The “Kosugi no Ōsugi” in Sakegawa Village, Yamagata Prefecture, is a giant tree that’s become famous for looking just like Totoro from ‘My Neighbor Totoro’! This massive cedar, about 1,000 years old, is truly impressive, and just taking photos or leisurely admiring it can be very soothing.
In this article, we will introduce the charm of the popular “Kosugi no Ōsugi,” known as the Totoro Tree, along with information on how to access it.

What kind of tree is the “Totoro Tree” in the first place?

The “Kosugi Great Cedar” in Sakagawa Village, Yamagata Prefecture, is commonly known as the “Totoro Tree.” The reason is that the thickness of its trunk and the way its branches spread out resemble Totoro from “My Neighbor Totoro”! When you look up at it, it feels as if Totoro has suddenly appeared in nature, bringing an instant smile to your face.

The tree is an astounding 1,000 years old. It is a sacred presence for the local people and has been carefully protected for generations. Its massive trunk and powerful branches convey the sheer force of nature, making it truly like a living piece of art.

Recommended not only for Ghibli fans but also for families with children and people who enjoy nature walks. Just taking photos or slowly admiring the scenery can warm your heart.

History of Totoro’s Tree

Totoro’s Tree, also known as “Kosugi no Osugi,” is introduced as the “Ogami Cedar of Magari River” in the historical essay “Shinjo Korou Oboegaki” written by a shinjo clan samurai in the late Edo period.

There is a legend that long ago, when the lord of Shinjo was hunting deer in the mountains during New Year’s, he was caught in a sudden blizzard and took refuge in the shade of this great cedar, narrowly escaping danger.

Originally, there were two large cedar trees, but it is said that Lord Mogami Yoshiaki had one cut down and transported to Yamagata. After that, misfortunes continued in the village. Because of this, the villagers reportedly pleaded with the lord of Shinjo never to cut down the remaining large cedar.

Honoring this tradition, the Kosugi large cedar is still carefully protected by the local people today as a designated village monument.

How Big is the Totoro Tree (Kosugi’s Giant Cedar)?

The Totoro Tree is estimated to be 1,000 years old. With a trunk circumference of 6.3 meters, a height of about 20 meters, and a canopy spread of 17 meters, it is an impressive natural cedar.

At the base of the tree, a mountain deity is enshrined, making it cherished as a sacred tree.

Additionally, since one tree splits at the base and towers upward, it is also called the Married Couple Cedar, the Enmusubi Tree (Tree of Love), or the Tree of Fertility, and is known as a power spot.

What led to the recognition of the “Totoro Tree”?

It seems that the ‘Kosugi Large Cedar,’ known as the ‘Totoro Tree,’ became widely known after being featured on a JR East poster.

Later, because the shape of the Kosugi Large Cedar resembles Totoro from the Studio Ghibli film ‘My Neighbor Totoro,’ it came to be called the ‘Totoro Tree.’ The two branches at the top look like ears, which is really cute!

As you get closer to the ground, the spreading silhouette looks like a rounded belly, making it really feel as if Totoro is standing there. Please be sure to go and see the cute, heartwarming “Totoro” cedar trees at least once!

Marche Event Also Held!

In an effort to promote the “Kosugi no Osugi,” a market event called the “Kosugi no Osugi Walking Path” was held in October 2025, mainly organized by local residents.

On the day of the event, there were sales of local vegetables, servings of sweet sake, rice ball sales, and servings of mushroom soup.

Additionally, crafts and miscellaneous goods made by artists from Sakegawa Village were sold, along with newly harvested rice and vegetables from the area. Food trucks were also set up, making it a lively and successful event!

The date for the next event has not been decided yet, but if you’re interested, please check the official Instagram of the Sakegawa Village Tourism Association regularly.

How to Access the “Totoro Tree” (Kosugi Great Cedar)

The “Totoro Tree,” also known as the Kosugi Great Cedar, can be reached from JR Shinjo Station by taking Route 458 towards Sakagawa Village, and then continuing on Route 315.
Along the way, turn right at a small sign that says “Kosugi Great Cedar” and proceed further along the mountain road.
It takes about 40 minutes by car in total to reach the parking area with a gazebo. However, the bridge just before that is narrow, so it may be difficult for large vehicles to pass.

If you walk about 5 more minutes from the parking lot, you will reach the “Totoro Tree.”

Please note that from late November to early April, the path and parking lot up to Kosugi no Osugi will be closed due to snow.

Summary

A thousand-year-old cedar tree standing alone in the great outdoors, commonly known as the “Totoro Tree,” is the Kosugi Cedar. Its sturdy branches and the forked branch that slightly resembles ears from a distance will make you exclaim, “Oh, it’s Totoro!” without even thinking.

If you want to be soothed by the mystical atmosphere of this great cedar and its cute tree shape reminiscent of Totoro, be sure to visit it at least once.

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