[[Prologue] [Mizugami Natural Forest] [Imoo National Woods] [From Nishinoko Preserved Forest through Gomada Mountain] [Epilogue: in Koya san]]

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From Nishinoko preserved forest through Gomadan mountain

2003.10.19

[Japanese version]

Nishinoko preserved district, on the way to Hattomaki hill through Imoo forest path, is said to hold a primitive condition of the laurel forest. The ecology of this tiny area is estimated to keep the original flora of Japanese mainland in relatively good condition, so that it is designated as a national preserved district. In the centre of Kii peninsula, this forest shows a view rather similar to those in chiller part of middle Japan, consisting mainly of fir, hemlock or beech trees, unlike typical laurel forests of Mizugami natural forest or Oto mountains.

• Nishinoko Preserved Forest

• Autumn sunset at Gomadan mountain

Mishinoko preserved forest

Miyama village, Hidaka, Wakayama 2003.10.19

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The condition of the entrance area of Imoo forest path was so bad that one car out of two had to abandon the plan to run through the woods. It eventually proved to be correct, for there were still more bad-conditioned parts through the forest path in the woods.

A mature beech tree, standing among the relatively sunny woods, may be seen to have an air of grandeur.

A gathering of Tsukiyotake mushrooms behind a dried log.

Sawagani, Japanese freshwater crab, is found here and there.

Autumn sunset at Gomadan mountain

Ryujin village, Hidaka, Wakayama Wildlife information bureau, Forest Park 2003.10.19

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After having joined again another car which went around the bad-conditioned forest path at the Wildlife information bureau, we stopped at a parking area on the way to Koya san to see the beautiful sunset over the mountains higher than 1000 metres above sea level, in the chill air of late fall.

A view from a parking area northwards for Koya mountain. No autumn tints are seen in industrialised woods consisting of cedars and fire trees even in late October, most probably unlike on Kumagusu's day when the mountains were covered with deciduous trees.

Twilight sun lowering to Hatenashi mountain.

A burning Sun falling into Hatenashi mountains, seen from inside of the running car towards Koya.

Photo & texts: Tamura Yoshiya.