Goshikidai Memorial Park Tree Burial Ground Forest Cemetery ‘Trail of Conversation’

The tree burial site at Goshikidai Memorial Park. The first phase of construction, completed in 2021, included 274 graves, the second phase, completed in 2022, included 105 graves, and the third phase, completed in 2023, includes 600 graves.
Traditional general graves have created a sterile landscape with neatly arranged stone monuments. However, due to the declining birthrate, aging population, and nuclear family structure, the absence of heirs and the burden of maintenance have become apparent, leading to stagnant sales of graves and raising questions about the sustainability of operations. On the other hand, while tree burial sites have been increasing in recent years, many of them are limited to a standardised format where symbolic trees are planted in neatly shaped flower bed-like plots, failing to fully realise spaces that harmonise with nature or cater to the emotions of bereaved families.

This plan begins by rejuvenating the forest landscape in a section of mountainous land that was once flattened during development. Utilising the natural topography with its undulating terrain and depth, the design incorporates winding paths for conversation and arranges burial sites in island-like and peninsula-like formations. This configuration increases the number of graves accessible from the road while creating a layout where the scenery changes with each step, fostering quiet moments for reflection in nature. On the north side, we have placed family-use columbariums, and on the south side, individual burial sites using paper urns that return to nature, incorporating a cyclical relationship with the environment into the design.

The paths have been designed to adjust sightlines and flow, creating a spatial composition that encourages the layering of memories and emotions according to the pace of walking and the length of stay. In addition, a pavilion has been built along the path as a space for conversation, meditation, reading, and rest. The pavilion is not merely a place to rest, but a device for memories that blends in with the landscape. The columns and beams made of channel steel guide rainwater from the roof to porous concrete at the base through open vertical gutters, connecting the architecture to the natural cycle.

The site is planted with a variety of tree species, including zelkova, oak, Japanese white pine, Japanese maple with autumn colours, plum, cherry blossoms, and osmanthus, which add fragrance. At ground level, wildflowers spread out, creating a forest landscape that matures over time. These plants not only provide visual variety but also affect the emotions of visitors, helping them transition from their daily lives to a state of prayer.

The gravestones are made of Date-kan-ishi stone quarried in Okuyama, Miyagi Prefecture. Instead of standard gravestones, small rock slabs of varying colours, shapes, and expressions are individually selected as ‘signposts of remembrance’ and placed in each plot. These stones, which harmonise with nature, blend the memories of the deceased into the landscape, creating a place where individual prayers are delicately brought to the fore rather than collective ones. At the entrance to the small path, a monument made of giant Date-kan-ishi stones has been erected, and by placing your ear against the wind tunnel dug towards the sacred site of Koyasan, you can experience a quiet dialogue with the sounds of the earth.

Goshikidai Memorial Park Tree Burial Ground Forest Cemetery ‘Trail of Conversation’　Short Video 1:00