This ancient cedar tree, estimated to be around 800 years old, stands majestically at the eastern foot of Mt. Daimanji on the Oki Islands of Japan. Reaching a height of 30 meters and boasting a circumference of 16 meters at its roots, the tree branches out in 15 places from the middle of its trunk. An impressive sight, 24 giant stalactite-shaped roots protrude from the ground, the longest of which measures an astonishing 2.6 meters in length.

The local people call this the “Chichi-sugi Tree (Breast Tree)” and hold a ceremony here as a sacred tree every year on April 23. The area around here is cool even in summer and there is a very mysterious atmosphere after the rain.

Chichi Sugi, which translates as Boob Cedar is an 800 year old tree on the slopes of Mount Daimanji on Dogo, the biggest of the Oki Islands.

It is an Urasugi, a species that grows on the Japan Sea coast where heavy snowfall causes the trees to produce stronger lateral branches. The rounded protuberances growing down from the branches… which is the origin of its nickname “boob”, are believed to help absorb moisture from the air.

Cold air rising from the gaps between the big rocks that form the slope meet warm air from the sea and mean that the area is often misty.

It is one of several sacred trees on the island that are well worth seeking out

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Source: bestartzone