down, Kawakami Village currently preserves and protects it, and viewing is permitted only via authorized guided tours. While walking through the beautiful Yoshino cedar forest, you can encounter this giant tree that has gazed upon history, offering a special experience where you can feel the time that humans and forests have walked together. After the exploration, you can also enjoy a relaxing time at Yumori Onsen Suginoyu.

Venue

Kawakami Village

Kawakami Village, Yoshino District, Nara Prefecture