Tree Restoration Project and Ownership System of Cedar Avenue of Nikko

　～Preserving the Precious Cultural Heritage "Nikko Cedar Avenue" for Future Generations～

The Nikko Cedar Avenue was planted over a period of more than 20 years by Masatsuna Matsudaira and his son Masanobu, retainers of the Tokugawa family, around the time when Nikko Toshogu Shrine was built. The planting began in 1625, starting a long history.
This is a precious cultural heritage that Tochigi Prefecture is proud to present to the world. It is the only site in Japan to be doubly designated as a Special Historic Site and a Special Natural Monument by the national government. It is also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest tree-lined avenue in the world, with a total length of approximately 37 kilometers.

【Tree Vitality Restoration Projects】
Since fiscal year 1996, the Prefecture has carried out many initiatives to restore the vitality of the cedars, such as "covering exposed cedar roots with soil," "installing wooden fences to prevent soil erosion and protect the soil," and "installing hollow concrete (pokara) underground to prevent soil compaction and ensure space for cedar roots to grow." These restoration efforts have been a confirmed success, leading to the growth of new fine roots.
Currently, the project’s focus is repairing the already installed wooden fences. Additionally, we are collaborating with other protection initiatives, such as public acquisition of protective land and development of bypasses, to restore the vitality of the cedars more effectively.

【Nikko Cedar Avenue Owner System】
The "Nikko Cedar Avenue Owner System" allows people who want to support the protection of the cedar avenue to become owners of a cedar tree for 10 million yen per tree. Tochigi Prefecture manages these funds through the Nikko Cedar Avenue Protection Fund, and the proceeds are used for projects to restore the vitality of the cedar trees.
The Nikko Cedar Avenue Protection Foundation and Toshogu Shrine handle the daily management of the ownes’ cedar tree. Since the cedar trees are cultural properties, they cannot be cut down except if the tree dies. However, if an owner wants to cancel their ownership, Tochigi Prefecture will buy trees back at the original price at any time.