Author: vc-dev

There is a steep climb from the Goshiki watering place. The climb up the narrow and slippery trail gouged out of a ditch arrives at a snowfield of about 90 meters. The lower section of about 15 meters is fairly steep, and thus care is required when going up and down. Cutting out steps and use of crampons may be necessary depending on the condition of the snow’s surface.
After this snowfield comes a continuing string of snowfields measuring 130, 220, 80, 80, 50, and 200 meters. Because traversing them will require checking position on topographic maps and a GPS device and setting direction with a compass, those who lack confidence in their climbing skills should refrain from climbing here for the time being.
Photos: A snowfield in the upper area of the Goshiki watering place (left) and snowfield in the lower area of Goshikigahara (right) Jul. 2

The Sounkyo Honyru Rindo forest road to Numanohara, which had been closed due to damage caused by torrential rains in August 2010, was reopened on June 27. Major repairs were made here and there on the road and have made it easier to travel. We would like to thank the Forest Management Office for its hard work. The gate at the entrance to the forest road is locked. If you plan to use the Numanohara trail, please first get the key number by contacting the Kamikawa Chubu Forest Management Office.
Photo: The Sounkyo Honryu Rindo forest road Jul. 2

The mountain opened to traverse climbing yesterday, and many climbers began climbing from Mt.
Aka. Partly as a result, it was fairly easy to walk on the snowy gorges this morning. However, even if walking is easier, there are still many snowy gorges remaining on the Mt. Aka course, and the trail is only rarely exposed. Consequently, climbers are asked to be careful when walking on snowy gorges during dense fog and when descending.

Snowy gorge information:
Daiichi Kaen: The trail is exposed about 12 meters before the snow depth pole and sign and about 15 meters below the lookout.
Daini Kaen: The trail is completely covered with snow. There are no ropes or markings.
Daisan Sekkei: The trail is completely covered with snow. There are no ropes or markings.
Daiyon Sekkei: The trail is exposed for only about 20 meters in the upper area.
Photos: Daiichi Kaen (left) and Daisan Sekkei (right) Jul. 1

Alpine plants are blooming along the Mt. Aka course trail near Komakusadaira and Daiyon Sekkei;
however, they have not yet reached full bloom. On the other hand, there are many flowers nearing full bloom around the peak. In particular, blooming Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata are spreading out all over the peak.
Among the other alpine plants, the Dryas octopetala var. asiatica, Viola crassa subsp. borealis, and Lagotis yesoensis are also quite lovely now.

Mt. Aka course and flowering conditions:
Komakusadaira: The Dicentra peregrina are blooming throughout the area but have yet to reach full bloom.
Ledum palustre subsp. palustre var. decumbens
, Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata

Mt. Aka peak: Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata ◎, Sieversia pentapetala
, Phyllodoce caerulea
, Viola crassa subsp. borealis
, Dryas octopetala var. asiatica
, Lagotis yesoensis
, Potentilla matsumurae
, Pedicularis oederi subsp. heteroglossa , Oxytropis japonica var. sericea

Photos: Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata near the Mt. Aka peak (left) and Dicentra peregrina at Komakusadaira (right) Jul. 1

The Lagotis yesoensis growing along the ridgeline from Mt. Midori to Mt. Koizumi are in their peak viewing season. This plant blooms from the bottom up, and therefore when the top flowers are blooming, those on the bottom are wilting. Consequently, the flowers are most beautiful when two thirds are blooming from the bottom. The very best time should come around the end of this week.
Photo: Koizumidaira Jun. 29