Author: vc-dev

At Daiyon Sekkei, only the leaves in the upper area are in their peak viewing season. Overall, there are still many green Sorbus matsumurana leaves in the middle and lower areas.
Photo: Sorbus matsumurana in the upper area of Daiyon Sekkei, Mt. Aka Sep. 2

The Arctous alpinus var. japonicus leaves on Mt. Midori are at their most beautiful right now.
Yellow Lagotis yesoensis and willow leaves can also be seen here and there and create a vibrant landscape. Additionally, communities of Arctous alpinus var. japonicus near the Itagaki junction are coloring in beautiful “festoons.” Climbers with extra time will find it worthwhile to continue from the peak to see them. Please note, however, that it can get quite cold when the wind is blowing. Make sure your experience is enjoyable by being prepared for the cold.
Photo: Near Itagaki junction Sep. 2

After a week away, I returned to Mt. Midori and found that the leaves are changing nicely. At Daiichi Hanabatake, the Sorbus matsumurana above the slope are turning red, although the Sieversia pentapetala in the foreground of the photo have yet to turn.
At Daini Hanabatake, the leaves are turning a bit more slowly. However, the Sorbus matsumurana are coloring beautifully on the broad ridge that extends to Mt. Shiba.
Photo: Daiichi Hanabatake, Mt. Midori Sep. 2

Bands of red Sorbus matsumurana leaves are spreading out over the slope in upper Minamisawa that is popularly known as “Tasuki no Koyo,” indicating that their best viewing season is arriving.
As of today, a gradation of colors that begins with green and extends to oranges and reds has appeared. By about this weekend, a sash of scarlet could also appear.
Photo: Upper Minamisawa, Mt. Midori (“Tasuki no Koyo” slope) Sep. 2

Although the area is still largely green, the Sorbus matsumurana have clearly taken on more coloring since the last report of August 25.
Additionally, some limited areas of Sieversia pentapetala and other grasses are beginning to approach their peak viewing season.
Over the past few days, the early morning temperatures at Ishimuro have been 2°C, 0°C, 4°C, and 6°C. Considerable differences between high and low temperatures are beginning to appear, and therefore we can expect coloring to continue.
However, the weather forecast for the coming week predicts continuing clear weather and higher temperatures. If that proves to be the case, it’s possible that the coloring will slow down (although the temperature is not the only factor that determines the beauty of the fall foliage).
As I sensed, the leaves at Mt. Kurodake appear to be turning earlier than usual as of today. The pace seems to be about one week earlier than last year and about 10 days earlier than the average year.
*For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/140829kuro.pdf
Photos: Near Kumonotaira Aug. 29