The Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (京都御苑, Kyoto Gyoen) is a sprawling historical park centred around the Kyoto Imperial Palace. While the monarchy resided in Kyoto, the grounds and the neighbourhoods around it were the heart of the Japanese empire. When the Japanese capital moved to Tokyo in 1868, the area lost much of its power. However, in 1949, the grounds were designated as the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, transforming it into a public park while preserving its historical and botanical legacy. It is no surprise then that the trees here thrive under the protective care of the Palace gardening staff.

Chinquapin trees (Castanea species) are known for their distinctive, glossy bark, a feature that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. The glossy surface aids in retaining moisture, deterring pests, and resisting encroachment from other plants. Beyond its biological advantages, the bark's unusual, wax-like sheen adds to the tree's visual appeal, captivating park visitors with its natural elegance. During our visit, the upper boughs of this tree were particularly active, attracting the attention of park ravens, which seemed to favor them.