Tree burial grounds in Japan

Chishou-in Monastery (formerly Shoun-ji Temple)

location: Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 1999

The first natural burial ground in Japan. The concept is “loved ones reborn as flowers.” Flowers such as azaleas and flowering trees are planted in place of tombstones and setting artificial memorials is prohibited.
http://www.jumokuso.or.jp/

NPO Ending Center

location: Machida City, Tokyo Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2005

The NPO Ending Center opened Sakuraso in the Machidaizumi Public Cemetery. Sakuraso is a variation of Jumokuso in which the primary symbol is the cherry tree.

There are various blocks for Sakuraso and for Jumokuso as well. Every April when the cherry trees flower a mass funeral called Sakuraso Memorial is held.
http://www.endingcenter.com/

※For more information about visiting NPO Ending Center’s Jumokuso, please click here (in Japanese)

Shinkou-ji Temple

location: Sodegaura City, Chiba Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2005

A Jumokuso specifically for the recovery of the local village’s ecosystem. It also serves as a resting-place for a large part of the Tokyo metropolitan area. A sightseeing bus tour is popular.
http://shinko-ji.jp/jumokuso/

※For more information about visiting Shinkou-ji Temple’s Jumokuso, please click here (in Japanese)

Tentoku-in Temple

location: Izumi City, Chiba Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2009

Through the management of this Jumokuso we engage in the recovery of the local farmlands, environmental preservation, and provide livelihood support to underprivileged children. A selection from 40 types of flowering trees to serve as a grave post is available.
https://tentokuji.jimdo.com/

Koushou-ji Temple

location: Minamibousou City, Chiba Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2009

A Jumokuso where one can select one’s favorite tree to plant, such as camellia or dogwood. Burial with pets is also possible.
http://koushouji.jp/jumobo.html

Ichiharaminami Cemetery in Daitsu-ji Temple

location: Ichihara City, Chiba Prefecture

A Jumokuso where one can choose a tree and plant it with undergrowth instead of a tombstone in the center of the plot. If desired stone plates are permitted as well.
http://ichiharaminami-reien.or.jp/

※For more information about visiting Daitsu-ji Temple’s Jumokuso, please click here (in Japanese)

Fukuhara Cemetery in Hitachi Church

location: Kasama City, Ibaragi Prefecture

Normally in Japan, Jumokuso is hosted by either a public cemetery or a temple. However this special Jumokuso is mainly hosted by a Shinto shrine. Thus it is protected by the Gods of the Grand Shrine of Izumo.
http://www.fukuharareien.com

Saiju-ji Temple

location: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2005

Visitors can relax from the sound of the Suikinkutsu(water-bell), and can get a whole view of Kyoto city from this cemetery.
http://www.d4.dion.ne.jp/~saijuji/

Sokushu-in Monastery

location: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2011

This Jumokuso in Tofuku-ji Temple is called “Zinenen”. The funerals performed here resemble the classic funerals of the Nara era, when the Manyousyu, “The Collection of Ten Thousands Leaves” was written. Loved ones will be buried under a traditional type of bamboo called Koguma-sasa.
http://www.sokusyuin-sizensou.com

Shougon-in Monastery

location: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2011

A Jumokuso on the sub temple grounds of Toufuku-ji Temple. Weeping cherry and maple are primarily used here.
http://www.shogoin-jumokusou.com/

Kabusan-ji Temple (NPO Ending Center)

location: Takatsuki City, Osaka
Jumokuso established in 2011

Kabusan-ji Temple is famous for its Japanese maple. Visitors can listen to birds singing in Mother Nature. Managed by the NPO Ending Center, it is the first Sakuraso in the Kansai region.
http://osaka.sakurasou.org/index.php

※For more information about visiting Kabusan-ji Temple’s Jumokuso, please click here (in Japanese)

Houshou-ji Temple

location: Hagi City, Yamaguchi Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2004

One of the few Jumokuso in the Chugoku region. After burying ashes in undeveloped woodland near a populated area, one plants a memorial tree.
http://www.geocities.jp/jumokuso_hagi

Myouzui-ji Temple

location: Ohita City, Ohita Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2011

The first Sakuraso in the Kyushu region, in which cherry trees are used.

Kodaira Cemetery (Tokyo Prefecture)

location: Higashimurayama City and Kodaira City, Tokyo
Jumokuso established in 2012

The first natural burial ground managed by Tokyo Prefecture. In 2012, a Jumokuso for mass funerals opened, then in 2014 a Jumokuso for individual funerals will open as well.
http://www.metro.tokyo.jp

※For more information about visiting Kodaira Cemetery’s Jumokuso, please click here (in Japanese)

Memorial Green (Yokohama City)

location: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2008

The first Jumokuso established by a public cemetery.
http://www.memorialgreen.jp

※For more information about visiting Memorial Green’s Jumokuso, please click here (in Japanese)

Hokusetsu-Ikeda Memorial Park

location: Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2008

Produced and managed by Yashiro Corporation. Memorial services are conducted by a Buddhist temple for 13 years for the repose of a departed soul. This service is called “Eitai-Kuyou”.
http://www.yasiro.jp/

Kobeseichi Cemetery

locatin: Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Jumokuso established in 2008

Produced and managed by Ohno-ya Corporation. The memorial service of “Eitai-Kuyou” is performed in perpetuity by a Buddhist temple, for the repose of a departed soul.
http://www.ohnoya.co.jp/