By: Alex
After heavy rains in early summer, local photography enthusiasts know that Shek Mun Reservoir offers the chance to capture the seasonal spectacle of flooded melaleuca trees. As water levels rise and submerge tree roots—or even entire trunks—this scene also occurs in Japan, most famously at Kyūdai no Mori in Kawakami Town, Fukuoka Prefecture.
▲(Photo by syuuichiyamaj @IG)
Kyūdai no Mori actually refers to the forest surrounding Kamata Pond. Like Shek Mun Reservoir, Kamata Pond is an artificial reservoir, but its water is used solely for irrigation. The roughly 2-kilometer forest trail encircling the pond is a popular spot for nearby residents to relax and take walks. In one corner of the pond, around a dozen bald cypress trees have been planted, creating the "flooded bald cypress" spectacle when water levels rise.
▲(Photo by ramumi8 @IG)
The base of bald cypress trunks swell into a conical shape, with thick, prominent main trunks but smaller branches spread throughout. Their form differs somewhat from melaleuca trees. In summer, the focus when photographing bald cypresses is their vibrant green hues, while in late autumn, their leaves turn red, offering a completely different aesthetic.
▲(Photo by takabou_photo)
Incidentally, if you look closely, you’ll notice the bald cypresses are deliberately arranged in a perfect hexagon, with one central tree. It’s said this layout is designed so "the scenery looks the same from every angle." In any case, the flooded bald cypress secret realm of Kyūdai no Mori exudes an air of mystery, leading many netizens to compare it to the magical forest where mythical beasts dwell in the animated film "Princess Mononoke."
▲(Photo by takabou_photo_Jun20_2018)
▲(Photo by kyusyu.lovers @IG)
▲(Photo by toridori_photo @IG)
Source:Fukuoka Prefecture Hong Kong Office, aumo.jp