Shiinotomoshibi Mushroom (Shiinotomosibi Mushroom)

Yokokurayama, Kochi Prefectural Natural Park, which is designated by the national government as a reference site for the tomb of Emperor Antoku, in Yokokurayama, Echi-cho, Kochi Prefecture, is where the "Shiinotomoshibi Mushroom," a member of the "noctilucent mushroom" family, grows. In early summer, when the temperature rises and the rains continue for several days, the sacred mountain becomes lively with photography enthusiasts strolling around at night. Although the mushrooms glow from the mycelial stage, they cannot be seen during the daytime unless their luminescence is interrupted by light. The best time to photograph them is from dusk to midnight and before dawn. During the rainy season, two days of rainfall are a good time to see this species. After sunset, when the luminescence becomes visible to the naked eye, the photographer is eager to release the shutter. The time when the forest can be captured in good balance is limited.