Suwa Shrine and Its Old Cedars

Suwa Shrine in Ono Town, Fukushima, is known for two enormous cedar trees standing in its grounds. Called the Old Man Cedar and the Old Woman Cedar, they stand side by side like a devoted married couple and were designated a National Natural Monument in 1937. It is a relaxing hidden spot, never crowded with tourists.

Highlights

• The Old Man and Old Woman Cedars, designated a National Natural Monument in 1937. A paired set of giant trees is rare nationwide.
• Trunks so thick you must look up at them, full of life force that has endured the ages.
• A calm flow of time and clear air in the hushed grounds.
• Long beloved locally under the nicknames married cedars and great cedars.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the greenery of the giant cedars grows especially vivid in the budding season. Summer offers cooling shade and the ring of cicadas. Autumn colors the surrounding hills, and in winter the cedars look all the more solemn amid the snow. A quiet time awaits whenever you visit.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Ono Town, Tamura District, Fukushima.
• The nearest station is Ono-Niimachi Station on the JR Banetsu East Line; travel from the station to the shrine is easiest by car.
• By car, the Ono IC on the Abukuma Kogen Road is the nearest interchange.
• Because you look up at the giant trees, viewing from a little distance helps avoid neck strain.
• The setting is quiet, so you can spend a leisurely while here.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: The fresh green of spring into early summer and the crisp air of autumn are especially pleasant. Early mornings bring fewer people and quiet time with the giant trees.
• Crowd-avoidance: This is already a quiet shrine with few visitors, but weekdays and mornings are calmest.
• Time needed: About 20 to 40 minutes for a visit and to view the cedars. The location fits easily into a drive around Ono Town and its surroundings.
• Nearby real spots: Ono Town is known as a legendary birthplace of the poet Ono no Komachi and has facilities such as Licca Castle. You can also head toward Tamura City for the Abukumado and Irimizu limestone caves.
• Budget feel: There is no fee to visit. Even with local souvenirs and a meal, it remains an affordable trip.

A Quick Tip

To fit both cedars in one photo, step back a little to capture the whole scene. Early morning brings fewer people and clear air for meeting the giant trees. Since the site is reached mainly by car, planning it as part of a local drive makes it easy to include.

📚 Sources

Information on the Old Man and Old Woman Cedars of Suwa Shrine can be found through public sources from Ono Town and the Tamura area tourism bodies, guidance on National Natural Monuments, and on-site signage, and notes on the origins of the giant trees and on access are also useful. Locations, access, and the state of nearby facilities can change, so please confirm the latest details from each source before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 20 to 40 minutes for a visit and to view the cedars. The location fits easily into a drive around Ono Town and its surroundings.
• What to bring: The site is reached mainly by car, so planning it as part of a local drive makes it easy to include. Because you look up at the giant trees, viewing from a little distance helps avoid neck strain. The grounds are quiet, so allow enough time to enjoy a leisurely visit.
• Suggested route: After viewing the Old Man and Old Woman Cedars in the quiet grounds, head to Licca Castle in Ono Town, known as a legendary birthplace of the poet Ono no Komachi. A drive toward Tamura City for the Abukumado and Irimizu limestone caves is also recommended.