Misaka Touge, Mt. Kurotake, Lake Kawaguchi, Yamanashi (May 1st)

Viola variegata var. nipponica (Genji Sumire).
It was the first time for us to find this kind of violet!

We left Musashi-sakai Station at 5 AM for Kawaguchiko Station. Then we took bus to Mitsutouge-Iriguchi BS and walked from there to Misaka Pass. On the way we found Viola variegata var. nipponica (Genji Sumire) flowers for the first time! Here is the course we took.

Today's course:
Kawaguchiko Station - bus - Mitsutouge-guchi BS - on foot - Misaka Pass - Mt. Kurotake - Mt. Hafuu - Shindou Pass - Ooishi Area - Hot Sping - Kawaguchiko YH - Takato-shokudou (a local restaurant).



Viola eizanensis (Eizan Sumire).


Viola rossi (Akebono Sumire).


Viola variegata var. nipponica (Genji Sumire).
They have pretty round leaves.


Viola variegata var. nipponica (Genji Sumire).
The center of the flower is greenish yellow.


Viola variegata var. nipponica (Genji Sumire).


Viola variegata var. nipponica (Genji Sumire).
The backside of the leaves are purplish.


Viola collina (Ezo Aoi Sumire)?


Viola phalacrocarpa (Akane Sumire).
The flowers were pretty big, so first I thought this might be Viola hirtipes (Sakura Sumire).


Viola eizanensis (Eizan Sumire).


Erythronium japonicum (Katakuri).


Viola tokubuchiana var. takedana (Hina Sumire).


Viola yazawana (Hime Sumire-saishin).


Viola yazawana (Hime Sumire-saishin).


Viola yazawana (Hime Sumire-saishin).
That is my forefinger. You can tell this violet is pretty small.


Viola yazawana (Hime Sumire-saishin).


Viola rossi (Akebono Sumire).


Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi from the spot near the top of Mt. Kurotake.


Viola orientalis (Ki Sumire).


Viola orientalis (Ki Sumire).



Viola orientalis (Ki Sumire).


Viola orientalis (Ki Sumire).


Viola orientalis (Ki Sumire) and Viola grypoceras (Tachitsubo Sumire).


Mt. Fuji and cherry blossoms.


Takato Shokudou (A nice local restaurant near Kawaguchiko YH.)


The customers pick up the order sheet and write down their order by themselves.
Isn't it interesting system?


Here is the recommended menu: Fried Shrimp Set. That shrimp is nearly the size of your face!
It is tasty and good amount of food, so I'm sure you can get satisfied.