What is Sakaki? | Exploring its History and Cultural Role
The green branches offered at Shinto rituals and household altars in Japan are called Sakaki.
Sakaki, with its beautiful green leaves all year round, is very familiar to us Japanese people, yet we may not have many opportunities to deeply learn about its history and cultural role.
In this article, we will thoroughly explain the origin, flower language, and role of Sakaki, which is considered the most important sacred tree in Shinto, from ancient to modern Japan.
Understanding the meaning of Sakaki leads to an understanding of Japanese culture and spirituality. We will also provide practical information for those who wish to properly enshrine a household altar.
What is Sakaki?
First, let's look at some basic information about Sakaki, a plant considered sacred.
What kind of plant is Sakaki?
| Plant name | Sakaki |
| Scientific name |
Cleyera japonica |
| Family | Pentaphylacaceae |
| Genus | Cleyera |
| Origin | Asia |
Sakaki is an evergreen tree classified in the Cleyera genus of the Pentaphylacaceae family. Its main characteristic is that it retains its deep green leaves throughout the year without shedding them.
Its leaves are thick and glossy, and one way to distinguish it from Hisakaki (hime-sakaki), a substitute plant offered at household altars, is that its edges are not serrated (entire).
Where does Sakaki grow?
Sakaki is a native Japanese plant that primarily grows in warm regions from central Honshu westward to Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa.
Because it prefers warm climates, it is less common in regions north of Kanto. In these areas, related species like Hisakaki (hime-sakaki) or other evergreen trees are often used as substitutes for Sakaki.
About the origin of the name Sakaki
There are several theories about the origin of the name Sakaki, but the two most plausible are:
・Sakai-no-ki (Boundary Tree) theory: This theory suggests that "sakai-ki," meaning "boundary tree" marking the boundary between the sacred realm (where gods reside) and the mundane world where humans live, gradually transformed into "Sakaki."
・Sakaeru-ki (Prospering Tree) theory: This theory suggests that "sakaeru-ki," meaning "prospering tree," referring to its ever-green appearance, gradually transformed into "Sakaki."
The kanji character for "Sakaki" (榊) is a kokuji (a character created in Japan) combining "木" (tree) and "神" (god), indicating its sacred nature as a tree in a single character.
What is the flower language of Sakaki?
The flower language of Sakaki carries a powerful and solemn message derived from its sacred role.
Sakaki's flower language: "Revering the gods" and "Unwavering"
These flower meanings symbolize a sincere faith in the gods and an unwavering spirit derived from its ever-green appearance throughout the year.
The Sakaki offered at the household altar can be said to reflect the family's faith and their desire for peace and prosperity.
Historical Background of Sakaki
This section explores the history of how Sakaki came to play an important role in Japanese culture, especially in Shinto rituals.
In Japan, it has long been considered a yorishiro (object where a deity resides)
In Japan, it has long been believed that gods dwell in all things in nature.
Among these, evergreen trees were considered "plants that possess sacred power because they are evergreen and do not wither easily."Therefore, they have been used in Shinto rituals since ancient times, and the original term "Sakaki" referred to evergreen trees in general.
Gradually, Sakaki came to be regarded as a "symbol of life" and was given special significance as a "yorishiro" – a landmark or dwelling place for deities to descend.
It is believed that erecting Sakaki to invite deities has been practiced since ancient times. (＊It was later that the term became limited to specific small trees of the Theaceae (Pentaphylacaceae) family.)
(Reference: Wikipedia "Cleyera japonica")
(Reference: Kokugakuin University Digital Archive "sakaki")
Sakaki is mentioned in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki.
Sakaki also appears in Japan's two major classical texts, the "Kojiki" and the "Nihon Shoki."
In the section on Emperor Chuai, there is a description of "five hundred branches of sakaki (賢木)," stating that magatama beads, a mirror, and a sword (modeled after the Three Sacred Treasures) were hung from its branches.
Additionally,the section on Emperor Keiko mentions "Sakaki of Mount Shin" (believed to be in the Mino region, etc.).
(Reference: Kokugakuin University Digital Archive "sakaki")
From the Middle Ages to the early modern period, the custom of offering Sakaki at home was established.
From the Middle Ages to the early modern period, the custom of enshrining gods at home by setting up a household altar spread among samurai and commoners. In the Nara period, sacred spaces called "Misai-sho" were created, and in the Heian period, they were renamed "Kamidana." Gradually, they spread from aristocratic families to samurai families, and in the Edo period, they became common in the lives of ordinary people.
Along with this, the custom of offering Sakaki in pairs on both sides of the household altar also became established, leading to the modern culture of Sakaki in homes.
(Reference: Hirosaki Hachimangu (Aomori Prefecture) Official Website "Origin and History of Kamidana")
Symbolic Meanings of Sakaki
The leaves and appearance of Sakaki hold sacred meanings.
