EXPERIENCE YAMANASHI AND MORE _ EXPLORE YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD

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

Mount Yogai or Yogaiyama is located in the Sekisuiji district in the city of Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. It is a low mountain with the elevation of 770 meters (2,530 ft). The Takeda clan built a fortress in the mountain to barricade themselves in an emergency.

https://yamanashi–hiking100-jp.translate.goog/course/detail/89?_x_tr_sl=ja&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Y%C5%8Dgaiyama_Castle; https://kofu-tourism.com/en/see-and-do/440; (In Japanese) https://www.rinya.maff.go.jp/kanto/yamanasi/invitation/pdf/map.pdf

Looking the Kofu Basin and the trail to Mount Yogai, Sekisuiji, Kofu, Yamanashi, 9/22/2025

Mount Yogai and trail signs, Sekisuiji, Kofu, Yamanashi, 9/22/2025

Sacred rock and statues of Takeda Fudoson (Achala Vidyaraja) and Kannon (Avalokiteśvara) and a shrine, Sekisuiji, Kofu, Yamanashi, 9/22/2025

White Tip Spikemoss (Selaginella tamariscina), Sekisuiji, Kofu, Yamanashi, 9/22/2025

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

Marasmius maximus Hongo, Sekisuiji, Kofu, Yamanashi, 9/22/2025

(In Japanese) https://mikawanoyasou.org/kinoko/oohouraitake.htm; https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%82%AA%E3%82%AA%E3%83%9B%E3%82%A6%E3%83%A9%E3%82%A4%E3%82%BF%E3%82%B1

Birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina), Sekisuiji, Kofu, Yamanashi, 9/22/2025

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomitopsis_betulina; https://ncslg.cals.ncsu.edu/piptoporous-betulinus-bull-fr-karst/; https://www.jataff.or.jp/kinoko/0306/19.htm

Stinking dapperling (Lepiota cristata), Sekisuiji, Kofu, Yamanashi, 9/22/2025

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepiota_cristata; https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/58694-Lepiota-cristata

Hirasawa Pass, Mount Ohmori, and Mount Meshimori (or IImori) are located in the village of Minamimaki, Minamisaku, Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Unfortunately, it was foggy and clouded and the visibility was poor.

Hirasawa Pass, Japan Drainage Divide, Toward to the left The Sea of Japan and toward to the right the Pacific Ocean

Mount Ohmori (1650 meters), Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku, Nagano, 9/20/2025

Mount Meshimori (or IImori, 1643 meters), Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku, Nagano, 9/20/2025

Shishiiwa (Lion Rock), Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku, Nagano, 9/20/2025

Wild Japanese pear, Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku, Nagano, 9/20/2025

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

Scabiosa japonica var.alpina, Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku, Nagano, 9/20/2025

https://mikawanoyasou.org/data/matumusisou.htm; https://hoohouse.co.uk/plants/scabiosa-japonica-var.-alpina/

Japanese thistle, Minamimaki Village, Minamisaku, Nagano, 9/20/2025

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

Hydrogen can be used as a next-generation energy source because it is a clean fuel, emitting only water during use, and can contribute to a carbon-free society by replacing fossil fuels in various applications, including power generation, heavy-duty transport, and other industries. Hydrogen acts as an energy carrier, storing and transporting energy produced from domestic renewable resources like solar and wind, thereby improving energy security and self-sufficiency.  Therefore, hydrogen is referred to as a “green” energy source.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-024-04892-z; https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/12/why-hydrogen-is-the-fuel-of-the-sustainable-future/

The government of Yamanashi Prefecture has a plan to build a hydrogen energy society and become a global leader in green hydrogen and fuel cell technology.  The technology focuses on the Yamanashi Model Power-to-Gas (P2G) System and establishes a Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Valley to foster industry-academia-government collaboration.  The strategy involves using solar power to produce hydrogen and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, developing a regional hydrogen value chain, and promoting research and development, human resource development, and business expansion both domestically and internationally.

