Visiting Kamo's Giant Camphor Tree: Start with the Overall View
When planning a visit to Kamo no Ōkusu, the giant camphor tree in Higashimiyoshi, Tokushima Prefecture, look beyond its size to the way its trunk leads into its branches and leaves.
Its branches spread so widely that, from a distance, it looks like a mass of greenery resembling a forest; as you approach, the powerful trunk and branches become more striking.
When observing a giant tree, look at its overall outline before moving on to the details to discover more of what makes it interesting.
View Kamo no Ōkusu's Outline from a Distance
First, stop somewhere that does not obstruct others and slowly trace the tree with your eyes, from its highest point to the outermost branches on either side.
This helps you appreciate the relationship between its height and width, which is harder to grasp by simply looking up from close by.
Kamo no Ōkusu has been selected as one of the 88 Views of Shikoku, and the adjoining Ōkusu Park is recommended as a place to view it.
With branches stretching about 52 m from east to west, finding a spot in the park well away from the tree makes it easier to follow its entire outline.
Before taking photographs, look at it with your own eyes and notice which shapes stay with you; this can help you discover your own favorite features.
Compare the Tree from Different Angles
Another way to enjoy observing this giant tree is to move between accessible locations and compare the overlapping branches and the backgrounds behind them.
The same tree can look quite different from an angle where the branches spread sideways and one where they overlap the trunk.
Sharing the shapes that catch your attention with your companions can reveal details you might miss if you focus only on finding a place to take photographs.
What Is Kamo no Ōkusu? A National Special Natural Monument About 1,000 Years Old
Kamo no Ōkusu is an enormous camphor tree standing in the Furukawa area of Kamo, Higashimiyoshi, Miyoshi District, Tokushima Prefecture.
Rooted on the former grounds of Wakamiya Shrine, it is believed to have lived alongside the area's history since the age of the Genji and Heike clans.
It was designated a Natural Monument as an outstanding giant tree in 1926, the 15th year of the Taishō era, and became a national Special Natural Monument under the Act on Protection of Cultural Properties in 1956, the 31st year of the Shōwa era.
Estimated to be about 1,000 years old, it is admired for the grandeur and beauty of its towering form and branches spreading gracefully across the sky.
A 26 m Height, 52 m East–West Spread, and Distinctive Shape
Measurements taken on November 1, 2007, recorded a height of 26 m and a branch spread of 52 m east to west and 42 m north to south.
Its trunk circumference is 16.72 m under the Ministry of the Environment's giant-tree measurement standards, while the circumference around the base is 23.35 m.
Because the trunk narrows partway up, it is said to rank lower in simple comparisons of trunk girth.
Its branches, however, spread almost evenly in every direction, and this balanced shape is one of Kamo no Ōkusu's distinctive attractions.
The tree's main measurements and details are summarized below.
| Item | Details | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age | About 1,000 years | Estimated |
| Height | 26 m | Measured in 2007 |
| Trunk circumference | 16.72 m | Ministry of the Environment's giant-tree measurement standards |
| Circumference at the base | 23.35 m | Measured in 2007 |
| Branch spread | 52 m east to west; 42 m north to south | Measured in 2007 |
| Designation | National Special Natural Monument | Designated in 1956 |
From Decline to Recovery: A Giant Tree Protected by the Community
From the Shōwa era onward, nearby residential and agricultural development weakened the tree, while lightning, wind, and rain also caused large branches to break.
Protection efforts by the town and local residents began around 1965, with measures including turning nearby farmland into a park and repairing damaged sections.
The trunk circumference, reportedly 13.8 m in 1988, was recorded as 16.72 m in 2007, an increase of about 3 m over roughly 20 years.
Notice, too, that despite being around 1,000 years old, the tree has no large hollow and is still growing.
What to Look for in a Giant Camphor Tree: Crown, Trunk, Branches, and Leaves
Having a few ways to describe the tree's form can help you organize your memories of the visit.
There is no need to memorize specialist knowledge; simply look at its outline, surface, and the connections between its branches.
Look at How Branches and Leaves Form the Crown
The crown is the upper part of a tree where its branches and leaves are concentrated.
Comparing the outer edge against the sky with the gaps between the branches and leaves makes it easier to understand the shape of the whole tree.
You can move beyond simply thinking of the tree as big to noticing exactly where it spreads and where the sky shows through.
Follow the Trunk's Surface and Branching Pattern with Your Eyes
When looking at the trunk, notice the ridges, textures, and color variations you can see rather than reaching out to touch it.
