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Yakushima NP, Kagoshima
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Kigen means “epoch,” fitting a cedar often described as 3,000 years old. A Forestry Agency survey estimated its age at a median of 2,200 years, with a range of 1,100–3,300: tree ages are estimates, not birthday records.
Kigen Sugi hosts at least 21 kinds of epiphytes—plants growing on another plant—including hinoki cypress and wheel tree. Rhododendrons flower on the old cedar in spring, and rowans add autumn color.
In 2012, inspectors judged a bleached upper branch at risk of falling, so arborists carefully lowered it to the ground. Rather than discard it, forest staff sent it to Yakusugi Museum for visitors to learn from.
Kigen Sugi’s tip is dead, but the cedar itself still looks vigorous from the lower side of the slope. Its old trunk also supports a lively canopy of other plants, including flowering rhododendrons and colorful rowans.
The Forestry Agency’s survey records Kigen Sugi growing on a 42° slope. A wooden viewing deck circles the tree, letting visitors see it from all sides while helping protect the roots at its base.
