NIPPON Kichi - 日本吉

2007/4/23

佐賀の大楠 Saga-no-ookusu Saga Giant Camphor Tree

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Saga Giant Camphor Tree is a gigantic tree standing in Ookusu Park, Kawako, Wakagi -cho, Takeo, Saga Prefecture.
The tree is over 3,000 years old and towers over twenty five meters high with a trunk circumference of twenty one meters, and is ranked as the fifth largest surviving tree in Japan. It is designated as a natural monument of Japan.
The origin of the name of the town Saga is said to come from Yamato Takerunomikoto, a legendary hero who lived around the second century. Upon visiting Saga, he saw large camphor trees growing and called the country “Saka no kuni (prosperous country)”, which was shortened over time and became “Saga”.
The park preserves a Gyouki Buddha statue which was directly carved in the tree’s trunk by Gyouki, a noted Buddhist priest in Nara period. The Buddha statue remained on the tree until 1985 when it was removed from the tree due to worsening conditions.
Neighboring areas also have many giant camphor trees, notably one in Takeo and in Tsukazaki both of which are said to be over 3,000 years old and, along with the Kawako camphor tree, create a solemn majestic atmosphere.

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7845-1 Kawago, Wakaki-cho, Takeo, Saga Prefecture
name
Saga Giant Camphor Tree




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