Visitor Center Report

The continuing poor weather had prevented me from seeing Ishimuro for a while, but I finally got a view of it today.
The Sorbus matsumurana leaves around Ishimuro have started to wither somewhat; however, the Sieversia pentapetala have taken on extremely dark coloring recently.
Meanwhile, coloring around the base of Mt. Ryoundake is becoming even deeper.
Climbers exclaiming delight can be heard here, too.
With the leaves coloring so gorgeously, I even saw a few climbers fall down as they rushed about trying to take photographs.
The area is mostly enveloped in dense fog again today, so climbers tend to rush about during those moments when the visibility improves. I urge everyone to watch their step as they appreciate the beauty.
Photos: Near Ishimuro Sep. 13

Yellowing Weigela middendorffiana leaves are becoming noticeable around Mt. Kurodake’s 9th Station.
They are mixing in with the red Sorbus matsumurana, Hypericum kamtschaticum, and other autumn grasses and leaves in the area and creating a vividly colored landscape.
All around can be heard the voices of climbers expressing their delight at the scenery.
Photo: Near Mt. Kurodake’s 9th Station Sep. 13

Around Daisetsu Kogen-numa, many Sorbus matsumurana leaves are coloring noticeably in some places. However, as a whole, the area has not yet entered its most beautiful season.
Depending on the weather, it is possible that the leaves will turn in the next few days, so it will be a good idea to keep an eye on the low temperatures in the weather forecasts.
The continuous days of rain have left many puddles on the trails around the ponds. Some areas are very muddy. Visitors should take care not to fall when stepping around those areas.
Photos: Takimi-numa (left) and Midori-numa (right) Sep. 12

Some of the Sorbus matsumurana leaves have fallen at Daisan and Daiyon Sekkei; however, the fall foliage remains beautiful, as Sorbus commixta leaves that were green until several days ago have changed color noticeably.
Photos: Lower area of Daisan Sekkei, Mt. Aka Sep. 12

The leaves near Ohachidaira have lost some of their color but remain beautiful. For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/140912kuro.pdf
Photos: Near Ohachidaira Sep. 12