Visitor Center Report

Bands of red Sorbus matsumurana leaves are spreading out over the slope in upper Minamisawa that is popularly known as “Tasuki no Koyo,” indicating that their best viewing season is arriving.
As of today, a gradation of colors that begins with green and extends to oranges and reds has appeared. By about this weekend, a sash of scarlet could also appear.
Photo: Upper Minamisawa, Mt. Midori (“Tasuki no Koyo” slope) Sep. 2

Although the area is still largely green, the Sorbus matsumurana have clearly taken on more coloring since the last report of August 25.
Additionally, some limited areas of Sieversia pentapetala and other grasses are beginning to approach their peak viewing season.
Over the past few days, the early morning temperatures at Ishimuro have been 2°C, 0°C, 4°C, and 6°C. Considerable differences between high and low temperatures are beginning to appear, and therefore we can expect coloring to continue.
However, the weather forecast for the coming week predicts continuing clear weather and higher temperatures. If that proves to be the case, it’s possible that the coloring will slow down (although the temperature is not the only factor that determines the beauty of the fall foliage).
As I sensed, the leaves at Mt. Kurodake appear to be turning earlier than usual as of today. The pace seems to be about one week earlier than last year and about 10 days earlier than the average year.
*For mountain information, see: http://sounkyovc.net/trails/kuro/140829kuro.pdf
Photos: Near Kumonotaira Aug. 29

Here I’d like to report on the fall foliage around Mt. Kurodake’s 9th Station.
The colors are becoming more beautiful with each passing day.
Looking into the stream valleys, I could see that the colors have become much more pronounced since my last report on August 25.
Photos: Area of the 9th Station Aug. 29

The best season for viewing the Arctous alpinus var. japonicus leaves has arrived between the peak and Pon Kurodake.
Add in the colors of the Vaccinium uliginosum var. japonicum, Therorhodion camtschaticum, and other plants, and you get a landscape that resembles a red carpet.
Additionally, the colors on the slopes along the Akaishi River have become much fuller since last time, and the leaves in the direction of Mt. Eboshidake are also starting to change slightly.
Photos: Area of the peak Aug. 29

Although still limited in scope, the coloring of the Sorbus matsumurana is growing deeper each day and spreading over a wider area.
The Sieversia pentapetala and other nearby grasses are also starting to turn.
Photos: Near Ishimuro Aug. 29