Have you ever seen a 1,500-year-old Japanese yew tree?
With a trunk circumference of over 5 meters and a height of 18 meters, this magnificent giant was ranked 18th nationwide among Japanese yew trees and 5th in Hokkaido in the Ministry of the Environment’s “Survey of Giant Trees and Forests.” I joined a snowshoe tour just to see this remarkable tree.
About a two-hour drive north of Sapporo, at the foot of Mt. Koganeyama — the name “Kogane” meaning “gold”—in the Hamamasu district of Ishikari, stands this ancient yew. Rising 739.1 meters above sea level, Mt. Koganeyama is affectionately known as “Golden Fuji” because of its graceful, Fuji-like shape. True to its auspicious name, the mountain’s beautiful silhouette alone fills visitors with a sense of richness and wonder.
Wearing snowshoes, we trekked about 3 kilometers one way through the winter forest to reach the tree.
Guided by a certified arborist, we enjoyed observing winter buds, smelling the fresh scent of conifer needles, and learning about the forest ecosystem.
We also saw many trees whose bark had been eaten by deer. Although we didn’t spot the deer themselves, their presence felt very close.
The Japanese yew (estimated to be 1,500 years old) is usually protected and cannot be touched. However, under the special supervision of the arborist, we were given rare permission to gently place our hands on its trunk.
Surprisingly, despite its rugged appearance, the bark felt slightly moist and alive.
When the snow melts, I would love to return and see this ancient tree standing in a completely different landscape.
Hiroko M
