Asahi Soshi, Tsuru City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Together with the endlessly pure stream
fed by the spring water of Mt. Fuji
The sound of birds and the murmuring river
enhance the tranquility of the forest
Residents of the Forest
Their presence brings color to this forest
Here, the joy of meeting them directly awaits you
Mitsumata
(Edgeworthia chrysantha)
A deciduous shrub that blossoms with yellow flowers in early spring. It often grows in clusters deep in the mountains, creating a breathtaking scenery like a golden carpet.
Shiroyashio
(Rhododendron quinquefolium)
A deciduous small tree that blooms with elegant white flowers from late April to mid-June. It thrives along the rocky edges of deep mountain forests.
Baikamo
(Water Buttercup)
An aquatic plant that grows in clear streams, producing delicate white flowers resembling plum blossoms. It can be found near the famous spring area “Tokaichiba–Natsukari Springs” in Tsuru City.
Sanshobara
(Rosa hirtula)
A deciduous shrub that blooms with soft pink flowers in June. It grows along forest edges and in open woodlands of mountainous areas.
Kumagaisou
(Cypripedium japonicum)
A perennial orchid distinguished by its unique pouch-shaped petal. In Tsuru City, it reaches its best viewing season from late April to early May.
Kikuzaki Ichige
(Anemone pseudoaltaica)
A perennial flower blooming in early spring, with delicate white or pale violet petals shaped like chrysanthemums. It grows on the forest floor of deciduous broad-leaved woodlands in the mountains.
Blue-and-White Flycatcher
(Ooruri)
A summer migratory bird admired for its vivid azure-blue plumage. Occasionally observed in the forests along the streams of Tsuru City, its clear song is a symbol of early summer in the woods.
Great Spotted Woodpecker
(Akagera)
A woodpecker distinguished by its red crown and striking black-and-white markings. Found year-round in the mountain forests of Tsuru City, its drumming resonates through the woodland.
Narcissus Flycatcher
(Kibitaki)
A summer bird with a vivid contrast of black and yellow. Frequently observed in the broad-leaved forests of Tsuru City in early summer, where its melodic song fills the canopy.
Red-flanked Bluetail
(Ruribitaki)
A small bird with a vivid blue back and soft orange flanks. Seen in the mountain regions of Tsuru City from winter through early spring, it prefers the quiet of the forest floor.
Long-tailed Tit
(Enaga)
A charming bird with a tiny round body and a long tail. Widely distributed from the satoyama woodlands to the mountain forests of Tsuru City.
Japanese Bush Warbler
(Uguisu)
Famous for its call “Hō-hokekyo” that heralds the arrival of spring. Commonly found in bamboo groves and thickets throughout Tsuru City.
To fully enjoy the streams and the nearby forest,
preparation is essential
First, if you plan to walk around the surrounding forest,
avoid shoes such as leather shoes that
“must not get wet.”
When thinking of shoes that can get wet,
you might picture “beach sandals,”
but
these are also not highly recommended.
In slippery and uneven stream areas,
they are frankly unsafe.
Shoes that can get wet without stress,
with thick soles that allow you to walk firmly—
“trekking sandals”
are the most suitable choice
for exploring the forest streams.
As will be explained later,
among the forest inhabitants,
some require a little caution.
Among the insects, some may sting or bite.
Therefore, as much as possible,
we recommend wearing long sleeves and long pants.
To explore various places around the streams
thoroughly,
you will need the courage
to step right into the shallow streams.
Therefore, it is even better
if you roll up your pant hems several times.
Since insects are less likely to approach
those who move around actively,
shorts may also be fine
if you plan to stay active.
Needless to say, for your top,
we recommend a long-sleeve shirt
that can be easily put on and taken off.
You might suddenly feel like swimming
when you find a spot with some depth.
You might discover a hidden waterfall and
feel the irresistible urge to dive in.
The forest is home to a variety of insects and animals.
Some are delightful to encounter,
while others require a bit of caution.
Ohmurasaki
Japanese Emperor Butterfly
Japan’s national butterfly, shimmering in deep violet-blue. Its widespread wings are the pride of the forest.
Rarity: ★★★★☆
Caution: ★☆☆☆☆
Sylvan Blue
Its pale blue wings flutter by the waterside, a fragile yet beautiful spirit of light.
Rarity: ★★★★★
Caution: ★☆☆☆☆
Firefly
Hotaru
A magical presence that lights up summer nights along the mountain streams.
Rarity: ★★★☆☆
Caution: ★☆☆☆☆
Giant Dragonfly
Oniyanma
A flash of green slicing through the sky, a dignified guardian of clear streams.
Rarity: ★★☆☆☆
Caution: ★☆☆☆☆
Leaf-rolling Weevil
Otoshibumi
A tiny craftsman of the forest, carefully rolling leaves to wrap its eggs.
Rarity: ★★★☆☆
Caution: ★☆☆☆☆
Black Fly
Buyo (Buto/Buyu)
Silently approaches, and once bitten, causes intense itching.
Rarity: ★☆☆☆☆
Caution: ★★★★☆
Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel
Musasabi
A silent traveler of the forest shadows, gliding gracefully through the night sky.
Rarity: ★★★★☆
Caution: ★☆☆☆☆
Japanese Squirrel
Hondō Risu
Its tail shining in dappled sunlight, a bundle of curiosity racing through the forest.
Rarity: ★★★☆☆
Caution: ★☆☆☆☆
Japanese Dormouse
Yamane
A palm-sized creature that sleeps adorably — one of Japan’s smallest wild mammals.
Rarity: ★★★★★
Caution: ★☆☆☆☆
Masked Palm Civet
Hakubishin
A nocturnal animal with a distinctive white stripe on its nose, moving in search of fruits.
Rarity: ★★☆☆☆
Caution: ★★☆☆☆
Sika Deer
Nihon Jika
A figure blending into the morning mist, like a living painting — a sacred resident of the forest.
Rarity: ★★☆☆☆
Caution: ★★★☆☆
Japanese Serow
Nihon Kamoshika
A national treasure standing quietly in the mountains, with sturdy legs and soulful eyes.
Rarity: ★★★★☆
Caution: ★★☆☆☆
When we indicate “levels of caution,”
it may sound somewhat dangerous,
but in fact, you are surrounded
by a very peaceful and beautiful forest.
That said, if you go too deep into the forest,
there is a risk of getting lost.
While keeping a respectful distance from nature,
please enjoy your own personal time
together with the happiness of blending into it.