Great Gingko Trees of Bodaiji Temple
and Amida-do HallTrace the Path of Honen Shonin

Great Gingko Tree of Bodaiji Temple
Height: ~40 meters
Circumference: ~13 meters
Estimated Age: 900 years
Designated as a National Natural Monument, this tree was also included in the Top 100 Trees of Historical Interest.

Great Gingko Tree of Bodaiji Temple

Great Gingko Tree of Bodaiji Temple

Approach to Bodaiji Temple

Approach to Bodaiji Temple

According to legend, Honen Shonin used a branch from the Great Gingko Tree of Amida-do Hall (1000 years old) as a staff. Upon arriving at Bodaiji Temple, he stuck this staff into the ground and proclaimed, “If I shall be enlightened, you shall grow roots.” This staff is said to have become the Great Gingko Tree of Bodaiji Temple.

Due to heavy snow, a branch growing from the Great Gingko Tree of Bodaiji Temple was planted into the ground. This branch then split off and grew into the over 200-year-old Tenmei Gingko Tree standing nearby.
An investigation in 2013 determined that the Great Gingko Tree of Bodaiji Temple, the Great Gingko Tree of Amida-do Hall and the Tenmei Gingko Tree all share the same DNA.

Great Gingko Trees of Bodaiji Temple

Amida-do Hall