Tourists Blocking Roads and Littering Upset Farmers; Tree Made Famous by Takeshi Kaneshiro at Risk of Being Cut Down

▲ The tree where Takeshi Kaneshiro rested and drank water became a huge tourist draw, but has caused problems for local farmers. (Photo / Screenshot from YouTube)

Tourism Center / Comprehensive Report

Takeshi Kaneshiro starred in an airline’s promotional ad, which made Heaven’s Road, Brown Highway, and the tree where he rested and drank water in Chihshang Township, Taitung, wildly popular. However, the influx of visitors has led to crowds and tripods occupying the roads, hindering the passage of farm vehicles and leaving behind all kinds of litter, much to the annoyance of local farmers—who even suggested that the landowner cut down the famous tree.

Since the release of Takeshi Kaneshiro’s airline commercial, Chihshang Township in Taitung has become a popular tourist destination. Visitors imitate Kaneshiro by cycling into the wind on Heaven’s Road, _? and flock to Brown Highway to recreate his iconic photo under the tree. But the influx of tourists has upset local farmers—many say the sudden surge of visitors blocks the roads, affecting farm vehicle traffic and leaving behind piles of trash. A local farmer said that because the tourists seriously disrupt transportation, many have called for the tree to be cut down.

Travelers who heard that the “Takeshi Kaneshiro tree” might be chopped down expressed that it would be such a pity, and urged visitors to show public spirit and avoid disturbing local farmers’ lives by taking their trash with them when they leave.