Visitor Center Report

At the present time, the Sorbus commixta leaves near the Mt. Hakuun hut have not changed to a greater degree than those on the Mt. Aka course. However, they may change suddenly in the cold temperatures to come.
Photo: The Mt. Hakuun hut and Mt. Tomuraushi Aug. 28

The place on the Mt. Aka course with the most coloring is the upper area of Daiyon Sekkei. Here, many leaves with relatively deep red coloring can be seen even along the trail.
Photo: Sorbus matsumurana at Daiyon Sekkei, Mt. Aka Aug. 28

The leaves at Daisan Sekkei have not changed color much in the upper and middle areas; however, those of the lower area are coloring considerably.
The fall foliage is now spreading over a broad area particularly in the lower area. Adding in the red of the berries, the coloring is particularly conspicuous, even from a distance.
Photo: Sorbus matsumurana in the lower area of Daisan Sekkei, Mt. Aka Aug. 28

The Sorbus commixta leaves have changed considerably at around 1,500 meters as a result of the recent cold. They are coloring nicely at the present time, without any major injuries or damage from sawflies. Comparing the years in terms of low temperatures only, it is apparent that conditions this year are approaching those seen in 2003, when the Sorbus commixta leaves took on a very deep red.
However, the long-term forecast for September predicts that temperatures will be higher than normal. Thus, we will have to wait and see how the coloring actually unfolds. Nonetheless, I am slightly more hopeful at this early stage of the season than in most years.
Photo: Sorbus matsumurana in the lower area of Daiichi Kaen, Mt. Aka Aug. 28

This morning, when the low temperature fell to 6°C at Sounkyo, the puddles on the Daisetsuzan ridgeline were frozen. It was probably the first freezing of the season.
I heard that the temperature at the Hakuun hut fell to a low of 1.7°C. On the ridgeline, a cold wind that felt more like late fall or early winter than fall blew. Climbers planning to enter the mountains should be fully prepared for the cold.
According to the Hakuun hut’s caretaker, the watering place there should provide water until the end of the season.
Photos: The first freezing of the season seen on Itagaki Shindo (left) and the Mt. Hakuun hut’s watering place (right) Aug 26