"Yorishiro"

Sakaki | Japanese cleyera

Sakaki has glossy dark green leaves. There are many opportunities to see offerings at shrines and Kamidana (a household Shinto altar).
In Japan's ancient belief in nature, there is a belief that gods dwell in plants, especially in the sharp tips of leaves. Sakaki is an evergreen plant that grows around us, so it has been offered at shrines since ancient times as a place where the gods dwell that called "Yorishiro." Sakaki also has the meaning of marking the boundary between shrines and is planted in many shrines.

In cold regions where Sakaki is difficult to grow, it can be substituted with Hisakaki, which has similar leaves.

Sakaki offered on both sides of the torii gate

Sakaki also offered in front of the hall of worship

The large leaves in the foreside are Sakaki, and the small leaves in the backside are Hisakaki.

Hisakaki has jagged leaves.

It is also planted as a hedge.