About
The five zelkova trees standing on the median strip of the Kawagoe Highway remain quietly in place, as if watching over the passage of time. This site was once the location of the residence grove of Mr. Yajuro Iijima, who was the village head of Kamiitabashi Village and operated a soy sauce brewing business. In the early Showa period, as part of the reconstruction plan after the Great Kanto Earthquake, construction of the new Kawagoe Highway progressed. At that time, Mr. Yajuro provided the land on the condition that these zelkovas, which were part of his residence grove, be preserved. Thus, five zelkova trees remained in the center of the road and became affectionately known as the “Five Zelkovas.” (city.itabashi.tokyo.jp)
As time passed, two of the five trees withered, but thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, two new trees were planted, restoring the original appearance. Even now, these Five Zelkovas are loved by many as a local landmark. (city.itabashi.tokyo.jp)
The Five Zelkovas are also designated as important landscape trees of Itabashi Ward, creating a lush and vibrant space and contributing to the formation of a pleasant landscape along the highway. (city.itabashi.tokyo.jp)
The Five Zelkovas are not just trees, but entities imbued with the region’s history and the feelings of its people. Every time you pass beneath them, you can sense the story of this place where past and present intersect.