Author: Benkei

Growing grapevines, Minami Alps-shi, Yamanashi, 5/21/2026

Grapevine (Vitis): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vitis

Cornus kousa flowers, Nagasaka-cho, Hokuto-shi, Yamanashi, 5/21/2026

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornus_kousa

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shizuoka_Sengen_Shrine

Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, 5/14/2026

Bonsai-Style planting, Kanazakura Shrine (Kofu-shi, Yamanashi) and Shizuoka Sengen Shrine (Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka), 5/03&14/2026

Bonsai: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonsai

Futaba-aoi Asarum caulescens, Shizuoka Sengen Shrine, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, 5/14/2026

Asarum caulescens: (In Japanese) https://mikawanoyasou.org/data/hutabaaoi.htm; https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%83%95%E3%82%BF%E3%83%90%E3%82%A2%E3%82%AA%E3%82%A4

The Tokugawa’s clan symbol, known in Japanese as a “mon,” the “triple Aoi Asarum” was made based on this two-leaf plant.

Banners of the Shimizu S-Pulse soccer team, Shimizu Station, Shimizu-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, 5/17/2026

Shimizu S-Pulse: https://www.s-pulse.co.jp/english

Tatsumi Turret, Sunpu Castle Park, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, 5/17/2026

Sunpu Castle Park: https://sumpu-castlepark.com/en/

Tsutsuji azalea, Maple Mountain Garden, Sunpu Castle Park, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, 5/14/2026

Azalea: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Azalea; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron

Kousa dogwood, Sunpu Castle Park, Aoi-ku, Shizuoka-shi, Shizuoka, 5/14/2026

Kousa dogwood (Cornus kousa): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornus_kousa

Arakura Fujisengen Shrine: https://www.arakurafujisengen.com/

Carvings of Arakura Fujisengen Shrine, Asama, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi, 5/13/2026

Shinto Shrine Carpenters are called Miyadaiku; they are masters of woodcarving.

Miyadaiku Training School: https://miyadaiku-yoseijyuku.com/en/index.html

Kandagumi: https://kandagumi.co.jp/en/; https://kandagumi.co.jp/en/staff/

Hanbara Shrine Carpenters Association: https://hambara-miyadaiku.jp/#

Some plants on the way to the shrine:

Common ninebark trees, Asama, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi, 5/13/2026

Common ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physocarpus_opulifolius; https://www.chicagobotanic.org/sites/default/files/2023-12/FG202_Ninebark-A%20Durable%20Shrub%20for%20Everyone.pdf

Bamboo-leaf oak (Quercus myrsinifolia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercus_myrsinifolia

Bamboo-leaf oak trees, Kofu, Yamanashi, 5/10/2026

Acorns of one species (Quercus myrsinifolia): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercus_myrsinifolia

Acorns as a Source of Valuable Compounds for Food and Medical Applications: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/7/2799; Acorn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn and https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn

List of Quercus species:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Quercus_species

Tama Dongurinokai, from approaching nature around us to studying ecological economics: https://www.meiji-sdgs.jp/en/articles/efforts/2633/

Identification of the acorns summarized using the information identified by the Google AI:

Acorns, produced by trees in the genus Quercus (along with Notholithocarpus and Lithocarpus), are broadly divided into white oak (one-season maturity, low tannin) and red oak (two-season maturity, high tannin) groups. These nuts are vital for wildlife and vary significantly in shape, size, and cap structure.

Here are 24 distinct species of oak trees known for their characteristic acorns, featuring a mix of common and distinct types:

White Oak Group (1-Season Maturation, Low Tannin)

1. White Oak (Quercus alba): Features long, oblong-shaped acorns with a warty, shallow bowl-shaped cap.
2. Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa): Produces some of the largest acorns, distinguished by a heavily fringed or “hairy” cap that can cover most of the nut.
3. Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor): Often found in pairs, these acorns are long-stalked and light brown.
4. Swamp Chestnut Oak (Quercus michauxii): Known as “cow oak,” this species produces large, sweet acorns highly prized by wildlife.
5. Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii): Produces small, chestnut-brown acorns that are sweet and quickly consumed by animals.
6. Post Oak (Quercus stellata): Characterized by small acorns with thick, chunky caps that cover one-third to half the nut.
7. Chestnut Oak (Quercus montana): Features large, shiny, elongated acorns that are among the first to drop in autumn.
8. Over-cup Oak (Quercus lyrata): Famous for a unique, nearly enclosed, globular acorn covered by a scaly, “cupped” cap.
9. Live Oak (Quercus virginiana): Produces small, dark, shiny, football-shaped acorns typically found in clusters.
10. Blue Oak (Quercus douglasii): Native to California, this species produces acorns with very thin, shallow caps, which are a major food source in xeric environments.
11. Oregon White Oak (Quercus garryana): Known for large, oval acorns with a small, warty cap, common in the Pacific Northwest.
12. Dwarf Chestnut Oak (Quercus prinoides): A shrub-like oak producing small, thin-shelled acorns that mature quickly.

