Edojoato no Hikarigoke Seiikuchi, Natural monument in Kitanomaru Park, Tokyo, Japan.
This protected site preserves a rare habitat where Hikarigoke, a bioluminescent moss species, grows naturally on ancient stone walls within the former Edo Castle grounds in central Tokyo.
Discovered in 1969 by calligrapher Ishikawa Kohachiro, this moss colony was officially designated as a natural monument in 1972, representing one of the few urban locations where this highland species survives.
The site exemplifies Japan's commitment to preserving natural heritage within urban environments, demonstrating how traditional castle architecture can support unique ecosystems that connect past and present.
Located within Kitanomaru Park near the Imperial Palace, the exact location remains undisclosed to protect the fragile moss colony, with viewing restricted to preserve this delicate ecosystem.
This represents the only known location in Tokyo where Hikarigoke moss naturally thrives on castle stone walls, creating a remarkable intersection of feudal architecture and rare botanical phenomena.
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