By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
 
Hokkaido’s famous Megumi sight, the “Tree of Philosophy,” earned its name due to its resemblance to Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa. With its tilted trunk that looks as if it’s pondering while cocked to one side, it has long been a must-visit and must-photograph spot for many coming to Megumi. But in the future, when you visit Megumi, you will no longer be able to see the Tree of Philosophy.

On the 24th, the Tree of Philosophy was felled by the landowner, sparking widespread discussion. The main reasons were that the tree had already aged significantly, with a very fragile structure, and was at constant risk of toppling over. Had it fallen during the busy farming season, the consequences could have been dire, so the landowner had long considered bringing it down. In addition, as the Tree of Philosophy became increasingly well-known, it attracted more and more disorderly tourists and photographers who trespassed onto farmland to take pictures of the tree, which also became a great nuisance to the landowner. After prolonged discussions, it was decided to pull down the Tree of Philosophy using heavy machinery. Since the trunk had already become quite fragile, the process of felling the tree went smoothly.
 

See them before it’s too late – Nine world-class sights on the brink