In Japanese folklore, a kodama is a tree spirit, making the name strongly associated with supernatural forest imagery rather than one specific temple.

In Japanese folklore, kodama tree spirits are so revered that harming their ancient tree homes would unleash an angry spirit—a belief kept alive today through popular anime like Hayao Miyazaki's Princess Mononoke.

The name 'Kodama' means 'echo' in Japanese, but also refers to tree spirits in Shinto belief that inhabit trees over 100 years old, giving them personalities and earning them sacred rope markers as warnings against cutting them down.

Sacred trees marked with shimenawa ropes at shrines and temples represent the dwelling places of kodama spirits, reflecting Japan's deep spiritual connection between nature and religion that dates back to premodern times.