Panduan
Kobu Sugi is a magnificent natural cedar tree located in Kamikoani Village, Akita Prefecture. Estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old, its most striking feature is a colossal burl on its trunk, which reaches a circumference of up to 6.6 meters. The surrounding area is a dense forest of cedars, some exceeding 40 meters in height, creating a breathtaking landscape of natural sculptural beauty. Currently managed as a Nature Observation and Education Forest and a Mountain Village Plaza, the site offers well-maintained walking paths that allow visitors to observe the history and profound presence of these ancient trees.
The natural Akita cedar forest in this area was designated as a natural forest harvesting experimental site in 1934 to study the structure and growth of cedar trees. Since 1988, it has been officially designated as a Nature Observation and Education Forest to preserve the beauty of the natural cedar and promote forest environment education. The cultural significance of these trees is profound; specimens of natural Akita cedar have been used in various historical contexts, including as exhibits for the National Museum of Nature and Science and even in the construction of the Kyoto Imperial Palace Guest House, linking this forest to Japan's rich cultural heritage.
The absolute centerpiece is the