Author: vc-dev

This photo was taken at the Sounkyo Picnic Site.
It shows the cherry blossoms and a still snow-covered Mt. Kurodake together with gradually appearing fresh green leaves in the surrounding area.
I always take a photo here for regular observation. I had half expected to find the blossoms knocked down by the snow, but the trees are still blossoming beautifully.
I always think the view here is simply magical.
Photo: View from the Sounkyo Picnic Site May 20

The snow had been melting nicely, but the recent snowfall has restored the peaks’ wintry appearance.
The temperatures have been rising since yesterday, so the rocky surfaces of the mountains should gradually reappear. However, judging by the photo, it is apparent that a considerable amount of snow has accumulated on Mt. Aibetsu, which can be seen on the right side.
Photo: The Daisetsuzan peaks as seen from Daisetsu Kogen Asahigaoka May 19

Although beautifully blossoming areas can still be found, the blossoms between Kamikawa Town and Sounkyo have taken on a somewhat bleak appearance due to the snowfall.
The other day I posted a photo of pedals in a puddle. Today I’m posting one of pedals on dry ground.
In its own way, this is also a pretty sight.
Nonetheless, I still can’t help feeling a little sad when the blossoms fall.
Photo: Fallen cherry blossom pedals in Kamikawa Town May 19

Even though snow has fallen in the second half of May, the forecast for the days ahead predicts warm temperatures.
The weather has been frustratingly unpredictable the past few years. However, we would like to inform readers that plans for the reopening of roads to Kogen Onsen and Ginsendai have been announced.
Unseasonable snow like we just had may fall again, so please view information on road openings as a “plan” only.
Below is a link to the Kamikawa Town website. (The site can also be accessed from “road information” on the main page of the Visitor Center’s website.)
http://www.town.kamikawa.hokkaido.jp/section/sangyoukeizai/chs8120000001a4v.html
Please be advised, however, that although the Aizankei Kamikawa route (Prefectural Route 223) is open (note: it continues to be closed today due to the snow; it will remain closed until the snow
melts), the section up to the Aizankei hut will be closed until mid-July for road improvement work.
Below is the link to Aizankei Club’s website. (The site can also be accessed from “convenient facilities” on the main page of the Visitor Center’s website.)
http://www.h7.dion.ne.jp/~aizankei/aizankeikurabu.html
Photo: The Aizankei hut (photo taken last year)

Today, a Visitor Center course on “Bird-watching and Rikuman Kiyokawa” was held.
Although the snow that began yesterday and today’s rain and cold held down the number of participants, the course included detailed explanations by the instructor and received favorable comments at its conclusion.
The participants saw a total of 20 bird species, including Cyanoptila cyanomelana, Ficedula narcissina, Turdus chrysolaus, and Scolopax rusticola. They were particularly lucky to see the Scolopax rusticola, which are nocturnal but sometimes appear at dawn and dusk.
The next course will be on the “Kumoigahara Marshland” of the Aizan Gorge. It is scheduled for May 25.
Openings are still available, so please call to reserve one.
Photo: Near the Rikuman cycling road May 18