Forza Horizon 6 Dev Explains Why Shrines, Temples, and Cherry Blossom Trees Are Indestructible

Forza Horizon 6 finally takes the racing series to Japan. Players can cruise through a highly detailed, stylized, and condensed version of the country, taking in everything from downtown Tokyo to famous landmarks and scenic country roads across all seasons as they test their skills against other racers.

The game also rewards you with experience points for venting road rage by smashing your car into other vehicles or the environment. However, a recent interview with design director Torben Ellert in The Japan Times revealed that while you can destroy most things in Forza Horizon 6 by crashing into them (whether intentionally or due to understeering on a tight turn), culturally significant items like shrines, temples, and cherry blossom trees are indestructible.

"Almost all trees in the game are smashable to make traversing the world map both fun and rewarding," Ellert explains. "However, certain tree types are not—for example, cherry blossom trees—because they are an iconic element of Japanese culture. Certain temples or other cultural elements are also excluded so players aren't tempted to drive through shrines or culturally important locations."

Cherry blossoms hold deep historical and cultural significance in Japan, often appearing as a key symbol in literature, art, and poetry. Their pink blooms signify rebirth and the arrival of spring, but also serve as a reminder of life's fleeting nature. In ancient times, farmers made offerings and held feasts under cherry trees, hoping for a good harvest from the spirits of the fields. By the 800s, the emperor and nobles started the tradition of holding parties to admire the blossoms. These customs have evolved into modern hanami—cherry blossom viewing parties where people picnic under the trees and enjoy the flowers.

Real-life cherry blossom trees are easily damaged. Tampering with or shaking their branches in public parks can result in fines in Japan. Moreover, some of the country's oldest trees, like Uozumi Zakura in Gifu, are over 1,000 years old and protected as natural treasures by the government. This cultural importance explains why UK studio Playground Games made cherry trees invincible in Forza Horizon 6.

As for shrines and temples, last year Assassin's Creed Shadows faced heavy pre-release backlash in Japan after a preview showed players could smash up shrines. Ubisoft addressed this with a day-one patch that made shrine objects indestructible and prevented unarmed NPCs from bleeding when attacked, thus avoiding bloodshed on sacred grounds. Forza Horizon 6's developers have similarly chosen to be culturally sensitive regarding what players can do to religious and cultural sites.

"Japan has been on our shortlist for several games now," Ellert told The Guardian. "But we just didn't feel ready to take on the challenge of building it." The team conducted in-depth research for the game, down to the smallest details, hiring experts like cultural consultant and former Porsche ambassador Kyoko Yamashita to advise on their depiction of Japan and its racing scene. "Because it's a culture we see a lot, there's a temptation to think you know it better than you do, which is why we tried really hard to get people to course correct us if we were drifting," added Ellert.

While those who pre-ordered the premium edition of Forza Horizon 6 are already burning rubber, the game officially launches on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on May 19. While you wait, check out IGN's Forza Horizon 6 review.