Visitor Center Report

The slopes along the Akaishi River have lost a little bit of color.
However, the area in the direction of Mt. Eboshidake is displaying colors of a beauty not seen in several years.
Photos: The Mt. Kurodake peak Sep. 8

The colors around Maneki-iwa have faded a little.
However, when I looked into the stream valleys, I could see the magnificently deep red leaves of the Sorbus matsumurana there.
Photos: Mt. Kurodake’s 9th Station Sep. 8

The Sorbus commixta leaves are changing all the way down to Daiichi Kaen, meaning that the entire Mt. Aka course is in peak viewing season. This year’s Sorbus matsumurana leaves have a deep color throughout and are displaying the best coloring seen in the past 10 years.
Even though the fall foliage season has arrived on the Mt. Aka course, the trail was quiet this morning, with only a slightly higher number of climbers than we get on weekdays. I saw cars here and there, but only about 100 climbers during the morning.
Many of them were moving at a leisurely pace. I saw quite a few climbing relatively slowly to the peak, with some sitting for a while to admire the fall foliage, while others watched the Ochotona hyperborea yesoensis that frequently popped out among the rocks along the trail.
However, next weekend will be a long weekend. I expect the trail will be crowded with photographers and climbers. While the long weekends are fine, if you are a person who likes to climb at your own pace, I would recommend coming on a weekday.
Photos: Daiichi Kaen, Mt. Aka Sep. 7

Although there are still green Sorbus commixta leaves at Daisan Sekkei, the area is generally in peak season. The coloring has been progressing at Daisan Sekkei to the point that the very best time for viewing can be expected in the next few days.
Photos: Daisan Sekkei, Mt. Aka Sep. 7

Generally speaking, the Sorbus matsumurana leaves from the peak down to Daiyon Sekkei are in their best viewing season, although some of the leaves that turned early have fallen.
Thick and beautiful leaves could be seen throughout the entire area this morning. However, the coming weather could cause more and more leaves to fall, so I would recommend that those who wish to see the fall foliage around the peak head up soon.
Photos: Daiyon Sekkei, Mt. Aka Sep. 7