This is the great ginkgo at Choraku-ji Temple in the Agi District of Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture.

The great ginkgo at Choraku-ji is about 1,100 years old. From roughly 3 meters above ground the trunk splits into four sections, and the thickest part measures about 4 meters around. The tree exceeds 30 meters in height, its entire trunk measures about 9 meters in circumference, and it was designated a Natural Monument of Gifu Prefecture in 1967.
The trunk is divided partway into a large, old section and the sections that grew from it.
About 250 years ago, when a bridge over the Agi River was washed away, legend says a portion of the trunk was cut off and used for the bridge beams, and the cut surface was reportedly charred with embers to prevent rot.
Also, some 450 years ago when Takeda Katsuyori’s forces attacked Iwamura Castle and the Oda army, which had come out to meet them, were routed, Choraku-ji is said to have been burned; scorch marks from that fire still remain.

Over its long history, this tree has been carefully tended and protected by the local community.
It is so large that its branches spread beyond the temple grounds, making it visible from a distance with a strong presence.
The trunk is thick and, when seen up close, the ginkgo is impressively majestic.