Sacred 1,200-year-old tree toppled by severe storm at shrine in central Japan【Photos】

Shinmei Shrine’s sacred cedar saved the community twice, according to local legends. One of the principal beliefs of Shinto is that divinity exists in the natural environment, and so on the grounds of many shrines in Japan you’ll find a shinboku, or sacred tree. The shinboku of Gifu’s Shinmei Shrine, however, was particularly special. Sadly, […]