1.
sacred tree at a shrine or temple
A tree on the grounds of a Shinto shrine (or sometimes a Buddhist temple) that is regarded as sacred, often believed to house or attract a divine spirit. Typically marked off with a 注連縄 (sacred rope) tied around the trunk.
Compound of the honorific 御 + 神 (god, deity) + 木 (tree). Often a large, ancient 老木 (old tree) believed to embody or attract a 神. Cutting or damaging one is treated as a serious taboo.
Common collocations
Cultural note
In Shinto, certain natural features—trees, rocks, mountains—are considered to be 依り代, places where a deity can descend or reside. A 御神木 is one of the most common manifestations of this belief; it is marked with a 注連縄 and treated with reverence.