Tomyosugi (city-designated natural monument)

After walking for about an hour on the Chugoku Nature Trail that weaves between Mount Fukuoji in Kabe, you will eventually reach the temple gate of Fukuoji Temple. Passing through it and climbing the stone steps, you will see four cedar trees. The sight of these large cedars, so large that several adults would barely be able to hold them, standing in a row, is overwhelming. The group was once known as the "Tomyo Cedar" (a group of five trees), but in 1982, the middle one died and was cut down, leaving only four. Of the four trees, the two closest to the temple gate have scorch marks from lightning running from top to bottom, but all of the trees are in good health. In a survey conducted in 1973, the trunk circumference at breast height was 310cm to 502cm, but has now increased to 387cm to 522cm, indicating that the trees are still growing. According to the Intoku Taiheiki, Fukuoji Temple was founded by Kukai in 829, but there is no information as to when this cedar was planted or why it is called Tomyosugi. However, the name Tomyosugi is recorded in the Edo period geography book Geihan Tsushi, suggesting that it was already a dignified giant tree at that time. Location: 251 Ayagatani, Kabe-cho, Asakita-ku, Hiroshima City Date designated as part of Fukuoji Temple grounds: May 30, 1973 Summary: Tree height 23-40m, trunk circumference at chest height 3.10m-5.02m