On the grounds of Eimeiji Temple, a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Nakano, Oura Town, Ora District, Gunma Prefecture, stands a remarkable fragrant olive tree known as the “Eimeiji Temple Osmanthus.” The tree is designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan and is regarded as one of the area’s most valuable historic trees.
Fragrant olive, or kinmokusei, is well known for its sweet and powerful fragrance in autumn. The tree at Eimeiji Temple is particularly notable for its long history and cultural value. It is estimated to be approximately 750 years old and has been carefully preserved and cherished by local residents for generations.
Kinmokusei, commonly known as fragrant olive or sweet osmanthus, has the scientific name Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus. Native to China, this evergreen tree was introduced to Japan as an ornamental plant during the Edo period.
Its small orange flowers produce an intense, sweet fragrance and are commonly found on the grounds of temples and shrines throughout Japan. The flowers are also closely associated with the arrival of autumn.
Only a small number of osmanthus trees across Japan have been designated as National Natural Monuments, and many of them are located on the grounds of religious institutions. The Eimeiji Temple Osmanthus is one of these rare examples.
It was designated as a National Natural Monument on June 15, 1937, the same day as the Kinmokusei at Kezoji Temple in Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture. Its reputation as a remarkable and exceptionally fragrant old tree contributed to its designation.
Eimeiji Temple is a historic temple traditionally said to have been founded in 1333 by the renowned Zen Buddhist monk Muso Kokushi.
According to local tradition, the osmanthus tree was transplanted from another location around the time the temple was founded. It is said that the tree was already approximately 100 years old when it was planted at Eimeiji Temple.
This means that the tree has witnessed centuries of local history, quietly standing alongside the temple and remaining part of the lives and prayers of generations of residents.
Surveys conducted in the early Showa period recorded the tree as an enormous specimen approximately 16 meters tall, with a trunk circumference of more than 3 meters. Its branches spread approximately 18 meters from east to west and 14 meters from north to south.
The branches extended widely in every direction, and when the tree came into bloom, its sweet fragrance reportedly filled the temple grounds and could be enjoyed from a considerable distance.
The historic tree faced a serious challenge in September 1966, when a powerful typhoon caused extensive damage in eastern Japan. The main trunk of the osmanthus broke, causing the enormous tree to collapse. The damage was so severe that part of its root system was lifted from the ground, raising concerns that the tree might die completely.
Following the disaster, those responsible for the tree’s care, together with local residents, worked diligently to protect and manage it. New shoots began emerging from the base of the fallen tree and gradually developed.
These shoots, known as hikoebae or basal shoots, grew into multiple new trunks. Over many years, the tree gradually recovered and eventually regained its vitality.
Today, the osmanthus has grown to approximately 7 to 8 meters in height and once again presents a beautiful sight. Although its form has changed from that of the enormous tree recorded before the typhoon, its remarkable resilience continues to preserve its value as a National Natural Monument.
The Eimeiji Temple Osmanthus usually reaches its best viewing period from late September through October. Countless small orange flowers bloom across the tree, filling the temple grounds with a gentle yet distinctive sweet fragrance.
The delicate scent creates a peaceful atmosphere and offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to experience the feeling of autumn in Japan.
Spending time in the quiet temple grounds while admiring this historic tree can be a relaxing experience away from the bustle of everyday life. Carefully preserved as an important part of the local cultural heritage, the Eimeiji Temple Osmanthus is a worthwhile place to visit when exploring Oura Town.
2933 Nakano, Oura Town, Ora District, Gunma Prefecture
Eimeiji Temple grounds
Approximately 30 minutes by car from the Tatebayashi Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway.
Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Hon-Nakano Station on the Tobu Koizumi Line.
Located near the center of Oura Town, Eimeiji Temple is relatively easy to reach by train. During the autumn flowering season, visitors come to enjoy the tree’s beautiful blossoms and distinctive fragrance, as well as the tranquil atmosphere of the historic temple grounds.