Yamanashi Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Industry Support Desk Website; https://www.yiso.or.jp/yhfc/en/index.html#gsc.tab=0; Yamanashi Prefecture and JERA Promote Regional Hydrogen Utilization for a Carbon-Free Future!: https://www.jera.co.jp/en/action/discover/030; Suntory Announces “Suntory Green Hydrogen Vision”: https://www.suntory.com/news/article/14825E.html 

UCC UESHIMA COFFEE CO., LTD started developing hydrogen roasting in 2022. UCC Hydrogen-Roasted Coffee is a new product using a hydrogen-powered roaster for a carbon-neutral process, offering improved flavor complexity due to precise temperature control and unique flavor expression. Developed with the goal of decarbonizing coffee production, the technology enables the use of hydrogen as a clean energy source, potentially impacting the taste and sustainability of coffee. The company has invested in large-scale equipment and a hybrid roaster that can use both hydrogen and conventional fuels to gradually increase the hydrogen ratio, ensuring a stable transition to this green technology.

https://www.ucc.co.jp/eng/; https://www.ucc.co.jp/dist/downloads/ucc-sustainability-en.pdf; https://www.nedo.go.jp/content/100956603.pdf; https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15632425

Lake Shōji is the smallest of the five lakes at the base of Mount Fuji and is known for its picturesque views of the mountain. It was formed by a 9th-century lava flow, and it is a popular spot for outdoor activities like fishing, hiking, and camping.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Sh%C5%8Dji; https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6909.html

There is a giant cedar tree in the precincts of Suwa Shrine, located in the village of Imura on the north shore of Lake Shoji. https://fujisan.ne.jp/en/pages/310/

Giant cedar tree and Suwa Shrine, Lake Shoji, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, 9/14/2025

Acorn (Quercus serrata), Aokigahara Forest, Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi, 9/11/2025

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acorn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quercus_serrata

Mount Daibosatsu (Mountain Great Bodhisattva) is located in the Enza district in the city of Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. It is a mountain with an altitude of 2,057 meters (6,749 feet) and is one of the 100 famous mountains in Japan. On a sunny day, you will be able to see Mount Fuji and the Southern Alps from the summit; however, it was very cloudy and the visibility was poor on the day. There are two major trails, the Kamihikawa Pass trail and the Daibosatsu Pass trail. We took the Kamihikawa Pass trail and it took about 1 hour and 10 minutes including short rests from the parking lot to the summit.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Daibosatsu; https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/english/uncover/mount-daibosatsu.html; https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/guide/NTJtrv1554-en/

Peak of Mount Daibosatsu, Enzan, Koshu, Yamanashi, 9/13/2025

Kaminari-iwa (Thunder Rock), Mount Daibosatsu, Enzan, Koshu, Yamanashi, 9/13/2025

Japanese deer (Cervus nippon), Mount Daibosatsu, Enzan, Koshu, Yamanashi, 9/13/2025

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

Daibosatsu Pass, Enzan, Koshu, Yamanashi, 9/13/2025

Mount Daibosatsu, Enzan, Koshu, Yamanashi, 9/13/2025

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinus_densiflora; Birch polypore (Fomitopsis betulina) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fomitopsis_betulina

Jack in the pulpit (Arisaema serratum), Enzan, Koshu, Yamanashi, 9/13/2025

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

The 2025 Mount Fuji climbing season concluded on September 10, 2025, for four main trails, the Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya trails.

Key details for the 2025 climbing season:

Yoshida Trail in Yamanashi Prefecture: Opened on July 1 and closed on September 10 at 6:00 p.m.

Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya Trails in Shizuoka Prefecture: Opened on July 10 and closed on September 10 at 5:00 p.m.

Problem: A surge in climbers, particularly international tourists, caused overcrowding, litter, and strain on facilities.  The majority of them are those who choose it for their first climbing experience.

Safety Concerns: Climbing during the closed season is dangerous due to extremely low temperatures and the closure of mountain huts and toilets. 

New for 2025: In addition to the traditional closures, new climbing restrictions, registration requirements, and a 4,000-yen toll fee were implemented for all routes to prevent overcrowding and ensure safety.

A new permanent torii-style gate has been installed on the Yoshida Trail to monitor climbers and ensure the fee is paid.

Environmental and Cultural Preservation: New rules in 2025 aim to protect the mountain’s fragile environment and cultural integrity by ensuring climbers are prepared and aware of trail etiquette.

