The Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) belongs to the family Cercidiphyllaceae. It is a tall decidous tree that is endemic to Japan. This tree grows along mountain streams and can reach 20-30 m in height. The barks are grayish brown and shallow-furrowed when mature. The leaves are broad cordate, opposite with smooth toothed edges. The timber is homogeneous, soft and used for building materials and furnitures. The leaves are aromatic and used as a material of incense. It is dioecious. Its Japanese name is said to be a corruption of "香出" (kazu). The 21th and 22th in the photo are "Aizen Katsura" of Kitamuki Kannon in Ueda city, Nagano Prefecture.