Then move your gaze upward and follow the directions in which the thick branches divide to see how they connect with the tree's overall form.
Do not judge the tree's age or health from its appearance alone; consult information from its caretakers if you want to learn more.
Enjoy the Interplay of Leaves and Light and the Changing Seasonal Colors
Look not only at the shape of individual leaves, but also at the darker areas where they overlap and the brightness where the sky shows through.
Camphor trees are evergreen and keep their leaves throughout the year, but when new leaves emerge from March to May, many older leaves fall as they are replaced.
At this time, pale green and slightly reddish new growth covers the tree, giving way to vivid green in July and August in summer and deeper green from fall into winter.
Around May, it produces numerous tiny yellowish-white flowers, about 5 mm across, at the bases of the leaves.
When changing your viewpoint, check your footing and stop before looking up, rather than continuing to gaze upward as you walk.
Observing from accessible places without pulling branches toward you or picking leaves lets you enjoy the details while caring for the tree.
Photo Composition Tips for Kamo no Ōkusu
Choosing whether to capture the whole tree or the character of its trunk and branches makes it easier to decide on a composition.
Check local guidance for photography rules and conditions, then compose your photographs within permitted areas.
Check the Branch Tips and Background When Photographing the Whole Tree
With a branch spread of 52 m east to west and 42 m north to south, Kamo no Ōkusu is difficult to fit into the frame from near its base, so first find a place in Ōkusu Park where you can stand farther away.
To photograph the entire tree, check the edges of the frame before pressing the shutter to make sure the branch tips you want to include are not cut off.
Compare a horizontal frame to emphasize its sideways spread with a vertical frame to show the upward flow from the trunk.
If your smartphone has an ultrawide camera mode, compare it with the standard view; this can help include the branch tips even where you cannot step farther back.
Ultrawide images tend to distort at the edges, so placing the tree near the center of the frame helps preserve a more natural shape.
Even if the tree does not fit into the picture, check your surroundings before moving rather than stepping backward while looking at the screen.
Capture Details Without Getting Too Close
To photograph the trunk's patterns or branching points, try your smartphone or camera's zoom from an accessible viewing position.
If zooming makes the image grainy, avoid pushing it further and try a slightly wider composition, such as including a branch with the surrounding leaves.
If the image looks too dark or too bright, adjust the exposure based on the part you want to photograph to make its shape clearer.
The following table suggests compositions for different impressions you may want to capture.
| What You Want to Capture | Composition Idea | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| The whole tree's shape | Fit the outline into the frame | Whether branch tips are cut off |
| The trunk's character | Frame a visible section | What appears in the background |
| The spread of the branches | Show the lines toward the branch tips | Frame orientation |
| Overlapping leaves and light | Use contrasts of light and shade | Image brightness |
Get Consent and Keep Paths Clear When Including People
If including a companion in a photograph, get their consent and check that the position is comfortable and does not obstruct other people's movement.
Do not ask them to lean against the tree or enter the area around its roots; maintain a natural distance in places where access is permitted.
Avoid compositions that prominently feature the faces of other visitors or residents, and be considerate of the people shown when sharing your travel photographs.
Giant Tree Viewing Etiquette: Protect the Tree and Its Surroundings
When visiting a giant tree, the basics are to avoid damaging it and respect the spaces used by people nearby.
The following are general guidelines for viewing giant trees; check on-site signs and caretaker guidance for the specific rules at Kamo no Ōkusu.
Focus on Observing Rather Than Touching
Avoid pulling branches, peeling bark, or climbing the tree, and choose ways to view it that do not put strain on its trunk or roots.
Kamo no Ōkusu is a national Special Natural Monument, so breaking branches or damaging its bark both weakens the tree and harms a cultural property.
Even if you want a closer look at the details, do not trample the ground around the base or enter areas outside the permitted viewing space.
If visiting with children, explain specific actions beforehand, such as not pulling branches and looking at leaves without picking them, so that everyone enjoys the tree in the same way.
Do not assume that fallen branches or leaves may be taken home; leave them where they are and take your memories with you instead.
Check Japanese Signs and Property Boundaries
If there are fences, marked boundaries, or warning signs, check them before proceeding.
Even if a route looks like a shortcut on a map, it may pass through private property or an area reserved for maintenance.
Homes and farmland surround the giant camphor tree, so avoid entering field paths or residential grounds even when looking for a place to photograph the whole tree.
If you find Japanese signs difficult to read, use a translation tool; if the meaning remains unclear, do not enter and return to somewhere you can ask for clarification.
