Respiratory roots of the swamp cypress are creating a distinctive scene.

 At the foot of Mount Koujin-yama in Hikone City in Shiga Prefecture Japan, on the westside of it, there is a large swamp called Sone Numa near the shore of Lake Biwa.

I went for a walk in the morning to see the characteristic respiratory roots of the swamp cypress tree (the bald cypress tree) for the first time since last year. Its scientific name is Taxodium distichum. Since it was a weekday morning, hardly anyone was around except for a few joggers, and it was quiet.

A grey heron perched on a tree branch in the swamp. The grey heron (Ardea cinerea) is a long-legged wading bird. This is one of the most popular wild birds around here.

Wild ducks are swimming in the swamp. Specifically, it is called is "mallard". They are female birds.

In the park beside the swamp, fallen leaves of swamp cypress are piled up.

Large swamp cypress tree beside the swamp

Characteristic respiratory roots of swamp cypress are protruding from the asphalt pavement.  They have guts, aren't they?

Characteristic respiratory roots are clustered around the base of the swamp cypress tree. You can see the part of the swamp in the back. 

Characteristic respiratory roots at the water's edge of the swamp.

The branches with two rows of leaves resemble bird feathers, and these fall in autumn, hence another name "bald cypress (larch pine)" came from.

Mature cones. Despite its Japanese name, it is actually a member of the cedar family.

Photos were taken on December 9th, 2025.