Kayano Great Cedar

At Sugawara Shrine in Kayano, Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga, stands the Kayano Great Cedar, said to be about 2300 years old. About 55 meters tall with a base circumference of around 11.5 meters, this national natural monument rises quietly in the hills with a divine presence that makes you want to bring your palms together.

Highlights

• The towering cedar that you must crane your neck to see. At about 5 meters above the ground the trunk splits in two as a forked cedar, and though the precinct holds four sacred trees, this cedar radiates an overwhelming presence among them
• Known also as the Imperial Cedar after the Showa Emperor carefully observed it during a visit for the second Ishikawa sports meet in 1947
• In 1926 the botanist Manabu Miyoshi assessed its age at 2300 years, and in 1928 it was designated the national natural monument the Great Cedar of Kayano

Enjoying the Seasons

In the season of new greenery the life force of the cedar stands out alongside the surrounding trees, and summer brings cool, deep shade. Autumn dresses the Yamanaka Onsen area in beautiful colors, perfect for a stroll combined with the hot springs. Its snow-covered form in winter is solemn as well.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: To 49, Kayanomachi, Yamanaka Onsen, Kaga, Ishikawa
• Access: About 45 minutes by Hokutetsu Kaga Bus on the Onsen Yamanaka Line bound for Kayano from JR Kaga Onsen Station. By car, about 15 kilometers from the Kaga interchange on the Hokuriku Expressway via Route 364
• Hours: Grounds open freely
• Admission: Free

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season: The life-filled fresh greenery of early summer and the autumn colors of the surrounding area are recommended. Winter snow scenery is solemn too, but watch for snow on the mountain road
• Avoiding crowds: Set deep in Yamanaka Onsen, it is a naturally quiet spot. Skipping weekends in the foliage season lets you spend an even calmer time
• Time needed: About fifteen to thirty minutes for the visit and viewing the cedar. Allow half a day when combined with a stroll through Yamanaka Onsen
• Nearby spots: Yamanaka Onsen has sights such as the famed Kakusenkei gorge and the Korogi and Ayatori bridges. The public bathhouse Kiku no Yu is also recommended
• Budget guide: The visit is free. Including bus fare, a hot spring bath and a meal, you can enjoy it for a few hundred to around two thousand yen

A Quick Tip

Set deep in Yamanaka Onsen, it pairs well with a walk through the hot spring town and Kakusenkei gorge for a full day. When looking up at the cedar, stay on the path to avoid harming its roots underfoot. Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance for peace of mind.

📚 Sources

This article is based on Sugawara Shrine, where the Kayano Great Cedar stands, tourism guidance for Kaga City and Yamanaka Onsen, and public information on the nationally designated Natural Monument, the Great Cedar of Kayano. Bus frequency and fares and the operating status of nearby facilities may change. Worship hours, fees, and access may change, so please check Kaga City tourism information and the bus operator's official information before setting out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: Allow about 15 to 30 minutes to visit and view the great cedar, or a half day combined with a Yamanaka Onsen stroll.
• What to bring: Buses are infrequent, so check the timetable in advance. The visit is free, but cash is handy for bus fares and hot-spring bathing.
• Suggested route: After looking up at the Kayano Great Cedar in the Sugawara Shrine grounds, tour Yamanaka Onsen's Kakusenkei gorge, the Korogi and Ayatori bridges, and the Kiku-no-Yu shared bath.
• Manners: When looking up at the cedar, walk on the path so as not to harm the roots underfoot.