Kumano Honmiya Cedar [Powerswood]

Kumano Honmiya Cedar

This tree is found in Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture, where Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine is located.
During the Edo period, Tokugawa Yoritsune restored the Kumano Sanzan shrines, and it became a place of longing for many people regardless of social status. It is currently one of the components of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range."
It is said that long ago, when Kobo Daishi was eating lunch on his way to Kumano, he broke off a branch from a tree to use as chopsticks, and after the meal he stuck the branch into the ground, which grew into the two large cedar trees we see today. The Nihonsugi (Two Cedars) are a natural monument in Motomiya Town.
Honmiyasugi is said to be inhabited by the spirit of the gods and is used on the wooden plaques given as gifts.

Long ago, when Kodo Daishi had lunch on his pilgrimage to Kumano, he broke a tree branch and use it as chopstick.
After his lunch was finished it is said that the branch stuck in the ground grew into the current two large cedar trees that are a natural monument of Hongu Town.
Hongu Cedar is said to be the house the Holy Spirit, and is also used as a wooden tag for gifts.