Could you imagine a giant tree as a landmark? Here at Shinjo no Miya Shrine that’s exactly what you will find. Shinjo no Miya Shrine is located in Hiroshima. This shrine has a history dating back centuries.
Shinjo no Miya Shrine was founded between 1332 and 1334. It is said that the spirit of Kumano Shrine in Kii Province was brought here. The shrine stands about 2.9 km from the hypocenter of the atomic bomb explosion. Despite the devastation, the shrine’s main building still stands. It has been designated as a “Hiroshima City Atomic Bombing Structure”.
The shrine’s grove is a designated Hiroshima Prefecture Natural Monument. It features both evergreen and deciduous broad-leaved trees. The grove includes a pair of camphor trees known as Meoto Kusunoki. These trees reach a height of 30 meters.
The Meoto Kusunoki are among the largest trees in the city. They once served as landmarks for people traveling north from the city center. Locals often refer to the camphor trees as “husband and wife trees”. These trees are estimated to be around 500 years old.
Besides the Meoto Kusunoki, the grove contains other notable trees. These include tabunoki, nanamenoki, sakaki, and yabutsubaki. You can also find keyaki, mukunoki and momiji trees here. Many of these trees exceed 30 meters in height.
Shinjo no Miya Shrine is known for its large camphor trees. The two camphor trees stand side by side. Their tree height is approximately 30 meters. The trees are so large that it takes three to four adults to encircle them. The shrine is easily accessible. It is a five-minute walk from the “Daigazucho” bus stop.
Today Shinjo no Miya Shrine provides a tranquil escape. The trees offer shade and a sense of peace. The shrine is a testament to resilience. It shows the enduring spirit of Hiroshima. Take a moment to appreciate the history and natural beauty of this special place.