Dogtooth Violet Colony
Nowadays, people will travel some distance to see the delightful woodland flowers known as katakuri, or dog's-tooth violets (Erythronium japonicum).
But Akita Nishiki Area said to have the largest colony of dogtooth violets in Japan. They are found growing naturally in Saimyoji chestnut park.
From the middle to the end of April, the pretty purple flowers come into bloom. Despite their English name, dog's-tooth violets are not actually violets, but dainty members of the lily family that are sometimes also called "trout lilies" because of their spotted leaves.
