Visitor Center Report

In the five days since my last report there, the leaves at Daiichi Kaen have changed considerably.
Looking up from the forest road, I could see a broad expanse of leaves that were so deeply colored I thought the best season must have arrived. However, when I climbed up to the middle area, I found that the coloring there has not progressed to the same degree as below.
Nonetheless, more and more leaves are turning, and it appears we will enter the full-scale fall foliage season earlier than usual.
Photos: Sorbus matsumurana in the middle area of Daiichi Kaen, Mt. Aka Sep. 2

Coloring Sorbus commixta leaves are spreading throughout the area around the Mt. Hakuun hut.
Although many brown and withering Sorbus matsumurana leaves are normally seen around this time of year, this year they continue to look like they will change beautifully.
Photo: The Mt. Hakuun hut and Mt. Tomuraushi Sep. 2

At Daiyon Sekkei, only the leaves in the upper area are in their peak viewing season. Overall, there are still many green Sorbus matsumurana leaves in the middle and lower areas.
Photo: Sorbus matsumurana in the upper area of Daiyon Sekkei, Mt. Aka Sep. 2

The Arctous alpinus var. japonicus leaves on Mt. Midori are at their most beautiful right now.
Yellow Lagotis yesoensis and willow leaves can also be seen here and there and create a vibrant landscape. Additionally, communities of Arctous alpinus var. japonicus near the Itagaki junction are coloring in beautiful “festoons.” Climbers with extra time will find it worthwhile to continue from the peak to see them. Please note, however, that it can get quite cold when the wind is blowing. Make sure your experience is enjoyable by being prepared for the cold.
Photo: Near Itagaki junction Sep. 2

After a week away, I returned to Mt. Midori and found that the leaves are changing nicely. At Daiichi Hanabatake, the Sorbus matsumurana above the slope are turning red, although the Sieversia pentapetala in the foreground of the photo have yet to turn.
At Daini Hanabatake, the leaves are turning a bit more slowly. However, the Sorbus matsumurana are coloring beautifully on the broad ridge that extends to Mt. Shiba.
Photo: Daiichi Hanabatake, Mt. Midori Sep. 2