The following table explains examples of signs seen at tourist sites in Japan and how to respond when visiting.
| Example Sign | Meaning | Suggested Action |
|---|---|---|
| No entry | You may not enter beyond this point | Stop before the boundary |
| Private property | Land owned by an individual or other private owner | Do not enter without permission |
| Road closed | This route cannot be used | Use another accessible route |
| No photography | Photography is not permitted | Enjoy the view without taking photographs |
These are general examples and do not mean that the same signs are installed at this location.
Prepare for Your Kamo no Ōkusu Visit: Weather, Footwear, and Access
Prepare your clothing and transportation so that you can enjoy observing the tree outdoors at an unhurried pace.
Bringing the things you can prepare yourself, without relying on facilities being available, makes it easier to adapt while traveling.
Choose Comfortable Clothing to Suit the Weather
Wear comfortable walking shoes, watch your footing, and prepare for rain or sunshine according to the day's weather.
Keep your belongings light and carry them in a way that leaves both hands free, including when taking photographs, so you can access your equipment easily.
- Drinks and rain gear suited to the weather
- A hat and jacket suited to the sunshine and temperature
- A backup power source for your smartphone
- Bags for trash or wet items
How to Get to Kamo no Ōkusu: Check Both Outbound and Return Routes
Kamo no Ōkusu is about 500 m northeast of Awa-Kamo Station on the JR Tokushima Line, approximately a 10-minute walk from the station.
By car, allow about 15 minutes from Yoshinogawa Smart Interchange, connected to Yoshinogawa Service Area on the Tokushima Expressway, or around 1 hour 15 minutes from Tokushima Awaodori Airport or Tokushima Port.
Basic access and visitor information is listed below.
- Address: 1482 Kamo, Higashimiyoshi, Miyoshi District, Tokushima Prefecture
- By train: About a 10-minute walk from JR Awa-Kamo Station
- By car: About 15 minutes from Yoshinogawa Smart Interchange
- Parking: Free, with spaces for 10 cars and 2 large buses
- Admission: Free
- Inquiries: Higashimiyoshi Town Industry Division (0883-79-5339)
If using public transportation, check the service information for your journey after the visit as well as how to get there.
Treat journey times in map apps as estimates and adjust your plans to your walking pace and road conditions.
If driving, check available parking in advance and do not assume that an empty lot near the destination can be used for parking.
Parking spaces are limited, so allow extra time in case the lot is full.
Explore at a Pace That Suits Your Companions
People who want to spend time taking photographs and those who prefer to walk and enjoy the view may have different ideas of a comfortable visit.
Share your preferences beforehand and discuss where to stop and how to continue afterward so that everyone can enjoy the visit without rushing.
If the wind or rain strengthens or walking becomes difficult, prioritize the weather and your footing over planned photographs or observations.
Things to See Near Kamo no Ōkusu
Higashimiyoshi, home to Kamo no Ōkusu, also has places to enjoy the scenery along the Yoshino River.
Minoda no Fuchi: Yoshino River Scenery with Unusual Rock Formations
Minoda no Fuchi is a scenic stretch of the middle Yoshino River in Ashiro, Higashimiyoshi, with deep pools extending for about 2 km along a channel roughly 100 m wide.
Unusual rocks with names such as Shishi-iwa, or Lion Rock, and Senjōjiki dot the river, and Minoda no Fuchi is designated a prefectural Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.
Cherry blossoms are a highlight in spring, and free parking is available for 50 cars.
Yoshinogawa Highway Oasis: Accessible from Yoshinogawa Service Area
Yoshinogawa Highway Oasis is a leisure complex established by Higashimiyoshi Town and can also be accessed from Yoshinogawa Service Area on the Tokushima Expressway.
It offers a bathing facility overlooking the Yoshino River, a shop selling Shikoku souvenirs and food products, places to eat, and a park with playground equipment.
The area around Yoshinogawa Service Area is about a 15-minute drive from Kamo no Ōkusu.
Make the Most of Your Visit to Kamo no Ōkusu
When planning a visit to Kamo no Ōkusu, try observing its overall outline first, followed by the connections between the trunk and branches, then the interplay of leaves and light.
Viewing this national Special Natural Monument, believed to be around 1,000 years old, from a distance in the adjoining Ōkusu Park makes it easier to appreciate its branch spread of 52 m from east to west.
Compose photographs from places where access is permitted, taking care not to put strain on the tree or inconvenience people nearby.
Check local guidance and prepare for the weather and your return journey to enjoy the shapes that catch your eye at your own pace.
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