This ginkgo tree is on the relatively small ground of Toshogu, which is directly east of Shiba Maruyama tomb. Although it's an urban area, the location is in a rich environment, surrounded by Shiba park on the south side, a parking area on the north side and the approach of Toshogu on the east side. It is believed that the 3rd Shogun, Iemitsu Tokugawa, planted it when Toshogu was rebuilt in 1641. Although the tip of the trunk and the branches are damaged, this is one of the most giant trees in Tokyo with 21.5 m hight, a trunk circumference of 6.5 m (about 1.2 m above ground) and a circumference of 8.3 m at ground. It was designated as a secondary class monument (local monument) and national treasure by a law passed to protect historical sites and national treasures in 1930. In January 1656, based on the present law for Protection of Cultural Properties, it was once removed from the list of secondary class monuments and national treasures, and later designated again by the Tokyo ordinance of Protection of Cultural Properties. This ginkgo tree has witnessed the transition of Zojo-ji and Shiba park, which are located around.