Author: vc-dev

The photo shows a view of the Daisetsuzan peaks as seen from Kamikawa Park in Kamikawa Town.
The rocky surfaces of the mountains had been showing themselves little by little; however, the recent snowfall has restored their white appearance to some extent.
The view of the peaks from Daisetsu Kogen Asahigaoka is of course stunning. However, it must be said that the view from Kamikawa Park is just as beautiful.
Kamikawa Park is also popular as a place to view the cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms and the Daisetsuzan peaks… Now that’s a beautiful sight.
It will be worth your while to see it.
Photo: View of the Daisetsuzan peaks from Kamikawa Park Apr. 8

Today I encountered some Tetrastes bonasia, the first I’d seen in quite a while.
Now (March to May) is the time of year when they form pairs, and I saw two that appeared to be trying to avoid the blizzard.
Perhaps they were resting after becoming fatigued while flying in the abysmal weather.
Tetrastes bonasia live in mountain forests throughout the year. However, their numbers appear to be declining. It is said that they are falling victim to Vulpes vulpes schrencki.
Photo: Afemale Tetrastes bonasia Apr. 4

The snow that began falling yesterday has finally reached 15 cm (announcement by the Japan Meteorological Agency).
The entire area is pure white. It feels like we’ve slipped back into winter.
The forecasted chance of snow is high until the 7th; however, from the 8th the temperature is expected to climb as conditions become much more spring-like.
Photos: Snowy Sounkyo Apr. 5

Although there was a lull for a short while, blizzard conditions have generally continued since early
this morning.
The snow is wet and heavy, so drivers should be careful.
Although the weather has been warm these last few days, conditions are naturally different at the
base of the Daisetsuzan mountains.
It snowed. And not only did it snow, but the snow stuck and piled up.
Spring normally arrives like this, with a repeating pattern of warm temperatures and snow. Even
so, today’s weather was unexpected.
Nevertheless, the snowfall total in Sounkyo for March has been extremely small. Last year’s total
(which was too high) reached 252 cm, while this year’s is only 94 cm. The two years really
cannot be compared.
Although there have been other years in the past when snowfall fell below 100 cm (the latest being
2008), the average is close to 200 cm.
It should be added, though, that snowfall in the mountains has been about as heavy as last year’s.
Photos: Sounkyo Gorge in a blizzard. Trees in the vicinity became snow-covered in no time at all.
Apr. 4

The photograph shows Momijidani Valley, a popular walking area in Sounkyo.
In contrast to last year, the amount of snow remaining at the base of the Daisetsuzan mountains this year is extremely small. (There is approximately 50 cm less snow on the ground.)
The photo was taken near the entrance to the valley, and as you can see, there is almost no snow there. However, upon entering the trail, one finds that there is still a lot of snow remaining.
Looking at the forecast, it appears that this year’s melting season will be early, which of course means that visitors will be able to walk on a snow-free trail earlier.
Photo: Entrance to Momojidani Apr. 3