Autumn Foliage Hiking Report: Mt. Ishizuchi, Western Japan’s Highest Peak (Part 2: Tiny Lives Along the Trail)

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🌸 Small Discoveries Make Hiking So Much Richer

Hello! I’m SacChi, a blogger sharing authentic nature experiences.

Continuing from Part 1, today I’m introducing the alpine plants I encountered during my Mt. Ishizuchi climb 🌿

When I paused to look down at my feet during the hike, I discovered tiny lives quietly coloring the seasons—each one a small miracle thriving in the mountain wilderness.

👉 Read Part 1 here:https://en.sacchi-consulting.com/2025/10/25/mt-ishzuchi-momijigari-part1/

🌿 Mt. Ishizuchi’s Flora: Tiny Lives Along the Trail

Mt. Ishizuchi’s charm extends far beyond its majestic peaks and breathtaking vistas. Walking the trail, you’ll find flowers quietly blooming underfoot and in the shade, autumn berries ripening on branches—each offering healing moments that make you forget your fatigue.

Gentian (Rindō / 竜胆)

Blooming bravely through gaps in the bamboo grass along open trail sections. I spotted clusters of buds that looked like furled parasols! The sight of bumblebees burying their faces deep inside the flowers to collect nectar was absolutely adorable.

  • Scientific name: Gentiana scabra var. buergeri
  • Family: Gentianaceae
  • Features: Representative autumn mountain flower. The blue-purple tubular blooms open only on sunny days and are commonly seen along hiking trails.

Nipplewort (Nigana / 苦菜)

Vibrant yellow flowers caught my eye immediately. Numerous bees were busily collecting nectar from the blooms.

  • Scientific name: Ixeris dentata
  • Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)
  • Features: Perennial with small yellow flowers. The leaves and stems have a bitter taste, which inspired the name “bitter vegetable.” Seen in mountain grasslands from spring to autumn.

Mountain Rabdosia (Miyama-hikiokoshi / 深山引起し)

At first, I mistakenly photographed the remaining calyx after petals fell, thinking it was the flower (left photo—oops!). If all the flowers had been intact, it would have been spectacular!

  • Scientific name: Isodon longitubus
  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Features: Perennial with blue-purple flowers arranged in spikes. Known historically as medicinal herb said to “raise up” (hikiokoshi) the sick. Endemic to Shikoku, found in deep mountain forests and edges above 1,000m elevation.

Balsam (Hagakure-tsurifune / 葉隠釣舟)

The way these flowers peek out shyly is absolutely charming!

  • Scientific name: Impatiens furcillata
  • Family: Balsaminaceae
  • Features: Pale pink flowers that hide beneath leaves, shaped like hanging boats. Grows in moist forest environments.

Monkshood (Torikabuto / 鳥兜)

Famous for its toxicity, but the vivid purple color and intricate flower shape always captivate my attention.

  • Scientific name: Aconitum spp. (varies by species)
  • Family: Ranunculaceae
  • Features: Purple flowers shaped like warrior helmets. Despite their beauty, all parts contain deadly poison—admire from a safe distance.

Cranesbill (Gen-no-shōko / 現の証拠)

I suspected it was a geranium relative, but only learned the exact name after returning home. Who knew it had medicinal properties!

  • Scientific name: Geranium thunbergii
  • Family: Geraniaceae
  • Features: Perennial with small white or red-purple flowers. Used in traditional medicine; the name means “immediate proof” due to quick effectiveness.

Shikoku Geranium (Shikoku-fūro / 四国風露)

A particularly eye-catching pale purple flower with delicate beauty. A geranium endemic to Shikoku mountains, with exquisitely patterned petals!

  • Scientific name: Geranium shikokianum
  • Family: Geraniaceae
  • Features: Perennial endemic to Shikoku mountains. Five-petaled pale pinkish-purple flowers are charming, with distinctive deeply-lobed leaves. Popular as alpine plant.

Grass of Parnassus (Shirahige-sō / 白髭草)

Discovered during descent! Blooming quietly beneath the stairs. The white-and-yellow contrast made it look like the “Eye Father” yokai from afar (ha!). These were just opening—I’d love to see them in full bloom!

  • Scientific name: Parnassia palustris var. nambucca
  • Family: Celastraceae
  • Features: White delicate petals resembling beards inspired the name. Clusters in wetlands and along streams, creating mystical atmosphere.

Wild Aster (Nokon-giku / 野紺菊)

Blooming near the parking area. The subtle purple tint was incredibly delicate and lovely.

  • Scientific name: Aster microcephalus var. ovatus
  • Family: Asteraceae
  • Features: Perennial with pale purple flowers. The rustic beauty colors autumn mountains and is commonly seen on Mt. Ishizuchi.

Mountain Hydrangea (Yama-ajisai / 山紫陽花)

This mountain hydrangea captivated me most during the entire climb. At first glance, it seems plain and inconspicuous. I’d never noticed before, but these flowers actually bloom facing downward. When I gently flipped one over, the color contrast revealed such beautiful “unexpectedness”—it stole my heart!

  • Scientific name: Hydrangea serrata
  • Family: Hydrangeaceae
  • Features: Deciduous shrub native to mountain regions, often found on moist slopes and forest edges. Flowers typically face downward, and the colored undersides of decorative petals create charming beauty.

🌸 Small Discoveries Make Hiking So Much Richer

The joy of hiking isn’t limited to summit views. The wildflowers at your feet and tiny lives blooming in the shade are equally vital parts of the mountain’s charm.

Simply stopping to wonder, “What’s this flower called?” and observing closely transforms mountain walking into a profoundly enriching, memorable experience.

Pro tip: Take photos and ask AI to identify the flowers! (Don’t just photograph blooms—stems and leaf shapes are key observation points 👀)

When you visit Mt. Ishizuchi, please take time to look down at your feet. You’re sure to encounter “another story” living within the mountain.

Why I share these details: As someone who loves both nature and business consulting in Kochi, I believe every small discovery—whether in mountains or in work—teaches us to see value in what’s easily overlooked. Let’s explore mindfully together! 🌿

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