Beautiful green means eternal life
The fact that Sakaki is an evergreen tree that keeps its leaves green all year round symbolizes "eternal life" and "longevity."
By offering it to the gods, it expresses the wish for family prosperity and unchanging hope.
A tree that divides the world of gods and humans
As its name suggests, Sakaki acts as a boundary that separates the realm of the gods from the realm of humans.
By offering it at a household altar, it indicates that the place is sacred.
The luster of the leaves symbolizes divine light
The distinctive deep green color and fresh luster of Sakaki leaves have been believed to reflect divine light and majesty.
Maintaining this luster in the leaves is linked to the spirit of revering the gods.
About Sakaki Culture
Sakaki is used in various ritual implements and ceremonies in Shinto.
Sakaki as a sacred tree, Himorogi (sacred space)
Himorogi refers to a sacred space created temporarily for a ritual, where Sakaki is erected in the center and surrounded by a shimenawa (sacred rope).
This Sakaki serves as a yorishiro for the deities to descend.
About Tamagushi
Tamagushi is a Sakaki branch adorned with shide, which are white paper strips, and it is offered to the deities during Shinto rituals.
The act of parishioners offering it in a ceremony called tamagushi houten is one of the most important practices, serving to connect gods and humans.
About Haraegushi
A Haraegushi is a tool used by Shinto priests during rituals to purify participants and offerings by waving it over them.
It is also a Sakaki branch or tree adorned with hemp or paper, and is believed to have the power to ward off impurity.
Sakaki Culture in the Home (Kamidana)
Offering Sakaki at a household altar is a basic etiquette to show respect to the gods.
How to display Sakaki at a household altar
Sakaki is offered in pairs (two bundles) in the Sakaki-date (vases for Sakaki) placed on the left and right of the household altar. The basic way to display it is with the tips of the leaves facing the front (outside) of the altar.
It is considered respectful to the gods to change the water daily and always keep the green leaves fresh.
Change on the 1st and 15th (First and mid-month)
It is a long-standing custom to replace the Sakaki on the household altar with fresh ones twice a month, on the 1st (tsuitachi/sakuhi) and the 15th (tsuki-nakaba).
This custom stems from the faith of greeting the gods at the beginning and middle of each month.
Even if they haven't withered, replacing them with new Sakaki around these dates helps keep the household altar constantly pure.
＆YOUKAEN is selling Hisakaki (hime-sakaki) subscriptions
Many people want to keep their Sakaki fresh but find it difficult to go buy it every month.
At &YOUKAEN, we offer a subscription service that delivers fresh Hisakaki (Hime-sakaki) regularly.
Delivered twice a month! Easy Hisakaki Subscription
We deliver Sakaki (Hisakaki) selected by flower professionals twice a month.
Simply place the delivered Sakaki in your vase. You can then display it on your household altar.
This regular delivery service is recommended for those who don't have a nearby flower shop or don't have time to go shopping, as it ensures reliable delivery on designated dates.
Since this product is a confirmed subscription, shipping is free.
【Delivered twice a month to your home】Sakaki Regular Delivery Hisakaki Subscription A regular delivery service that inherits Japanese tradition
¥1,980-
Differences between Sakaki and Hisakaki
There are two types of branches for household altars commonly available in the market: Sakaki (Hon-sakaki) and Hisakaki (Hime-sakaki).
・Sakaki (Hon-sakaki): Pentaphylacaceae family, Cleyera genus. Leaves are large and thick. Characterized by smooth edges. Widely distributed in warm western Japan.
・Hisakaki (Hime-sakaki): Pentaphylacaceae family, Ternstroemia genus. Leaves are somewhat smaller and slender. Characterized by fine serrations on the edges. Cold-resistant and widely distributed in eastern Japan.
Hisakaki has been used as a substitute in colder regions where Sakaki does not grow well, but it is now widely recognized as an offering for household altars, just like Sakaki, and is distributed nationwide.
Keep your household altar's Sakaki fresh with &YOUKAEN's easy subscription!
Summary
Sakaki is not merely a plant; it is a sacred tree in Japanese Shinto culture, serving as a yorishiro that marks the "boundary between gods and humans" and symbolizing "eternal life."
Its history dates back to the age of myths and is deeply rooted in the modern culture of household altars. Offering Sakaki expresses the desire to cherish Japanese traditions and pray for family peace and prosperity.
On the 1st and 15th of each month, please replace your Sakaki (Hisakaki) to welcome the gods with a refreshed feeling. A subscription for fresh Hisakaki can be easily ordered from &YOUKAEN.
◆Revision History
December 9, 2025: Corrected some years. Added reference and source information.
Oct 14, 2025
