The Takezaki Katsura Tree is a magnificent katsura tree located in Takezaki, Okuizumo Town, Shimane Prefecture. Designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan, this remarkable tree is estimated to be more than 300 years old. Its immense size and extraordinary form reflect the long passage of time and the remarkable vitality of nature.
The original main trunk has disappeared over the years, but countless secondary trunks and shoots have continued to grow vigorously from its base. Together, they form a vast cluster of trees that looks almost like a small forest. The tree reaches approximately 32 meters in height, while its trunk base measures about 16 meters in circumference. The sight of so many branches and shoots growing from what was once a single tree is exceptionally impressive.
Okuizumo has long been known as one of Japan’s important regions for traditional tatara ironmaking. Within this history, katsura trees have held a special place, traditionally being regarded as sacred trees where the gods could dwell.
The Takezaki Katsura Tree is particularly associated with Kanayago-no-Kami, the deity of ironmaking. According to local tradition, Kanayago-no-Kami descended here while riding on a white heron. Because of this connection, people involved in ironmaking treated the tree as a sacred tree and carefully protected it.
While surrounding forests were harvested for charcoal used in ironmaking, this particular katsura tree was spared from cutting. It therefore survived through generations and remains standing today as a symbol of the relationship between local faith, nature, and the history of iron production.
One of the most fascinating features of the katsura tree can be seen in spring, when its new shoots emerge in a vivid shade of red. As they mature, the leaves gradually change from red to green and eventually yellow, but for several days at the beginning of the growing season, the tree is covered in striking red buds.
The brilliant red color has traditionally been associated with the flames burning inside a tatara furnace, giving the phenomenon a special symbolic meaning. According to local tradition, the red color lasts for three days and three nights, the same length of time associated with lighting the fire for tatara ironmaking.
This connection between a natural seasonal phenomenon and the work of people who produced iron for generations offers a glimpse into the distinctive cultural heritage of Okuizumo.
The Takezaki Katsura Tree stands on a mountainside at an elevation of approximately 650 meters, near the headwaters of the Hii River. Surrounded by rich woodland and distant from urban areas, the site has a remarkably quiet and mysterious atmosphere.
The area lies within the mountain range of Mount Funtsu, one of the Chugoku Region’s 100 Famous Mountains. The surrounding region is also closely associated with ancient Japanese mythology. The famous Torigami Falls, which is connected with the legend of Yamata-no-Orochi, is located nearby, creating an area where mythology and the natural landscape come together.
Reaching the tree requires approximately a 20-minute walk uphill from Hinokami Onsen. The walk through the mountain landscape is itself part of the experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the quiet natural environment of Okuizumo.
The Takezaki Katsura Tree is also one of the component cultural properties of the Japan Heritage story “Tatara Landscape of Izumo: A Story Created by 1,000 Years of Ironmaking.” The surrounding area still contains remains associated with kan-na nagashi, the traditional method of extracting iron sand using flowing water, providing evidence of the region’s long history of iron production.
The tree is therefore more than an impressive natural monument. It represents the deep connection between the natural environment and the livelihoods, beliefs, and industries that developed in Okuizumo over many centuries.
Its survival also reflects a tradition of respecting particular trees as sacred places. The Takezaki Katsura Tree offers visitors an opportunity to experience Japan’s long-standing culture of nature worship and the idea of living in harmony with the environment.
When visiting the Takezaki Katsura Tree, take time to view the entire tree from different angles. The enormous cluster of branches and the vigorous shoots emerging from its base can make it difficult to believe that they originated from a single tree.
The tree also changes considerably with the seasons. Spring brings its distinctive red shoots, summer covers the tree in deep green foliage, and autumn transforms it with golden-yellow leaves. Among these seasonal displays, the vivid red growth of spring is particularly distinctive and closely connected with the area’s tatara ironmaking traditions.
Standing quietly beside this ancient tree in the mountain forest provides a peaceful opportunity to step away from everyday life. The combination of its immense natural presence and its cultural history makes the visit a memorable experience for travelers interested in nature, Japanese mythology, and traditional industry.
From JR Izumo-Yokota Station, take a bus for approximately 30 minutes and get off at Funtsuyama Entrance. From the bus stop, the site is approximately a 15-minute walk.
Because the route includes walking through a natural mountain environment, comfortable clothing and suitable walking shoes are recommended.
The Takezaki Katsura Tree is a remarkable natural landmark where the power of nature, ancient mythology, and the history of tatara ironmaking come together. Its enormous cluster of trunks and branches, formed over centuries, demonstrates the extraordinary resilience of the natural world.
Its connection with Kanayago-no-Kami, the legend surrounding its red spring shoots, and the surviving traces of traditional ironmaking in the surrounding mountains give the tree a cultural significance that goes far beyond its impressive size.
For visitors exploring Okuizumo, a journey to this secluded giant tree offers a chance to experience a quieter side of Shimane—one where ancient beliefs, traditional industry, and the natural landscape remain closely intertwined.