Cosmos bipinnatus, commonly called the garden cosmos, is native to Mexico and parts of the southwestern United States. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmos_bipinnatus; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cosmos_(plant)
The section of National Route 254 in the Uchiyama area in the city of Saku, Nagano Prefecture is known as “Cosmos Road.” Approximately 40,000 cosmos flowers are planted along the roadside that bloom from early September each year. These cosmos flowers create a beautiful flower belt with pink, deep pink, and white varieties along the road, especially in mid-September when they are in full bloom. The flower belt stretches for approximately 9 km and creates a vibrant display that attracts visitors. The flowers were first planted by the members of Uchiyama senior citizens’ club in 1972; today, the scenic road is maintained by local residents. https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/spot/02301-14421713/; (In Japanese) https://www.sakukankou.jp/sightseeing/kosumosu-kaidou/#
Cosmos flowers, Uchiyama, Saku, Nagano, 9/21/2025
Pomegranate (Punica granatum), Uchiyama, Saku, Nagano, 9/21/2025
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pomegranate
Palm ruffle lichen (Parmotrema tinctorum), Uchiyama, Saku, Nagano, 9/21/2025
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parmotrema_tinctorum; (Lichins in Chiba Prefecture) https://www.chiba-muse.or.jp/NATURAL/special/chii_boso/genus/parmotrema.html