Tranquil ancient forest path, stone staircase
Enchanting forest trail with ancient stone steps and hidden shrine.

Momiyama Shrine’s Millennial Tree

Not far from Nagayu hot springs is a wonderful hidden shrine, as in a Ghibli movie. Guided tour.

Momiyama Keyaki
Momiyama Keyaki

Momiyama Hachiman Shrine 

Momiyama Hachimansha (籾 山 八 幡 社), in a rural village at the heart of Oita prefecture, is a sanctuary known for being a “power spot”.

The mountainous region punctuated by hot springs offers an idyllic setting for dense green nature. The shrine itself is surrounded by soft damp moss and the path lined with giant cedars.

Momiyama Keyaki
Momiyama Keyaki

A calm and mysterious atmosphere that to some visitors evokes the atmosphere of the Ghibli studio’s film Princess Mononoke. Past the stone torii at the entrance to the sanctuary, moss-covered steps lined with century-old cedars lead to the central building. 

But the main focus of this place off the beaten track is its majestic Keyaki.

The vast millennial Keyaki at Momiyama Hachiman

This tree, estimated age 1,000 years, is classified as a natural monument by Oita prefecture. With a height of 33 metres and a trunk circumference of about 11 metres, it’s one of Kyushu’s three largest Zelkova.

Momiyama Keyaki
Momiyama Keyaki

Known as Keyaki (欅, ケ ヤ キ) in Japan, the wood of the Zelkova serrata tree is renowned in cabinet-making, hence the nickname “king of trees”. The wood is more commonly called elm in France, where it’s also sought after for its hardness and beautiful grain.

The specimen at the shrine is nicknamed “Tako Keyaki” 蛸 ケ ヤ キ because its branches resemble the tentacles of an octopus (Tako in Japanese).

Momiyama Hachiman Shrine has been a place of worship since ancient times. It was already mentioned in the 7th-century “Chronicles of Japan” Nihon Shoki (日 本 書 紀). In medieval and then in modern times, different clans have ensured its durability.

Momiyama Keyaki
Momiyama Keyaki

And for more awesome content about Japan, follow Jordy Meow on Instagram ! 🎵

Who Am I

Jordy Meow
This is me!

I am Jordy Meow, a French photographer based in Tokyo. I explore offbeat places in Japan.

Instagram

Pines whisper secrets, Under curved tiles and clear skies, Stone lanterns in peace. 松が囁き 曲がる瓦の下、 石灯籠、静かに。 #offbeatjapan #japan #traditionandnature #dojospirit #japanesearchitecture #peacefulplaces #serenesettings
Golden sun descends, Terraced greens meet forest hues— Nature's gentle quilt. ---黄金の陽、 段々畑の緑、 自然の優しき織物。 ---#offbeatjapan #ricefields #shirakawago #japan #sunsetvibes #naturelovers #serenitynow #mountainlife
Sunlight weaves through wood, Chaos in lines, shadows dance, Nature’s art revealed. 光が木を通り抜け、 乱れた線に影が踊る、 自然の芸術が現れる。 #offbeatjapan #japan #natureart #abandonedbeauty #architecture #lightandshadow #hiddenwonders
Crimson gates align, Hearts carved on love's scarlet path, Pines bend to dreams' sea. ---真紅の門 愛の道に刻み 松は夢の海へ曲がる ---#ShintoSpirit #ToriiGates #LoveInJapan #CoastalBeauty #SereneJapan #offbeatjapan #Japan
Lanterns softly glow, Timber frames embrace the snow, Silent warmth below. ランタンの光、 木枠に雪が舞い、 静かなる温もり。 #offbeatjapan #japan #snowyvillage #japanesearchitecture #tranquilbeauty #winterserenity #lanternlight
Crimson gate stands bold, Where verdant hills kiss the sea, Spirits rest at peace. --- 紅い門 緑の丘と海の 平和な魂 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #shinto #torii #coastlines #spiritualpeace #naturephotography
Scarlet sunlit hues, Torii whispers to the dawn— Nature's quiet shrine. --- 緋色の光、 鳥居は夜明けに囁く― 静かな神社。 --- #offbeatjapan #japan #torii #spiritualjourney #sunrisevibes #hiddenjapan #natureandspirit
Whispers of spring's light, Sakura cascades unfurl, Nature's brushstrokes glow. 春の囁き、 桜滝のように、 自然の彩。 #sakura #springblossoms #japanphotography #japanesegarden #offbeatjapan #flowerwaterfall #japan