Gingko tree - Ichoo

Zempukuji temple


Il più vecchio albero di Gingko a Toyko si trova nel giardino del Zempukuji, 1-6-21 Moto-Azabu. Ci si arriva passando dalla salita del pino solitario, Ipponmatsu-zaka. L'albero ha più di 760 anni, e la caratteristica sono le radici aeree che pendono dai rami.
Dicono che fossero gradite perchè aumentavano la produzione di latte nelle madri.

This is the oldest Gingko tree in Tokyo, more than 760 year old, located i nthe temple Zempukuji, in moto-Azabu.
The aerial roots, visible in the picture, grow from the branches down to the ground.
In ancient time people said theroots were good to increase milk production in lactating women.

Trees

In Japan, the oldest trees can be seen in the temple gardens. Also cherry trees have been cared by japanese for long times, so especially in Kyoto very old cherry trees can be found. Since temples are protected and cared on, so the oldest trees. It can be a double faced question, which one was ther first, the tree or the temple. The trees could have been the reason whay in that place a temple was founded there.

In Tokyo, there are few interesting places where old trees can be seen.
At Zempukuji (Moto-azabu) there is a 750 old ginko-tree, famous for its roots sprouting from the branches.

At Hikawa-jinja: one podocarp tree, one ginko tree and one camphora tree (oldest and largest).


Going to Arakawaoki-eki, the station closest to Tsukuba to take the metro bound to Tokyo-Tsuchiura, there is an old temple, that has a garden with old and high trees. I always remember the good feeling and the positive impression I got passign through the street!

Temples and tops of mountains are cosidered "kami" places, so the presence of spirits assures environmentla concerns and no concrete buildings.
The central volcano at Mount Zao includes several lava domes and cones containing a crater lake named Okama. Also known as the 'Five Color Pond'. I went there by car, and was surprised that there was fee to climb the mountain. Each car pays 500 yen, as a parking and viewing fee, that helps the authority to organise and take care of the ground all the year.
But it was worth to go there!