Visitor Center Report

Today I went out to check on the progress of the fall foliage. Unfortunately, the visibility became poor near Eiko no Sawa and I could not get a look at the colors on the Tasuki no Koyo slope.
Even so, the leaves continue to change. The Sieversia pentapetala at Daini Hanabatake are turning together with the Sorbus matsumurana at Daiichi Hanabatake. Even from a distance,
beautiful colors can be seen on the Mt. Shiba ridge top. Meanwhile, the Sorbus commixta leaves are reddening in the woodland below Daiichi Hanabatake. I get the feeling that the very best time for viewing the fall foliage is not far away.
Photos: Daiichi Hanabatake (left) and the Mt. Shiba ridge top (right) Sep. 6

The following is a report on the fall foliage on Mt. Kurodake.
As the photos show, the entire eastern face of the mountain is brilliantly colored.
However, there are still green leaves in the area, and therefore the colors should increase even more in the coming days.
From the 7th Station toward Mt. Hokuchindake, there is a sudden transition into beautiful autumn leaves. The leaves here are turning about one week earlier than they did last year.
Additionally, the leaves around Mt. Kurodake’s 6th Station are also changing color.
The timing is about two weeks earlier than normal. In fact, the fall foliage has been arriving quite quickly these past few years.
Because the leaves are changing at a speed that I have rarely experienced before, I am finding it difficult to predict how the coloring will progress.
Although the colors are still changing, the mountain is in peak fall foliage season now. I have provided this report to urge those who are planning a trip to the mountain to set out soon. (This report is for Mt. Kurodake only.)
*For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/140903kuro.pdf
Photos: The eastern face of Mt. Kurodake and views around the 9th Station Sep. 3

The coloring of the slopes along the Akaishi River has become much deeper.
Moreover, although it does not appear in the photos, the area in the direction of Mt. Eboshidake is also becoming even more colorful.
The Arctous alpinus var. japonicus and Vaccinium uliginosum var. japonicum form a carpet-like landscape just below the peak, although some browning is beginning to appear.
Those who wish to see the Arctous alpinus var. japonicus leaves here should climb soon!
Photos: The Mt. Kurodake peak Sep. 3

This area is also in its best viewing season.
However, the Sorbus matsumurana leaves around Ishimuro have started to wilt in some areas.
Those who are thinking of climbing up to Ishimuro should do so soon!
Photos: Near Ishimuro Sep. 3

The entire area has entered its best viewing season.
Some of the Sorbus matsumurana leaves and grasses (Sieversia pentapetala, Vaccinium uliginosum var. japonicum, Salix reinii, etc.) are still green, so we can expect even more coloring in the days ahead.
Photos: Kumonotaira Sep. 3