The Giant Sotetsu Tree of Tatsuta jinja (龍田神社) in Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara. Back in June, I visited the Tatsuta Jinja (龍田神社), which a friend had recommended. Indeed, there is a giant tree on the premises. This giant sotetsu tree was planted here. Two trunks stand east and west, with a total root circumference of approximately 5.7 meters. Male flowers are sometimes found at the top of the trunk. Legend associates the shrine with Prince Shōtoku, who, while searching for a site to build Hōryū-ji, was guided by a deity to this location. The sotetsu, growing within the shrine’s sacred precincts, is thus regarded as deeply spiritual and connected to this foundational moment.

The Giant Sotetsu Tree of Tatsuta jinja (龍田神社) in Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara. Back in June, I visited the Tatsuta Jinja (龍田神社), which a friend had recommended. Indeed, there is a giant tree on the premises. This giant sotetsu tree was planted here. Two trunks stand east and west, with a total root circumference of approximately 5.7 meters. Male flowers are sometimes found at the top of the trunk. Legend associates the shrine with Prince Shōtoku, who, while searching for a site to build Hōryū-ji, was guided by a deity to this location. The sotetsu, growing within the shrine’s sacred precincts, is thus regarded as deeply spiritual and connected to this foundational moment.

The Giant Sotetsu Tree of Tatsuta jinja (龍田神社) in Ikaruga, Ikoma District, Nara.

Back in June, I visited the Tatsuta Jinja (龍田神社), which a friend had recommended.
Indeed, there is a giant tree on the premises.

#龍田神社 #ソテツ #sosetsu #cycasrevoluta #sagopalm #nara #japan #天然記念物