Manjusri Oak

The city tree of Ikoma City is the oak, which was selected and registered in Showa 48 (1973) in response to the wishes of the citizens.
Since ancient times, Mount Ikoma has been a place of spiritual practice for Shugendo ascetics, earning it the nickname “the mountain that never loses its leaves.” Temples established during the Nara period, such as Enpuku-ji and Hōzan-ji, still stand in the mountainous area today. Among these, Chikurin-ji Temple is regarded as a sacred site for fostering romantic connections due to the mausoleum located there.
Legend has it that Shugendō practitioners are incarnations of Manjusri Bodhisattva, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom, who not only brought relief to all sentient beings but also participated in the construction of the Great Buddha. Consequently, the oak trees native to Mount Ikoma are called “Manjusri Oak,” symbolizing the formation of a virtuous connection with Manjusri Bodhisattva.
Oak is an evergreen tree belonging to the Fagaceae family, primarily found in Japan west of the Kanto region. It is characterized by golden-yellow growth rings and a woody aroma that is faintly sweet with a slightly fermented note.

✧ Symbolism ✧
・Prosperity and flourishing
・Strong and vigorous growth
・Growth and progress

Bead Specifications:
10mm / Wrist circumference: approx. 18cm