Author: vc-dev

The snow depth pole and part of a bench were exposed.
Last year only a portion of the pole was exposed, so based on this alone it is apparent that melting is progressing.
However, the trail from here becomes tricky.
Because the trail is still hidden, it becomes necessary to walk on the snow. There are many areas where the danger of punching through the snow exists and where trees limbs are sticking out.
Walking is extremely difficult.
Trekking poles and spats are essential at this time of year.
Photo: Near 9th Station of Mt. Kurodake

Although it is true that the snow is melting, we are still in early June.
Accordingly, the faces of Mt. Kurodake remain almost completely covered with snow.
Only the very top of the snow depth pole at the 8th Station (right photo) can be seen.
The weather forecast predicts that days of warm temperatures will continue, and therefore melting will progress with each passing day.
However, the surface of the snow on this slope freezes in the mornings and evenings, and thus care is required when ascending and descending.
Caution should also be exercised during times of poor visibility.
Photos: The 7th Station (left; Mt. Oakan, Mt. Fubbushi, Mt. Meakan, and Mt. Akanfuji could be seen in the distance to the east) and the area around the 8th Station (with the top of the snow depth pole showing) and Mt. Niseikaushuppe (right) Jun. 2

Mt. Kurodake received more snow this year than last year. However, the weather has been warm these past few days and the snow is melting quickly.
The photo on the left was taken today, while that on the right was taken on June 1 of last year. As can be seen in the photos, melting is progressing much faster this year than it did last year.
*For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/140602kuro.pdf
Photos: Melting conditions on Mt. Kurodake on June 2 of this year (left) and June 1 of last year (right)

The Visitor Center’s new hours begin today.
Between June and October, the center will be open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Heretofore, this blog has primarily featured plants and animals that are seen at the base of the Daisetsuzan mountains. However, beginning in June, it will shift its focus to the mountains themselves. (Information on the lower areas will also be provided from time to time.)
Moreover, we are doing our best to gather information so that the blog will be of interest to even more people.
I intend to get an early start by going up to Mt. Kurodake tomorrow to take a look at conditions there. Please look for my report here.
I should mention that information on future openings of forest roads in the Kogen Onsen and Ginsendai areas is posted in the “road information” section of the website’s main page. Please refer to it when planning your visits.
As in past years, this blog will provide a full range of mountain-related information throughout the coming season. We hope you will find it useful when entering the mountains.
Photo: The Daisetsuzan peaks seen from Kamikawa Town Jun. 1

In Momijidani, Sounkyo’s popular walking trail, the only snowy gorge remaining on the trail is an approximately two-meter section just before Momijidani Fall at the very end.
The weather forecast predicts rising temperatures for the next few days, so this patch will likely melt soon.
The snow is melting slightly earlier than last year.
Around the valley, Anemone debilis, Anemone flaccid, Viburnum furcatum, Menziesia pentandra, and Viola selkirkii are blooming.
The weather is becoming quite warm, so visitors should take precautions against the heat when walking.
Photo: A snowy gorge just before Momijidani Fall, Sounkyo May 30