Why are trees wrapped in sacred ropes in Japan?

Have you ever wondered why sacred ropes, called shimenawa, are tightly wrapped around certain trees when you visit shrines in Japan? These trees, known as goshinboku, are found throughout Japan and play significant roles in culture and spiritual beliefs.

Sacred rope (shimenawa)

Sacred places, believed to be dwellings of the divine, must be kept pure and free from harmful spirits. Shimenawa serves as a symbolic boundary, separating the divine from the human world.

What are sacred trees, and why are they important?

Trees within shrine grounds, believed to be the dwelling places of the divine, are revered as sacred trees (goshinboku). Japanese ancestors have long believed that the divine resides in nature, including trees, mountains, rocks, and seas.

In Shinto, one of Japan’s traditional religions, believers have historically invited the divine to participate in festivals through ceremonies rather than by building shrines. At Ise Shrine (Ise Jingu), Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine, all trees are revered as goshinboku, so none are wrapped with shimenawa.

Sacred trees play several significant roles, including:

• Serving as focal points for religious devotion
• Acting as spiritual spots believed to bring blessings and good fortune
• Providing healing energy for both people and animals

What to keep in mind when visiting shrines with sacred trees

Before visiting shrines with sacred trees, please be mindful of the following:

• Avoid touching the trees directly: Touching can injure and weaken them. If you wish to receive the tree’s energy, gently place your hand near it instead.
• Watch your step and avoid stepping on the roots: Walking on the roots causes significant damage.
• Purify your body and mind before approaching the shrine: Use the designated pathway or wash your hands and mouth at the hand-washing basin. This helps create a state of mental and physical peacefulness.

Stay sustainable and cultivate gratitude

Standing beneath sacred trees and gazing upward can help you connect with the divine energy residing there. This practice not only revitalizes the body and mind but also fosters a sense of peace and tranquility. Moreover, it naturally encourages feelings of gratitude.

Energy spots with sacred trees

As mentioned earlier, many locations throughout Japan revere sacred trees. Here are a few notable places:

Arata Shrine (Ota Ward, Tokyo)

Arata Shrine is home to a 700-year-old Japanese zelkova tree. The tree has endured two significant crises—a thunderstorm in the Edo period and an air raid in the Showa period. Because of its resilience, it is believed to bless visitors with longevity, recovery from illness, and renewed vitality.

Shitabi Shrine (Matsue, Shimane)

The largest chinquapin tree in Shitabi Shrine has long been revered in local culinary traditions. On Nov. 9, the tree is adorned with a sacred rope crafted from rice straw as part of a ritual to pray for a bountiful harvest.

Oyamazumi Shrine (Imabari, Ehime)

Oyamazumi Shrine is home to three sacred trees, including a remarkable 2,600-year-old camphor tree. Nestled in the center of the shrine, it is considered a symbolic tree. Several legends surround this tree, including a belief that holding your breath while circling it three times will grant your wishes. Some also believe that taking a photo with the tree promotes longevity.

Sacred trees are more than just trees—they are believed to hold spiritual power, nurtured and honored by the Japanese people for generations. Explore Japan’s profound spiritual heritage with deep respect for these sacred trees.