Nikko Kisuge in Kurumayama Kogen Highland [4K]

[English CC commentary about “Nikko Kisuge” is available at the beginning of the video.]

The Nikko Kisuge (scientific name: Hemerocallis middendorffii) is a perennial herb belonging to the Asphodelaceae family and is native to East Asia, including Japan. In Japan, it is found in the high mountainous regions of the Chubu region and northward, and in the Tohoku region and Hokkaido, it can also grow in lowland areas. Written in kanji as “日光黄菅,” it is commonly called Nikko Kisuge because it is abundant in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. It is also known as “Zenteika” (禅庭花).

It features large trumpet-shaped flowers resembling lilies, with beautiful patterns ranging from yellow to reddish-purple on its six petals. The flowers bloom in the morning and wither by evening, Its flowering season is from early summer to summer, and in the famous Nikko Kisuge spot, the Kirigamine Kogen in Nagano Prefecture, July is the best time to see the blooms.

The Kirigamine Kogen and Kurumayama Kogen in Nagano Prefecture are famous spots for Nikko Kisuge. The Kirigamine Kogen is a high-altitude plateau with gentle undulations and is popular for its large colonies of Nikko Kisuge. The Kurumayama Kogen, adjacent to Kirigamine Kogen, is another well-known spot for Nikko Kisuge. As the timing of the bloom varies with altitude, it is advisable to visit nearby spots if you miss the peak blooming time. Against the backdrop of Japan’s renowned mountains, such as Mount Fuji, the Japanese Alps, and the Yatsugatake Mountains, you may be able to enjoy the full bloom of Nikko Kisuge.

In recent years, the habitat of Nikko Kisuge has been decreasing due to damage caused by wild deer, and fences have been installed to prevent deer intrusion into the colonies of Nikko Kisuge. It is said that the entire mountain used to be covered with Nikko Kisuge, and the entire mountain turned orange during its peak bloom.

Location : Nagano prefecture, Japan
Sound Recording : TASCAM DR-100 MKIII, TASCAM Portacapture X6

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