This Japanese Train Station Was Protectively Built Around a 700-Year-Old Tree

I remember in my childhood when Julia Lorraine Hill spent 738 days in a tree, which was named Luna to prevent Pacific Lumber Co. from cutting it down.

And I think it’s events like that which spark a very sentimental feeling of responsibility for our environment.

North of Osaka, lies the very old roots of the Big Kusu Tree of Kayashima which have called this land their home for over 700 years.

There was a need for better, improved routes via rail systems and they needed to come up with a plan, which happened to run right through where the magnificent camphor tree stood.

The original station ran alongside the tree in the early 1900’s, but with an increased population, improvements would see the tree being landed in the middle of all the chaos. The Japanese however are known for their compassion for all things living and in the 1970’s decided to simply build around the ancient tree.

Known by the locals as a deity and shrine, there was no way the tree would be harmed. Stories spread about how the tree had some sort of ancient power, harming those who dared to touch her with poor intention.

A white snake or ‘Shinto’ was often spotted wrapped around her and smoke reportedly rose from her branches.

With so much residential love for the tree, officials decided to incorporate the tree into the new station’s plans and when construction finally came to a close, residents erected a small shrine which was placed at the base of the tree.

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