October 2014 | Sounkyo Visitor Center

Announcing a change in Visitor Center hours

2014-10-31 09:30

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 7 ℃

I would like to give a sincere “thank you” to everyone who has visited our Visitor Center and/or used its website.
Please note that as of tomorrow there will be a change in the Visitor Center’s opening and closing times.
From November until May, the center will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It will also be closed on Mondays (the following day if Monday is a national holiday) during this same period.
Thank you for your understanding. October 31, 2014

Sounkyo’s first snow

2014-10-28 14:40

weather: Snow Temperature: -4 ℃

The snow has finally arrived even in Sounkyo.
The first snow fell on the 16th last year, which means this year is about two weeks behind.
The forecast predicts higher temperatures in the days ahead, so it will likely only last a little while before melting. Nonetheless, repeated snows such as this mark the full-scale arrival of winter.
Photo: Sorbus commixta berries hidden by snow Oct. 28

A new winter coat

2014-10-23 11:10

weather: Clear

The Vulpes vulpes schrencki have grown new bushy winter coats. (The process begins at the end of September.)
I think the foxes look more attractive in their winter coats.
While they tend to look slightly skinny in their summer coats, they present a very charming appearance in winter.
Photo: Vulpes vulpes schrencki Oct. 23

Needle ice

2014-10-23 11:00

weather: Clear

It is very cold again today.
The temperature outside the center early this morning was -7°C.
In this environment, ice columns called “needle ice” can form. Such ice can be seen very early on cold mornings.
Needle ice forms when water in the ground freezes. However it is different from the frost that forms when moisture in the air freezes.
When the ground’s surface is cooled by changes in the temperature, water in the ground moves up to the surface.
When this water freezes and grows at the surface, the result is needle ice. Today I saw needle ice of over 10 cm in length covering a wide area.
Photos: Needle ice Oct. 23

Fallen leaves

2014-10-16 10:30

weather: Clear Temperature: 7 ℃

One thing to look forward to each year is the “fallen leaves art.” This year, too, one can find colorful leaves that resemble a painting.
Although the leaves are falling with more intensity now, it is still possible to find beautiful maple leaves in some areas.
However, given that snow tends to fall when the weather deteriorates at this time of year, people planning to go over a pass should put winter tires on their car. (Early this morning signs announced that cars with summer tires will not be permitted to travel over any of the passes.)
*For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/141015%2016soun.pdf
Photos: Fallen Acer japonicum and other leaves Oct. 16