About Hisakaki (Japanese Cleyera) | Exploring its History and Cultural Significance
About Hisakaki (Eurya japonica): Exploring its History and Cultural Significance
Among the plants offered at kamidana (household Shinto altars), "Hisakaki (姫榊)" is well-known, alongside "Sakaki (榊)." This plant is often described as a "substitute used in regions where Sakaki is not available." But is its role truly limited to being just a "substitute"?
In fact, Hisakaki is a plant deeply rooted in Japanese life, harboring a unique and profound history and cultural significance that cannot be dismissed simply as a substitute.
This article delves into the true nature of Hisakaki, its diverse roles in Japanese history and folklore, and its connection to our daily lives.
After reading, the Hisakaki you see displayed at kamidana or spotted on roadsides and in satoyama (managed woodlands) will surely appear different than before.
What is Hisakaki (Eurya japonica)?
First, let's look at the basic information about Hisakaki to understand what kind of plant it is.
What kind of plant is Hisakaki (Eurya japonica)?
| Plant Name | Hisakaki (姫榊・非榊) |
| Scientific Name |
Eurya japonica |
| Family | Pentaphylacaceae |
| Genus | Eurya |
| Origin | Japan, Korean Peninsula, China, Taiwan |
・Family/Scientific Name: Hisakaki is an evergreen tree belonging to the Pentaphylacaceae family (sometimes classified under the Theaceae family). Its scientific name is Eurya japonica, indicating it is one of Japan's representative trees.
・Appearance: It has glossy, dark green leaves. A characteristic feature is the finely serrated (toothed) edges of its leaves. In early spring (around March to April), it produces numerous small, creamy-white flowers densely under its branches, and in autumn, it bears blackish-purple fruits about 5mm in diameter.
・Fragrance: During its flowering season, it emits a very distinctive and strong scent, often compared to city gas or takuan (pickled daikon radish). This is an expression of Hisakaki's vibrant strategy to attract insects and reproduce.
Distribution and Habitat of Hisakaki (Eurya japonica)
Hisakaki is native to East Asia, including Japan, and is widely distributed across the Korean Peninsula, China, and Taiwan.
In Japan, it grows wild in mountains and fields almost everywhere, from Honshu to Okinawa.
Due to its highly robust nature, being resistant to shade, drought, and air pollution, it is often used in urban parks, gardens, and hedges, making it one of the most familiar evergreen trees to us.
Origin of the Name Hisakaki (Eurya japonica)
There are several theories regarding the origin of the name Hisakaki.
・"Hisakaki (非榊)" theory: This theory suggests the name means "not Sakaki" (非ず - arazu), implying it is not the original Sakaki used in Shinto rituals. This is the most widely known theory.
・"Hime-sakaki (姫榊)" theory: This theory suggests that the name includes "hime" (princess), implying an endearing quality, because its leaves and the entire tree are smaller compared to hon-sakaki.
・"Iso-sakaki (磯榊)" theory: There is also a theory that it was called this because it grows abundantly near the coast ("iso").
Common to all these theories is the fact that the name was given with hon-sakaki in mind, suggesting that the two plants were recognized as being closely related since ancient times.
What are the flower meanings of Hisakaki (Eurya japonica)?
Hisakaki has flower meanings that are associated with its appearance and role.
"Revering the gods," "Modest beauty," "Shy love"
The flower meaning "revering the gods" likely stems from its history of being treated as a sacred plant in kamidana and Shinto rituals.
"Modest beauty" and "shy love" seem to describe the small, inconspicuous flowers that bloom hidden in the shadows of the leaves.
History of Hisakaki (Eurya japonica)
Let's unravel how Hisakaki has interacted with people throughout Japanese history.
History of use as a "substitute Sakaki"
In cold and mountainous regions where hon-sakaki (true sakaki) is difficult to cultivate, Hisakaki has long been used in Shinto rituals as a sacred evergreen tree, similar to sakaki.
What's important is that it was not merely a "substitute" in a passive sense.
Its vitality, with leaves remaining green all year round, made it truly "the sacred tree of that land" for the local people, embodying the power of the gods.
