Discovery
In 1983, a large trunk of a tree happened to appear out of the ground during construction work of rice fields in Azukihara valley. Then, the excavation surveys at the Azukihara valley were made for 3 years from 1998 and, as a result, a large number of trees were found out in the earth of the said area.
![discovered in 1983](./img/sanbe_03.png)
(Photo)
The first sign of the Lost World :
A large trunk of a tree happened to appear out of the ground in Azukihara valley in 1983.
![tree and mr.matsui](./img/sanbe_06.png)
(Photo)
In 1998, the excavation surveys succeeded to find out the second tree in the earth of the Azukihara valley, following the first one discovered unexpectedly during construction work in 1983.
![Excavation of 1999](./img/sanbe_02.png)
(Photo)
The excavation surveys at the Azukihara valley in 1999 :
The second tree was dug up by the roots.
Facts
Findings of the excavation surveys 1998-2000
・Being buried by volcanic eruption : Since about 4,000 years before (calendar age)
・Number of standing-up trees when excavated : 30
・Species of trees :
Over 80% : Japanese Cedar
The rest : Buckeye, Zelkova, White Oak, etc.
・The largest trunk : 2.5 meters in diameter near the root
・The tallest tree : 12.5 meters in height (Japanese Cedar)
![size of tree](./img/sanbe_07.png)
(Photo)
The tallest tree with a trunk the largest in diameter,
standing in the underground exhibition hall :
・12.5 meters in height
・2.5 meters in diameter