Gion’s Great Hinoki in Gokasecho, Miyazaki Prefecture This hinoki was hidden from public view for a long time but came to attention during Gokasecho’s “Search for Local Treasures” in 2000. Its large trunk splits into eight distinctive branches partway up, creating a striking shape. Located inside an old cemetery, it is believed to have been planted as a guardian tree.

Wednesday, July 3 This time I’m sharing a refreshing “Gion set” featuring Gion Shrine and the great Hinoki cypress of Gion🌱✨ First, I watched people pass through the chinowa (a ring of miscanthus) at Gion Shrine⛩👀 As a symbol of the Nagoshi no Harae purification rite, walking through the ring is meant to ward off epidemics and pray for health and safety🙏✨ The shrine grounds were filled with the chorus of cicadas, and dragonflies were already darting over the nearby rice fields, giving the place a full summer feel🌞 With the rainy season suddenly over, the strong sun and humidity are exhausting, but summer scenes like these are lovely in their own way😊💕 Next, I went to see the great Hinoki cypress of Gion🌳✨ Around the cypress, birdsong and dappled sunlight made a pleasant soundtrack, and the climate still felt like summer was just beginning😌🌿 The great cypress stood tall and quiet, radiating a mystical air✨ While photographing, I noticed a bulging shadow around the tree’s waist… from a distance I panicked thinking it was a beehive, but it seems to be a burl that has formed😓 I was relieved it wasn’t a beehive, yet I do feel a bit concerned about the tree’s condition💦 Putting that aside, I wanted to convey the cypress’s mystery and presence, so I did my best to shoot from ground level, even pressing my face close to the earth… but with an ordinary lens and my current skills, I hit my limits😂 I’ll keep improving… Everyone is busy and summer fatigue and heatstroke are real concerns, but every so often why not relax in nature, cool off, and recharge your energy😌✨