A photo essay depicting some elements of selective management of a Hinoki Cypress forest on a mountainside in rural Japan. The main idea is to reduce the density of the trees to promote healthy growth but there are several additional benefits as well.
Secondary goals of management include using some of the cut or standing dead trees to provide slope stability, opening areas of canopy to encourage small Oaks used for cultivating shitake mushrooms, and using the excess Hinoki as firewood and structural poles.
Learn more about satoyama or see picturesque views of inaka landscapes.