Kitakanegasawa Big Ginkgo: A National Natural Monument in Fukaura
The Kitakanegasawa Big Ginkgo (Kitakanegasawa no Ōichō) is a giant ginkgo tree in Kitakanegasawa, Fukaura, Aomori Prefecture, designated as a National Natural Monument.
Looking at not only the tree’s size but also the village and surrounding terrain reveals the significance of a place that has long been protected.
A Giant Ginkgo Open to Visitors as a National Natural Monument
In 2004 (Heisei 16), the Kitakanegasawa ginkgo was designated a National Natural Monument on September 30.
Because it is both a tourist attraction and a protected property, viewing it requires staying within the designated area and following on-site signs.
A Giant Tree About 31 m Tall and 22 m Around the Trunk
The tree stands about 31 m tall and measures approximately 22 m around the trunk at eye level, retaining a widely spreading form and healthy vigor.
After viewing the trunk up close, step back to see the entire crown and compare its vertical and horizontal spread.
This tree is considered Japan’s largest ginkgo.
Its estimated age is more than 1000 years, and this immense form is thought to have developed over that long span of time.
See the Terrain and Tree Form at 3 Distances
Changing your viewing position helps you understand a single tree at different scales: trunk, branches, and surrounding landscape.
| Viewing distance | What to notice | What it reveals |
|---|---|---|
| Close view | Bark and aerial roots | Layers of growth |
| Mid-range view | Trunk and large branches | Mass of the tree |
| Distant view | Crown and surrounding terrain | Relationship to the land |
Read the Unique Form Created by Numerous Aerial Roots
The Kitakanegasawa ginkgo is distinguished by the many aerial roots hanging from its branches and trunk; some reach the ground and become part of the trunk.
Move beyond the image of a tree with one ordinary trunk and follow the structures extending from the air to the ground to perceive its long period of growth.
Breast-Shaped and Stalactite-Like Aerial Roots
The aerial roots hang in forms compared to breasts or stalactites, and each differs in thickness, length, and whether it reaches the ground.
Rather than touching them to investigate, look upward from the base and observe from a distance which branches they hang from.
Roots That Reach the Ground Support the Trunk
Many aerial roots have reached the ground and become part of the trunk, creating an immense and complex tree form.
Do not force distinctions between the main trunk, aerial roots, and newer trunk-like sections; view the entire tree as a form that has added support over time.
Step Back to See the Spread of the Large Branches and Crown
The crown cannot fit within your field of view from beside the trunk, so step back to a safe viewing position and trace the outline of the branch tips against the sky.
Do not back into the road or other visitors’ paths, and do not enter protected areas or private property for photography.
Learn About the Beliefs Surrounding Tarachine no Ichō
Because of the shape of its aerial roots, the tree is also called Tarachine no Ichō, and it became an object of faith associated with wishes concerning breast milk.
Rather than treating the tradition as an amusing anecdote, approach it as the history of a giant tree that has received the community’s prayers.
A Great Ginkgo Revered as a Sacred Tree
It is said to have been worshiped as a sacred tree since ancient times, attracting people from Akita and Hokkaido who came to pray for their wishes.
Behind visits from such a wide area were the striking shapes of the aerial roots and hopes placed in the tree’s vitality.
Do Not Recreate Former Offering Customs
People are said to have once prayed by offering sake and rice to the aerial roots, but that does not mean today’s visitors may independently recreate this historical custom.
Do not hang objects on the tree or leave offerings; follow the guidance of the site managers and cultural property protection notices.
| Element to interpret | Historical meaning | How to approach it |
|---|---|---|
| Aerial roots | Breast-like forms | Observe without touching |
| Sacred tree | Object of prayer | Show quiet respect |
| Offerings | Wish-making custom | Do not recreate it independently |
Look Beyond Color to Light and Branch Structure During Autumn Foliage
When the leaves turn yellow, the enormous crown becomes golden and is affectionately nicknamed “Big Yellow.”
The progress of the yellow foliage and leaf fall changes with temperature and wind, so do not fix one date as peak viewing time; check information from Fukaura before visiting.
Observe the Overlap of Branch Tips and Leaves in Daylight
In daylight, backlighting and front lighting change how light passes through the leaves, making it easier to notice the contrast between the dark trunk and yellow crown.
Choose your position with attention to your footing and other traffic, and do not keep looking directly at the sun.
Notice the Trunk and Aerial Roots Even After the Leaves Fall
When fewer leaves remain, the forks of the large branches and positions of the aerial roots become easier to see, offering a structural view different from the yellow foliage.
Do not consider arriving after peak foliage a failure; focusing on the tree form visible that day can deepen your understanding of this giant tree.
Check Current Information About the Illumination
Illuminations are held in some years during the yellow foliage season, but whether they occur, their dates and times, and traffic restrictions vary by year and leaf conditions.
Do not assume a temporary event is permanent; confirm the event status and safety guidance before visiting.
Viewing Etiquette to Protect the Roots, Branches, and Surroundings
Around the giant tree, compacted soil, contact with roots, and weight on branches can affect the tree, so view it only from designated areas.
Even a small step beyond the boundary for one photograph becomes a conservation burden when repeated by many visitors.
Keep Away from the Base and Do Not Cross Protective Barriers
Where fences, ropes, or no-entry signs are present, observe the trunk and aerial roots from outside them, and do not take fallen leaves or pieces of wood.
Also avoid spreading a tripod across the path or leaning against the tree while taking photographs.
Watch for Strong Winds, Falling Branches, and Snow
Under a large tree, be alert for falling branches in strong winds, slippery ground after rain or from fallen leaves, and winter snow or ice.
If managers restrict entry, do not proceed beneath the crown; view the tree from a safe distance.
Allow for Crowds When Visiting by the Gonō Line or Car
The Kitakanegasawa Big Ginkgo is within walking distance of Kita-Kanegasawa Station on the JR Gonō Line, but check train frequency and your return route first.
People and cars concentrate during the yellow foliage season and events, so it is important not to assume the same travel conditions as at ordinary times.
Decide Your Round-Trip Train Times First
When visiting by train, confirm not only your arrival service but also your return train, and check operating information and a safe walking route from the station.
For times when it will be dark, bring reflective gear or a light and walk without spreading into the roadway.
Use Designated Parking and Follow Traffic Guidance
When driving, avoid roadside parking and entering private property; if traffic guidance is provided during events, follow staff directions.
Organize the key points for each mode of travel to balance time for viewing the tree with a safe return trip.
| Mode of travel | What to check first | On-site caution |
|---|---|---|
| JR Gonō Line | Round-trip times | Dark roads and operating status |
| Car | Parking information | No roadside parking |
| On foot | Walking route | Do not spread into the roadway |
| Event period | Traffic restrictions | Follow guidance |
The surrounding area is also a residential community, so avoid loud voices, unauthorized use of property, and littering, and do not point cameras at homes or passing vehicles.
When crowded, do not remain at one photography position for long; leave space for both people viewing the tree and those moving through the area.
Summary: See the Kitakanegasawa Big Ginkgo Through Its Form and Faith
The Kitakanegasawa Big Ginkgo is a nationally designated Natural Monument known for its massive body, about 31 m tall and 22 m around the trunk, and its distinctive form created by numerous aerial roots reaching the ground.
Appreciation deepens when you look beyond the yellow leaves, compare the aerial roots up close, the trunk and large branches from mid-range, and the crown from afar, and learn about the prayers entrusted to Tarachine no Ichō.
Check the foliage, events, and transportation for your visit date; stay away from the base, watch for strong winds and falling branches, and quietly respect the giant tree protected by the local community.
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