Kyoto｜800-Year-Old Cedar Tree Standing 53 Meters Tall and the Legend of Yuki Shrine

Located at the foot of Mount Kurama, Yuki Shrine originally stood within Kyoto city. It was established during the Heian period but was later relocated due to frequent earthquakes in Kyoto, which caused unrest among the people. Emperor Suzaku ordered the shrine to be moved here to protect the northern part of Kyoto. Historical records mention that the relocation procession stretched over a kilometer, and the sunlight reflecting off the reeds of the Kamo River resembled torches guarding the procession. This event inspired the annual "Kurama Fire Festival" held on October 22. Yuki Shrine enshrines Ōkuninushi and Sukunahikona, collectively known as Yuki Daimyojin, who are two of the three deities of pioneering. This reflects the emperor's intention to stabilize the people's hearts during a time of natural disasters and turmoil. In front of the shrine stands a majestic cedar tree, 53 meters tall and over 800 years old. In the belief of animism, a small shrine has been built at its base for worship. Interestingly, if you look up from the torii gate, you can see three particularly tall cedar trees, resembling three incense sticks. 📍Address: 〒601-1111 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City, Sakyo Ward, Kurama Honmachi 1073 🚗 Access: A 10-minute walk from Kurama Station on the Eizan Electric Railway.