Two Trees: The Tachibana and the Cherry
The tachibana (Citrus tachibana) tree on the left produces fragrant white blossoms in summer and bears a citrus fruit similar to a mandarin orange, which ripens in winter. It is mentioned in historical texts and verse from the eighth century and is closely associated with the emperor. The tree to the right is a cherry tree, symbolic of Japan. These trees were traditionally planted in front of the Shishinden, which was originally the private quarters of the emperor, located behind the State Hall of the Imperial Palace, or Chodoin complex. The Shishinden later became the center of the palace complex.
The tachibana and cherry flowers are symbols of Heian Jingu and appear in the shrine crest.