Yet, numerous incidents, including accidents and near-misses, occurred during the climbing season, with a significant number attributed to a lack of experience and preparedness among climbers, especially beginners. Key causes included getting lost, falls, altitude sickness, and hypothermia, all exacerbated by insufficient planning and inadequate gear. Authorities implemented new safety measures, such as mandatory safety studies and online reservations, but many climbers continued to face dangers due to a lack of fundamental climbing knowledge and failure to submit climbing plans. 

A guide to climbing Mount Fuji:

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6901.html

https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/index.html

https://www.fujisan-climb.jp/en/climbing-season/climbing-season.html

https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/press-release/talks-global-plastic-pollution-treaty-adjourn-without-consensus; https://www.globalplasticaction.org/inc52; https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20250814_09/; https://resource-recycling.com/plastics/2025/08/20/plastics-treaty-talks-end-without-consensus-or-a-plan/; https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/aug/15/plastic-pollution-talks-geneva-treaty

The international community is struggling to reach a consensus on the treaty aimed at reducing plastic pollution.

The European Union and other stakeholders, such as Pacific Island nations, argue that plastic production must be restricted. However, oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia, oppose such regulations. The US delegation has also shown reluctance to accept restrictions. Japan’s stance is ambiguous.

It is apparent that the earth has been choked by plastic wastes caused by human activities. Yet, it seems that the most major states do not likely to restrict plastic production and continue to accumulate plastic waste in oceans, rivers, and land causing habitat disruption for a vast number of species, from tiny plankton to large mammals. We know the problem but we do not know how to solve the problem.

Also, please refer to the following articles: Our Nature Has Been Threatened By Our Activities on July 18, 2025: https://yamanashietsuo.net/our-nature-has-been-threatened-by-our-activiies/ and Plastic Waste And Microplastics In The Ocean on July 7, 2023: https://yamanashietsuo.net/plastic-waste-and-microplastics-in-the-ocean/.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e6367.html; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sengen_shrine

https://www.shizuoka-tour.com/the-tourists-attractions/fujisan-hongu-sengen-shrine/

Wakutama Pond, Mount Fuji Head Sengen Shrine, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, 9/02/2025

Also, please visit the site of Mount Fuji Hongu Sengen Shrine on April 4, 2024 https://yamanashietsuo.net/mount-fuji-hongu-sengen-shrine/

Cedar Ball, Mount Fuji Head Sengen Shrine, Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, 9/02/2025

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugidama; https://en.sakeworld.jp/trivia/2411-nihonshu-sugitama/

An exhibition titled “Transition III — Monochrome Landscape of Mount Fuji and Its Foothills” (translated from the Japanese title) by Hideki Watanabe has been held at the Koichiro-Kondo Memorial Nanbu Town Museum of Art in the town of Nanbu in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan during August 3 through September 23, 2025.

(In Japanese) https://www.town.nanbu.yamanashi.jp/kakuka/arkadia-museum/news/files/BunkakanEvent202508_Info.pdf

Pieris rapae and Odonata by Hideki Watanabe, Koichiro-Kondo Memorial Nanbu Town Museum of Art, Nanbu, Yamanashi, 8/31/2025

Papilio protenor and Papilio dehaanii by Hideki Watanabe, Koichiro-Kondo Memorial Nanbu Town Museum of Art, Nanbu, Yamanashi, 8/31/2025

Mayflies by Hideki Watanabe, Koichiro-Kondo Memorial Nanbu Town Museum of Art, Nanbu, Yamanashi, 8/31/2025

An insect and Mount Fuji and Papilio xuthus on a Japanese snake gourd by Hideki Watanabe, Koichiro-Kondo Memorial Nanbu Town Museum of Art, Nanbu, Yamanashi, 8/31/2025

(In Japanese) https://www.yamanashi-kankou.jp/kankou/spot/p1_8030.html; https://www.town.nanbu.yamanashi.jp/

FYI

Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-Six Views of Mt.Fuji: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirty-six_Views_of_Mount_Fuji; https://www.ukiyoe-ota-muse.jp/hokusai-fugaku-eng/