A Striking Form with Six Massive Trunks
The most distinctive feature of Kabura Cedar is the way its trunk divides into six separate trunks at a point about 1.5 meters above the ground. Each trunk rises dramatically toward the sky, creating a powerful and almost otherworldly appearance.
The six trunks give the tree an extraordinary sense of scale and vitality. Standing beneath them, visitors can appreciate the immense strength of a tree that has continued to grow and change over hundreds of years. This unusual form is considered particularly rare and is believed to have developed under the distinctive natural conditions of the isolated Oki Islands.
The Mystery Behind the Name
There are several theories about the origin of the name Kabura Cedar. One theory suggests that its unusual shape resembles a kabura-ya, a traditional Japanese arrow with a distinctive bulb-shaped head that was historically used to signal the beginning of a battle. Another theory connects the name with the shape of a kabu, the Japanese turnip.
The unique growth of the tree also reflects the remarkable natural history of the Oki Islands. Separated from the mainland for a long period of geological history, the islands developed a distinctive natural environment. Kabura Cedar is one of the trees that evokes the unique relationship between the islands and the forces of nature that have shaped them over time.
A Protected Natural Monument of the Oki Islands
Because of its rarity, age, and cultural and natural value, Kabura Cedar is designated as a Natural Monument of the Oki Islands. Despite having stood for centuries, the tree continues to rise powerfully from the ground, offering a quiet reminder of the immense scale of time.
Surrounded by the peaceful natural landscape of Dogo Island, the cedar has become a symbolic presence in the local environment. Its weathered trunk and enormous branches tell a story that extends far beyond the human timescale, making it a memorable stop for travelers interested in the natural and cultural heritage of the Oki Islands.
Visiting Kabura Cedar
Kabura Cedar stands along the Nakamura River in the Nakamura area of Okinoshima Town, near the Shinmura Tunnel. It is approximately 20 minutes by car from Saigo Port, making it an easy stop to include in a sightseeing trip around Dogo Island.
The tree is located relatively close to the road, so visitors can easily stop and admire it while exploring the surrounding area. When you visit, take time to look closely at the six branching trunks, textured bark, and enormous scale of the tree.
Standing quietly beside Kabura Cedar and observing its unusual form is a simple but memorable way to experience the natural history of the Oki Islands. The tree’s immense size and centuries-old presence provide a powerful sense of the long history and enduring strength of nature that make Dogo Island such a fascinating destination.