Red Oak Group (2-Season Maturation, High Tannin)

13. Northern Red Oak (Quercus rubra): Features large, rounded acorns with a flat, saucer-like cap that covers only the top, often described as a “beret”.
14. Black Oak (Quercus velutina): Produces acorns with a distinct, “shaggy” cap covering about half the nut, known for its orange inner bark.
15. Pin Oak (Quercus palustris): Small, round, striped acorns with a very thin, small cap.
16. Scarlet Oak (Quercus coccinea): Features acorns with concentric rings on the tip and a cap that often tapers.
17. Water Oak (Quercus nigra): Produces very small, nearly spherical acorns with a shallow cap, which often appear in huge quantities.
18. Willow Oak (Quercus phellos): Known for very tiny, light brown acorns with shallow caps, which are a favorite for deer and ducks.
19. Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcata): Small, rounded acorns (approx. 1/2 inch) that are orange-brown in color.
20. Shingle Oak (Quercus imbricaria): Produces small, bitter acorns, often with a striped appearance on the nut, with a cap covering up to a third.
21. Turkey Oak (Quercus cerris): A European species featuring a very distinctive mossy or bristly cupule (cap).
22. Cherry-bark Oak (Quercus pagoda): Known as part of the red oak group, its small, 1/2-inch wide acorns are a favorite for fall hunting.
23. Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii): Produces large, stout, somewhat oblong acorns with a relatively shallow, scaly cap.
24. Nuttall Oak (Quercus nuttallii): Produces large, elongated, striped acorns that fall late in the season.

Key Identification Features

1. Cap Scales: Red oak caps have tight, overlapping scales, while White oak caps can be warty or bumpy.
2. Maturation: Red oak acorns take two years; white oak acorns take one.
3. Interior: White oak shell interiors are smooth; Red oak shell interiors are fuzzy.
4. Taste: White oak acorns are sweeter (less tannin); Red oak acorns a very bitter.

Quick Identification Table

Feature	White Oak Group	Red Oak Group
Leaf Tips	Rounded, smooth	Bristle-tipped
Maturation	One season	Two seasons
Cap Type	Bumpy/Warty	Scaly/Flat
Taste	Sweeter	Bitter
Germination	Fall (same year)	Spring (next year)

Kanazakura Shrine is an ancient shrine located at the top of Shosenkyo Gorge in the city of Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. Shosenkyo Gorge is known as the birthplace of Japanese crystal crafting. Kanazakura Shrine serves as a spiritual site for worshiping Mount Kinpu with a unique history and strong ties to improving financial luck.

Kanazakura Shrine: https://kofu-tourism.com/en/see-and-do/31

Kanazakura Shrine, Mitake-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 5/3/2026

Torch azalea, Mitake-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 5/3/2026

Torch azalea (Rhododendron kaempferi): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron_kaempferi

Japanese Red Pine, Mitake-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 5/3/2026

Japanese Red Pine (Pinus densiflora): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinus_densiflora

Mayberry, Mitake-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 5/3/2026

Mayberry (Rubus palmatus): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rubus_palmatus ; https://mikawanoyasou.org/data/momijiitigo.htm

Japanese green alder, Mitake-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 5/3/2026

Japanese green alder (Alnus firma): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alnus_firma; https://mikawanoyasou.org/data/yasyabusi.htm; https://mikawanoyasou.org/data/himeyasyabusi.htm

Japanese hornbeam, Mitake-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 5/3/2026

Japanese hornbeam (Carpinus japonica): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpinus_japonica

Japanese kerria, Mitake-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 5/3/2026

Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica) : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kerria_japonica

Silky wisteria, Mitake-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 5/3/2026

Silky wisteria (Wisteria brachybotrys): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wisteria_brachybotrys