(Reference: Wikipedia "Eurya japonica")
Spread with popular folk beliefs during the Edo period
In the Edo period, with the popularity of pilgrimages like Ise-mairi, folk beliefs spread, and the custom of enshrining kamidana in each household became widespread.
At that time, Hisakaki, being readily available and highly vital, became widely sought after, especially among common people in eastern Japan, as "a familiar sacred tree in daily life"... this is the prevailing theory.
(Reference: Kamidana to Kurashi no Henshūshitsu (Kamidana and Lifestyle Editorial Department) "When did the custom and history of enshrining a 'Kamidana' begin?")
The Role of Hisakaki (Eurya japonica)
Hisakaki has played diverse roles in Japanese folk beliefs, beyond just being offered at kamidana.
Protection of the home and warding off evil
The inexhaustible vitality of evergreen trees has long been believed to possess the power to ward off evil and protect against malicious spirits.
By placing Hisakaki branches at doorways or planting them around the house, it is said to have served as a "barrier" protecting the home and family.
Agricultural rituals
In Japan, a country centered around rice farming, rituals to welcome the gods of the fields and pray for abundant harvests were held in various regions.
At these times, Hisakaki branches were sometimes used as a marker (yorishiro) for the gods to descend from heaven.
Connection to funerals and Buddhist services
While Hisakaki is strongly associated with Shinto rituals, in some regions, it is also used as an offering for Buddhist altars and graves.
This is a remnant of its use as a sacred evergreen substitute in areas where Shikimi (Anise Tree), primarily used in Buddhist services, was difficult to obtain, reflecting strong regional differences.
In some areas, it is said to appease Aramitama (fierce spirits)
While a bit specialized, in Shinto, the souls of gods are believed to have a gentle aspect, "Nigimitama (和魂)," and a wild, powerful aspect, "Aramitama (荒魂)."
Plants with sacred power like Hisakaki were sometimes believed to have the ability to appease the Aramitama of gods, which could cause natural disasters, and guide them towards Nigimitama.
Differences between Sakaki and Hisakaki (Eurya japonica)
Here, let's once again confirm the differences between Sakaki (hon-sakaki) and Hisakaki, and their use in offerings at kamidana.
Sakaki is displayed in regions south of Kanto
In relatively warmer regions west of Kanto, the large and splendid-leaved hon-sakaki is traditionally offered at kamidana.
Many homes in regions north of Kanto display Hisakaki (Eurya japonica)
Conversely, in regions north of Kanto, where cold-hardy Hisakaki grows natively, Hisakaki has long been established as the local "Sakaki."
Reasons why it's acceptable to display Hisakaki (Eurya japonica) at kamidana
In conclusion, offering Hisakaki at kamidana is perfectly acceptable.
As we've seen, Hisakaki has a history of supporting people's faith as the most familiar and sacred evergreen tree in those regions.
What's important is not the type of plant, but the "sincerity" of appreciating the local nature and revering the gods. Offering Hisakaki can be said to be a rational and honorable act.
Hisakaki (Eurya japonica) should also be replaced on the 1st and 15th of the month
The manner of offering is exactly the same as for hon-sakaki. It is customary to replace them with new ones on the first day and the middle (15th) of the month, which are believed to be when the power of the gods is at its fullest.
&YOUKAEN offers a Hisakaki (Eurya japonica) subscription service
Hisakaki is profoundly rooted in Japanese culture and daily life.
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Summary
In this article, we explored the profound world of Hisakaki.
・Hisakaki, scientifically named Eurya japonica, is a vigorous plant widely distributed in Japan.
・While there are various theories about its name, it has long been recognized in relation to Sakaki.
・It is not merely a substitute but has cultivated its own unique culture, especially with the spread of folk beliefs among common people in eastern Japan.
・It has played diverse roles, not just in Shinto rituals, but also in warding off evil and agricultural rites.
Hisakaki is a culturally significant plant that beautifully combines Japan's natural environment and people's faith.
Next time you see Hisakaki, why not reflect for a moment on the rich stories behind each small leaf?
◆Correction History
December 9, 2025: Some years corrected. References and sources added.
Oct 17, 2025
