Visitor Center Report

“Fall foliage at Daiichi Kaen, Mt. Aka”

weather: Clear Temperature: 10 ℃

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

Fall foliage on the Kogen-numa course

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 11 ℃

The autumn leaves are at their most beautiful throughout the Daisetsu Kogen-numa area. The leaves of the Sorbus matsumurana, Acer tschonoskii, and other trees seem to have been largely unaffected by the recent snow and are turning nicely with beautiful red and yellow colors.
Photos: Takimi-numa Sep. 20

The Kogen-numa course is a quagmire.

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 11 ℃

The Kogen-numa course has many puddles and muddy areas on the trail due to rain and snow that fell continuously for several days. The trail will prove very slippery to people wearing low shoes. Even just walking normally is extremely difficult.
Such muddy conditions will likely remain for several days even in good weather. Accordingly, long boots, spats, and other such equipment will be needed when taking the course.
Photos: The trail near Midori-numa Sep. 20

Updates (continued)

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 9 ℃

Mt. Kurodake: The snow on the eastern face has melted. However, the snow has left the trail extremely slippery. Winter conditions exist from the peak.
Ginsendai, Mt. Aka: The snow that completely covered the slope has melted; however, the trail remains extremely slippery. Winter conditions exist from the peak. Like Mt. Kurodake, the route can be difficult to find.
Kogen-numa: The fall foliage has entered its peak season; however, the ground from Shikibu-numa to the upper area is covered with snow. There are many muddy areas and puddles on the trail, making it very slippery.
Sounkyo Gorge: The best season has yet to arrive, although the leaves are starting to turn.
The above are important points to bear in mind. Climbers should note that full-scale winter conditions exist in the mountains. Climbing in light clothing will be extremely difficult and traversing the mountains is risky at this time of year. (In some places, the snow’s depth can be between 50 cm and the height of a person’s waist.) Climbers should be sure to bring all of the gear needed to climb safely.
September 19, 2014

Updates

weather: Cloudy Temperature: 7 ℃

Here I would like to provide the following information and updates.
・ Snow has fallen since yesterday afternoon and the eastern face of Mt. Kurodake is now completely covered with snow.
・ Mt.Aka’sGinsendaiiscompletelycoveredwithsnow.
・ The fall foliage at Kogen-numa has entered its peak season. (The area from Shikibu-numa to
the upper area has a light covering of snow.) Restrictions will come into effect on the 20th. Climbers going before then should watch out for frozen areas in the mornings and evenings. Climbers should also proceed carefully, as there are many muddy areas and puddles on the trail.
・ Kurodake Ishimuro will be open to lodgers until September 30th. The caretaker plans to come down on October 8.
・ ThecaretakerattheMt.HakuunhutwillbeondutythereuntilSeptember27andplanstocome down on September 28.
Following the first snow on the 16th, the weather forecast predicts lower temperatures today and tomorrow. Thus, it could snow at any time.
The weather is expected to stabilize somewhat from the 20th. However, people who are planning to climb should expect winter conditions. Please be on the safe side by being fully prepared.
September 18, 2014