Akebi, Mitake-cho, Kofu-shi, Yamanashi, 5/3/2026

Akebi (Akebia quinata): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akebia_quinata

Ryujin Falls, Nishizawa Gorge, Mitomi-Kamikamakuchi, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi, 5/02/2026

Nanatsugama Godan (5 steps and 7 pools) Falls, Nishizawa Gorge, Mitomi-Kamikamakuchi, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi, 5/02/2026

Mie (3 steps) Falls, Nishizawa Gorge, Mitomi-Kamikamakuchi, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi, 5/02/2026

Direction stones, Nishizawa Gorge, Mitomi-Kamikamakuchi, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi, 5/02/2026

Rhododendron subg. Hymenanthes, Nishizawa Gorge, Mitomi-Kamikamakuchi, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi, 5/02/2026

Rhododendron subg. Hymenanthes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhododendron_subg._Hymenanthes

Viburnum furcatum, Nishizawa Gorge, Mitomi-Kamikamakuchi, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi, 5/02/2026

Viburnum furcatum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viburnum_furcatum

Trifid holly fern, Nishizawa Gorge, Mitomi-Kamikamakuchi, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi, 5/02/2026

Trifid holly fern (Polystichum tripteron (Kunze) C. Presl): https://hosho.ees.hokudai.ac.jp/tsuyu/top/plt/wood_fern/polystichum/tri.html; https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Polystichum_tripteron.html

Mount Tosaka (2115m) and Mount Habu (2317m), Nishizawa Gorge, Mitomi-Kamikamakuchi, Yamanashi-shi, Yamanashi, 5/02/2026

A fine day at Mount Arakura Sengen Park. This day Mount Fuji had a white cloud over the summit as if she was wearing a hat.

A lenticular cloud, or lens-shaped cloud, that forms when stable, moist air is forced upward over the summit, condensing into a smooth, stationary white cap. Lenticular cloud: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenticular_cloud; Kasagumo: https://www.mir768.com/en/post/the-cap-cloud-of-mt-fuji-kasa-gumo-a-natural-omen-and-mythical-mystery

Mount Arakura Sengen Park: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arakurayama_Sengen_Park

The Chureito Pagoda, a five storied pagoda, on the mountainside overlooking the city of Fujiyoshida and Mount Fuji off in the distance, Mount Arakura Sengen Park, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashii, 5/04/2026 

Nishiura-district, Shimoyoshida and Road Station Fujiyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashii, 5/04/2026 

Nishiura District: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/recover/nishiura-district.html; Hidden gem: https://fujiyoshida.net/feature/nishiura/index

Road Station Fujiyoshida: https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/recover/road-station-fujiyoshida.html

New World Kanpai (cheers) Alley, Nishiura-district, Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi, 5/04/2026

Kanpai Dori (Alley): (REIHO fuji, winter 2020) https://www.city.fujiyoshida.yamanashi.jp/uploaded/attachment/1554.pdf; (Laid Back Drinking and Dining Course on Shinsekai Kanpai-dori) https://fujiyoshida.net/en/itineraries/195

Kanadorii is a historic torii (gate) in the city of Fujiyoshida in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, serving as the traditional “first torii” marking the entrance to the sacred realm of Mount Fuji. Reconstructed in 1957, it stands over 9 meters tall and serves as a premier photography spot, specifically framing Mount Fuji in its center when viewed from the street.

Sacred rice straw rope (Shimenawa) of Kanadorii, Shimoyoshida, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi, 5/04/2026

Kanadorii: https://fujiyoshida.net/en/see-and-do/24; https://fujiyoshida.net/spot/24; https://fujiyoshida-kanko.net/bestview-kanadorii/

Sacred rice straw rope (Shimenawa): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shimenawa

The Ando Family Residence in the Nishinango area in the city of Minam-Alps in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan, was built in 1708, in the middle of the Edo period. This is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, featuring a valuable main house built in the Irimoya style with a hip-and-gable, thatched roof. As a prestigious family serving as the village headman (Nanushi) of Nishinango, the Ando Family Residence has been maintained in its original, authentic state, having avoided any fire damage throughout its history.

Ando Family Residence: (In Japanese) https://www.city.minami-alps.yamanashi.jp/sisetsu/shisetsu/bunkazai-ando/; Irimoya style: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Asian_hip-and-gable_roof

There was the Hoei eruption of Mount Fuji in 1707, one year before the Ando Family Residence was built. It was the last confirmed eruption of Mount Fuji.

