Harunire Tree (ハルニレの木)
or Toyokoro Harunire Tree is a popular scenic spot and also a landmark of the
town of Toyokoro. It is located at Horooka in the town of Toyokoro, Nakagawa
District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Harunire Tree |
Harunire Tree Details
The Harunire Tree (Japanese Elm) is one of Toyokoro
Town’s most beloved natural landmarks and a romantic symbol of enduring love.
Standing gracefully along the banks of the Tokachi River in Hokkaido, this
magnificent tree is actually two Japanese elms that have grown together as
one. For over a century, the Harunire Tree has inspired countless visitors
with its beauty and symbolism.
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| Harunire Tree - Toyokoro town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
A Century-Old Beauty
Estimated to be around 150 years old, the Harunire
Tree is admired for its majestic form with branches stretching symmetrically on
both sides. Its trunk measures about 3.6 meters in circumference,
reaches a height of 18 meters, and spreads 23 meters wide.
Throughout the year, it transforms with the seasons — vibrant greens in spring
and summer, fiery hues in autumn, and a serene white silhouette in winter.
Every season brings a new personality to the tree, making it a favorite subject
for photographers and nature lovers.
Harunire Tree photos
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| Harunire Tree in summer |
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| The two harunire trees |
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| Harunire Tree in winter |
The Legend of Eternal Love
Locals affectionately call it the “Lover’s Tree”
because the two trunks appear to embrace each other. Legend says the trees
represent two lovers who vowed eternal love, staying together despite strong
winds and harsh weather. This romantic story has made the Harunire Tree a
popular spot for couples, wedding photo shoots, and visitors seeking a peaceful
and meaningful destination.
Harunire House photos
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| Harunire House |
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| Inside the Harunire House |
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| 2nd Floor of the Harunire House |
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| The view from the 2nd Floor of Harunire House |
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| The garden outside Harunire House |
A Cultural Symbol of Toyokoro
The Harunire Tree is more than just a natural wonder; it is
a Cultural Asset of Toyokoro Town and serves as the town’s official
symbol. It represents harmony between nature and people, as well as the
strength and unity found in love and community. Whether you visit under the
bright sun or during a gentle snowfall, the Harunire Tree stands as a timeless
reminder of love, resilience, and natural beauty.
Team Nicerio visits Harunire Tree
My family and I visited Harunire Tree for the first
time on November 4, 2023, which was the second day of our three-day
Culture Day Road Trip. This marked my 733rd day in Japan
as an ALT under the JET Programme. Although there is not much to do around the
tree, we made sure to include it in our itinerary since it is Toyokoro’s
main attraction. The site has a visitor center called Harunire House,
where parking is completely free. Inside, there is a small display with
photos of the Harunire Tree, offering a bit of insight into its history and
beauty.
For those who enjoy collecting stamps, you will be
pleased to find that Harunire House has a stamp available. It is recommended to
bring your own stamp pad; however, the ink at the center can
sometimes be dry due to visitors forgetting to close the lid properly.
Harunire Tree Admission Fee
Visiting the Harunire Tree is completely FREE.
You can explore the grounds, park your vehicle, and enter Harunire House
to relax without any cost.
Harunire Tree Operating Hours
Harunire Tree can be visited 24/7. However, the area is not
well-lit, so it is highly recommended that you visit in the morning. The
Harunire House, on the other hand, is open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit the Harunire Tree?
The Harunire Tree is a must-visit for anyone
traveling to Hokkaido, especially those seeking natural beauty and a touch of
romance. This iconic Japanese elm is actually two trees that have grown
together as one, creating a stunning and rare natural formation that has
stood for around 150 years.
Visitors come to admire its majestic branches, which
spread wide to create a picturesque canopy, perfect for photography in every
season. The tree is also steeped in legend, often called the “Lover’s Tree”,
symbolizing enduring love, making it a popular spot for couples and wedding
photos.
Getting to Harunire Tree
From Toyokoro Station, you can reach Harunire Tree on foot in about 2.2 kilometers. Alternatively, you can take a taxi directly to the shrine.
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.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Harunire Tree")
.jpg "Team Nicerio visits Harunire Tree")
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