Author: vc-dev

On the Mt. Midori ridgeline, the Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata, Potentilla matsumurae, Rhododendron aureum, and Oxytropis japonica var. sericea are about to bloom, while the Lagotis yesoensis are continuing to flower. A small number of Dryas octopetala var. asiatica are also blooming. While it’s possible that a change in the weather could bring on an explosion of flowers, I did not get the impression that the flowering is progressing particularly quickly at the present time.
Photos: Looking toward Mt. Asahi from the Mt. Midori ridgeline (left) and blooming Dryas octopetala var. asiatica (right) Jun. 24

The snow around the Hakuun hut seems to be melting a little faster than usual and much faster than last year. Already there is almost no snow remaining at the tents site. The caretaker has dug out the watering place and it is now useable. Around the hut, Lloydia serotina, Potentilla matsumurae, Rhododendron aureum, and Oxytropis japonica var. sericea are blooming.
Photos: The Hakuun hut tent site (left) and watering place (right) Jun. 24

Even though the snowfall was less this year than last year, large snow fields still remain at Daiichi and Daini Hanabatake on the middle slopes of Mt. Midori. Getting lost should not be a problem when the weather is clear and visibility is good. However, it is possible when visibility is poor or if you mistakenly follow wayward footprints. Therefore, if you are not confident in your map-reading skills, it would be a good idea to ask a seasoned climber to accompany you. A number of people lost sight of the route last season, so caution is a must.
A fairly steep and difficult snow slope remains near the climbing start point for the Eiko no Sawa rocky slope. Care against slipping should be exercised when traversing it.
Photos: Daiichi Hanabatake at Mt. Midori (left), steep slope in upper Eiko no Sawa (right) Jun. 24

The Rhododendron aureum are blooming near Ishimuro. There are still many buds remaining, so we can expect them to form communities in the days ahead.
The Rhododendron aureum are also blooming at Kumonotaira, although much snow still remains in areas where they normally form communities. Thus, it will be a while longer before the communities appear.
The Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata flowers are still in peak viewing season, although their numbers are dwindling.
*The area around the Akaishi River is still completely covered with snow. The snow level has fallen in some places, so the river may become fordable at an early stage if the weather remains good. (At the present time, it is still possible to walk on the snow.)
*There is more snow than usual remaining in the snowy gorge at the Mt. Hokuchindake junction.
However, the slope is not as undulated as usual and has become somewhat easier to walk on with the early snowmelt.
*A snowy gorge remains before the Ohachidaira viewing platform, but the snow at Kumonotaira has disappeared.
*For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/140624kuro.pdf
Photos: Rhododendron aureum near Ishimuro (left), Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata and Rhododendron aureum (center and right) Jun. 24

These photos were taken at Pon Kurodake.
Mt. Hokuchindake’s Hakucho no Sekkei (swan-shaped snowy gorge) is becoming increasingly distinct.
Although the flowers are delightful, the scenery on fine days like today is so magnificent, it doesn’t seem real; it’s almost like looking at a photograph.
Blooming flowers in the area include Diapensia lapponica subsp. Obovata, Loiseleuria procumbens,
Potentilla miyabei, and Phyllodoce caerulea.
Photos: Mt. Hokuchindake’s Hakucho no Sekkei and Phyllodoce caerulea (Ohachidaira can be seen in the background) Jun. 24