Buckwheat blossoms in the mountain village

Inawashiro Town in Fukushima Prefecture is known for its cool climate and high altitude, which makes it an ideal location for soba noodle production. In late August, the town's mountain breeze becomes colder and small white flowers, each measuring about one centimeter in diameter, are in full bloom across the fields. After the flowers have gone, black buckwheat fruits appear, and by October they are ready to harvest.