Author: vc-dev

Mt. Aka course flowering report

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 22 ℃

On the Mt. Aka course, the Gentiana algida f. igarashii near the peak have finally started to bud; however, all other conspicuous flowers have stopped blooming. At Daiyon Sekkei, flowers of the Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce aleutica, Arnica unalaschcensis var. unalaschcensis, and Veronica stelleri var. longistyla are now visible, although many wilting flowers are seen throughout Komakusadaira and other areas. At Daiichi Kaen, small communities of Sieversia pentapetala are spreading throughout the area.
The Phyllodoce caerulea and Phyllodoce aleutica will begin blooming in areas where the snow has melted slowly. Then, from early August, the fall flower season will arrive all over the mountain, marked by the gradual appearance of Gentiana algida f. igarashii, Aconitum yamazakii, and other flowers.
Photo: Arnica unalaschcensis var. unalaschcensis at Daiyon Sekkei, Mt. Aka Jul. 31

Rain-related road closures

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 15 ℃

Please be aware that the following forest road sections are closed due to the rain that began yesterday.
– Aizankei Gorge: Scheduled to reopen at 8:30 a.m. on July 28 – Ginsendai: Scheduled to reopen at 8:30 a.m. on July 28
Other forest roads may also be prone to unstable ground and falling rocks due to the rain. Please exercise caution when using them.
It should be noted that the Forest Management Office is currently checking the condition of all forest roads. The Visitor Center will provide further notifications if any problems are found.
July 28, 2014

Urgent announcement

weather: Rain Temperature: 21 ℃

We regret to announce that all events for the 52nd Sounkyo Fire Festival that were scheduled for today have been cancelled due to rain.
To all who were looking forward to today’s events, all of us on the Visitor Center staff share your disappointment at their cancellation.
Please note, however, that the long run of fireworks displays will be held as scheduled beginning tomorrow.
July 26, 2014

Mt. Aka course snowy gorge report

weather: Clear Temperature: 24 ℃

On the Mt. Aka course trail, a snowy gorge of roughly 12 meters remains in front of the Daiichi Kaen woodland; however, a snowy gorge that existed before the sign and below the viewing platform has completely disappeared.
At Daini Kaen, a snowy gorge of about 110 meters remains. And at Daisan Sekkei, a snowy gorge of roughly 120 meters remains from the middle to lower area. The snow’s surface is firmly packed and fairly difficult to climb.
The snowy gorge on the trail at Daiyon Sekkei has completely melted.
Photo: View of Daisan Sekkei, Mt. Aka Jul. 24

Mt. Aka course flowering report

weather: Clear Temperature: 24 ℃

On the Mt. Aka course, the Campanula chamissonis are blooming around the peak; however, wilting Arenaria arctica var. hondoensis and Therorhodion camtschaticum are seen throughout the area.
At both Daisan Sekkei and Daiyon Sekkei, only localized pockets of Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia, Gentiana nipponica, and Cassiope lycopodioides are blooming. Very few flowers are blooming even in areas away from the trail. The Dicentra peregrina and Bryanthus gmelinii at Komakusadaira have completely passed their peak season; however, some still beautiful areas can still be seen in the distance.
In general, flowering alpine plants are quite sparse around the peak and Komakusadaira. At Daisan Sekkei and Daiichi Kaen, the snow has only just melted, so few of the alpine plants that are expected to bloom beginning this weekend and into next week can be seen now.
Photo: Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia at Daini Kaen, Mt. Aka Jul. 24