Don't you think it would be nice to go on a trip to see trees? 🇯🇵✈️🌎

If you get tired of the bustling tourist spots, why not go and experience a quiet and moving experience next? Joganji Temple in Yugawara Town, Kanagawa Prefecture, has a mysterious charm that attracts people who visit just to see a single juniper tree. Just a tree, but still a tree. This juniper tree is actually designated as a "natural monument" of Japan, and has a presence that gently moves the heart. In this article, we will introduce 5 reasons why you should go to see the juniper tree at Joganji Temple, along with some interesting facts that will make you say "Wow!" to someone.

⸻

①An estimated age of 850 years! A "time capsule of wood" that has lived since the Kamakura period
This juniper tree is a giant tree that is said to have been planted during the Kamakura period when Minamoto no Yoritomo lived. It continues to take root firmly in the temple grounds, and quietly speaks to those who see it about the "weight of time."

② The oldest living creature in Yugawara, designated as a national natural monument
This juniper tree, designated as a national natural monument in 1934, is one of the oldest natural heritage sites in Yugawara. It is not just a tree, and its impressive presence is worth seeing.

③ A quiet and luxurious experience of going to see a tree
Unlike flashy tourist spots, the time here is very quiet. Just taking a deep breath under a tree will calm your mind. The charm of Joganji Temple is that you can spend such "luxurious silent time".

④ A temple with a long history, connected to the "revenge of the Soga brothers"
In fact, this temple is said to be the place where Goro, the younger brother of the Soga brothers, was hidden. It is full of unknown anecdotes that history lovers will love. A place where the story of a single tree and a single samurai intersect.

⑤It is a 15-minute walk from Yugawara Station, so you can drop in on a stroll around town
It is easily accessible, and is a perfect walking course from the hot spring town. Rather than wandering around, take a moment to stop and face a tree. It's the perfect way to add some spice to your trip.

⸻

A place that's not just for sightseeing, but one that will stay in your memory.

The juniper trees at Joganji are not a luxurious tourist attraction. But that's exactly why they resonate with you. Why not choose this as your next destination for a trip to encounter a "living cultural asset"?

#absolutelyfreetrip #Kanagawa #Yugawara