Hoei eruption: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/H%C5%8Dei_eruption; https://www.web-gis.jp/GM1000/GM_Red1/GM_Red1-147.html; Geological Survey of Japan: https://www.gsj.jp/en/index.html; Mount Hoei: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_H%C5%8Dei

A huge carp streamer and Koshu warrior banners by Inoue Somemono Store, a warrior doll, Japanese armor and helmets and warrior doll decorations, and a ropework display, Ando Family Residence, Minami-Alps shi, Yamanashi, 4/06/2026

Inoue Somemono Store: https://kousyu-koinobori.jp/

Ando Family Residence: https://www.city.minami-alps.yamanashi.jp/sisetsu/shisetsu/bunkazai-ando/

Koshu; Koshu was an abbreviated form name of Kai Province (Kai no kuni, current Yamanashi Prefecture): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kai_Province

Ropework: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ropework

An old pine tree (over 330 years old), a stone rain catcher and koi, Ando Family Residence, Minami-Alps shi, Yamanashi, 4/06/2026

Koi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Koi

Japanese photini, Ando Family Residence, Minami-Alps shi, Yamanashi, 4/06/2026

Japanese photini (Photinia glabra): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photinia_glabra; https://mikawanoyasou.org/data/kanamemoti.htm; https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%AB%E3%83%8A%E3%83%A1%E3%83%A2%E3%83%81

Senbei are traditional Japanese crackers made from rice flour, typically baked or grilled over charcoal to achieve a crunchy, savory texture. Neatly wrapped senbei, Japanese rice crackers, are a staple of Japanese gift-giving (temiyage) and tea-time snacks, often found individually packaged to ensure freshness, hygiene, and convenience.

Senbei: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Senbei; Senbei Guide: Types & Flavors of Japanese Rice Crackers: https://www.jeepe.jp/en/articles/senbei-guide-japan-1566; Senbei (Rice Crackers) – Japanese Encyclopedia: https://matcha-jp.com/en/2024

Neatly wrapped senbei by Ginza Hananoren, Fujisa-An, Kinseiken Fujiyoshida Store, Fujiyoshida-shi, Yamanashi, 5/04/2026

Ginza Hananoren: (In Japanese) https://ginzahananoren.co.jp/

Kinseiken: https://kinseiken.co.jp/en/; https://kinseiken.co.jp/news/8187/

Soka Senbei and Nanbu Senbei are two of Japan’s most iconic regional snacks, but they differ significantly in ingredients, texture, and origin. Soka Senbei is a savory, hard-baked rice cracker from Saitama Prefecture, while Nanbu Senbei is a wheat-based, crisp cracker from the Aomori/Iwate region.

Key Differences at a Glance

Feature	Soka Senbei	Nanbu Senbei
Main Ingredient	Non-glutinous Rice (Uruchimai)	Wheat Flour
Texture	Very hard, firm, and crunchy	Crisp, light, and sometimes chewy
Flavor Profile	Soy sauce (savory)	Simple, salty, often with sesame or peanuts
Origin	Soka City, Saitama (Edo period)	Aomori/Iwate (Nanbu Domain)
Distinct Feature	Flattened during baking with oshigawara	Distinct “ears” (mimi) from mold overflow

Nanbu Senbei 101: https://visithachinohe.com/en/stories/nanbu_senbei/; Sannohe’s Famous Senbei: https://visithachinohe.com/en/shopping/senbei/

The legend of Osen-san and Soka Senbei: https://web-japan.org/kidsweb/local/soka-senbei/; Soka Senbei Garden: https://www.yamakosenbei.co.jp/?page_id=1526; Soka City, Saitama Prefecture: https://kodawari-times.net/sightseeing/soka-city-saitama-prefecture/

Baby blue eyes (Nemophila menziesii), known commonly as baby blue eyes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nemophila_menziesii

Baby blue eyes, Oishi Park, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi, 4/24/2026

Wintercress (Barbarea vulgaris): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbarea_vulgaris

Wintercress, Oishi Park, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi, 4/24/2026

Tree Heath, Oishi Park, Fujikawaguchiko-machi, Yamanashi, 4/24/2026

Oishi Park: https://fujisan-ne-jp.translate.goog/sightseeing/1652/?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=ja: https://www.fkchannel.jp/facility-03