Visitor Center Report

I had feared that coloring along the Kogen-numa course would be affected by the period of snow we had, but it turns out I needn’t worry. The leaves are gorgeous.
Takimi-numa (shown in the photos), Midori-numa, Shikibu-numa, and Kogen-numa are particularly beautiful.
However, the leaves were covered with snow once, so it is possible they will begin dropping earlier than usual. It might be a good idea to tour the ponds soon.
Photo: Takimi-numa, Kogen Onsen Sep. 22

Like Mt. Aka, winter conditions exist on Mt. Kurodake.
From the peak to the area around Ishimuro, all of the snow has melted except for about five meters near Pon Kurodake. However, beyond that, the trail is completely covered with snow.
Also like Mt. Aka, climbers will need to be equipped for winter. They should also note that the route can be very hard to find due to accumulated snow.
Traversing the mountains can be very risky at this time of year. Climbers should be sure to bring all of the gear needed to climb safely.
The weather was fine early this morning but then suddenly changed with the arrival of lightning, rain, hail, snow, and gusts of wind. Many climbers were wearing light footwear and clothing, and I saw some who did not bring rain gear.
The weather can change suddenly at this time of year. Please be prepared for all types of weather.
Photos: Looking toward Mt. Hokkaidake from the Mt. Kurodake peak (left) and near Ishimuro (right) Sep. 22

As a result of the snow that fell intermittently since the first snow on the 16th, almost all of the leaves have fallen. However, as can be seen in the photo, some Sorbus matsumurana color can still be found here and there.
I started climbing and found that trail is bad from the 7th Station up to the peak. Climbers wearing athletic shoes will find the going difficult. All necessary gear should be brought for safe climbing.
Incidentally the leaves on Mt. Kurodake have changed colors down to the 5th Station. Riding the lift, I noticed that a small number of leaves have begun falling. However, beautiful colors—including those of the grasses on the ground—can still be seen. People wishing to see them should hurry!
Photo: Mt. Kurodake’s eastern face Sep. 22

Due to the snow that fell continuously from yesterday, the trail around Mt. Aka’s peak can be difficult to find in some areas, and therefore climbers will need to be fully prepared for winter conditions from now on.
Mt. Aka course snow report:
Daisan Sekkei: Snow remains all the way down to the lower area but is not an obstacle to walking.
Daiyon Sekkei: The lower area is muddy and very slippery. Patches of snow are found in the middle and upper areas, and some places are frozen.
Mt. Aka peak: The entire peak is completely covered with between 2 and 5 cm of snow. The trail can be hard to find in some areas.
Photos: View toward Mt. Asahi from the peak of Mt. Aka Sep. 21