shinboku

Shinboku are sacred trees found in Shinto shrines throughout Japan. These trees are considered to be dwelling places for kami, the deities of Shinto. Often ancient and imposing, shinboku are typically marked with shimenawa, a rope made of rice straw, to denote their sacred status. They are believed to possess spiritual power and are often the focal point of rituals and prayers at a shrine.

The reverence for trees in Shinto predates Buddhism and is rooted in ancient animistic beliefs that saw spirits in all aspects of nature. Specific types of trees, such as cedar (sugi), camphor (kusunoki), and zelkova (keyaki), are frequently designated as shinboku due to their longevity and imposing presence. Visitors to shrines may be encouraged to offer prayers or place wishes near a shinboku, believing that the kami residing within can hear them. While physical interaction with the tree itself is often discouraged to protect it, the spiritual connection is paramount. The preservation of shinboku is an important aspect of shrine maintenance and reflects a deep-seated respect for nature and the divine.