Horyo Ginkgo Tree is a magnificent ancient tree in Towada City, Aomori Prefecture. Designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan, it is an important natural and cultural landmark that has been cherished by local people for generations.
The tree stands along National Route 102 in the Horyo area of Towada City and has become a well-known symbol of the region. With an estimated age of approximately 1,100 years, the tree offers visitors a remarkable opportunity to encounter a living piece of history.
Horyo Ginkgo is a male tree, standing approximately 30 to 33 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of around 14 to 15 meters. It is considered one of the largest ginkgo trees in Japan, ranking among the fourth or fifth largest depending on the measurements used.
The most distinctive feature of the Horyo Ginkgo is the presence of six aerial roots that emerge from the main trunk at a height of approximately seven meters above the ground.
Some of these unusual roots have grown to more than 60 centimeters in diameter and 2.4 meters in length. Their extraordinary shapes give the tree a unique appearance rarely seen in other ginkgo trees.
The unusual aerial roots have traditionally been compared to human breasts. Because of this resemblance, the tree became associated with beliefs concerning motherhood and breastfeeding.
It has been known by names such as the “Tree That Gives Milk” and the “Ginkgo for the Protection of Children.” In the past, mothers who had concerns about breastfeeding are said to have visited the tree and prayed for help.
These traditions show how ancient trees could become deeply connected with local beliefs and everyday life. Horyo Ginkgo is therefore valuable not only as a remarkable natural monument but also as a place where the relationship between nature and traditional Japanese beliefs can be experienced.
The branches spread widely in every direction, while dense foliage creates an impressive canopy. Although it is a single tree, its enormous size can make it feel almost like a small forest.
Standing beneath the giant canopy and looking upward provides a powerful sense of the tree’s age and vitality. For visitors interested in Japan’s ancient trees and natural landscapes, Horyo Ginkgo is an especially memorable sight.
Horyo Ginkgo is surrounded by local legends. One tradition says that it was planted by Nansobo, a religious ascetic associated with the legendary stories of Lake Towada.
The location of the tree is also believed to have once been the site of a Buddhist temple called Zenshoji. This connection gives the tree additional historical and religious significance.
Horyo Ginkgo was designated a National Natural Monument on October 20, 1926. It was the second natural monument in Aomori Prefecture to receive this designation.
Its importance was recognized again in 1990, when the tree was selected as one of the “New 100 Famous Trees” at the International Garden and Greenery Exposition in Osaka.
Its exceptional size, age, unusual aerial roots, and cultural traditions have made Horyo Ginkgo one of the notable ancient trees not only in Aomori but throughout Japan.
Ginkgo trees are famous throughout Japan for their spectacular golden-yellow autumn foliage. However, Horyo Ginkgo has an unusual characteristic because of its location in a cold region.
In many years, the leaves may fall while they are still green before the entire tree has a chance to turn yellow. As a result, seeing the whole tree covered in brilliant golden foliage is considered extremely rare.
Because of this unpredictable behavior, the tree has sometimes been nicknamed the “most difficult ginkgo tree in Japan to photograph.” Photographers and nature enthusiasts especially appreciate the rare occasions when the entire canopy turns yellow.
In 2009, the entire tree reportedly turned yellow for the first time in 12 years. Such an event demonstrates just how unusual a complete autumn display can be at Horyo Ginkgo.
Visitors who happen to see the giant tree completely covered in golden leaves can therefore experience a particularly special natural spectacle.
A tree that has survived for more than a thousand years has inevitably experienced major changes in its surrounding environment and exposure to natural disasters.
Horyo Ginkgo suffered significant damage from a typhoon in 2016. Despite the damage, the tree gradually recovered with the help of its remarkable natural vitality and efforts to protect it.
Its continued survival is a powerful reminder of the resilience of nature. For visitors, seeing the massive trunk and branches can inspire a sense of respect for the extraordinary longevity of ancient trees.
Horyo Ginkgo is located along National Route 102, making it a convenient stop when exploring the Towada area. It can be combined with a trip to some of Aomori’s best-known natural attractions, including Lake Towada and the Oirase Stream.
The quiet natural surroundings make the site particularly appealing to travelers who want to slow down and enjoy a peaceful encounter with nature. Looking up at the enormous tree, it is easy to imagine the many generations that have lived while this ancient ginkgo continued to grow.
Lake Towada is a beautiful volcanic lake known for its deep blue waters and mysterious atmosphere. It is one of the most famous scenic destinations in northern Japan.
Oirase Stream is a picturesque mountain stream surrounded by lush forests, waterfalls, moss, and dramatic seasonal scenery. It is especially popular for walking and photography.
Tsuta Onsen is a historic hot spring surrounded by forests and is known for its long tradition of bathing in the Towada area.
Yachi Onsen is another traditional hot spring destination and is widely known as one of Japan’s “Three Great Secret Hot Springs.”
Combining these destinations with Horyo Ginkgo makes it possible to experience the natural beauty, history, and hot spring culture of the Towada region in a single trip.
Horyo Ginkgo is much more than a large tree. With an estimated age of approximately 1,100 years, it has survived for centuries while becoming part of the region’s legends, religious traditions, and local culture.
Its enormous trunk, extraordinary aerial roots, and vast canopy demonstrate the power of nature, while the traditions surrounding the tree reveal the deep connection between people and the natural world in Japan.
The rarity of its complete golden autumn foliage makes each visit potentially unique. Even when the leaves remain green or fall before turning completely yellow, the sheer size and age of the tree make it an impressive sight.
When visiting Towada City and the Lake Towada area, consider adding Horyo Ginkgo to your itinerary. Standing beneath this ancient tree offers a quiet but unforgettable encounter with more than a thousand years of natural history.