Visitor Center Report

These photos were taken around Kumonotaira.
Some of the Arctous alpinus var. japonicus leaves have reddened. The Sorbus matsumurana are losing some of their greenness and have reddened somewhat. And the Sieversia pentapetala and other grasses are beginning to turn in some areas.
Photos: Area of Kumonotaira Aug. 25

More and more leaves are starting to turn. Meanwhile, on the eastern face of Mt. Kurodake, most of the flowering is nearing the end, although there are some flowers that remain beautiful.
The Anaphalis margaritacea subsp. margaritacea and Solidago virgaurea subsp. leiocarpa shown in the photos as well as Aconitum yamazakii, Parnassia palustris var. palustris, Campanula lasiocarpa, and Hypericum kamtschaticum create delightful landscapes along the trail.
At the same time, although limited in area, communities of Solidago virgaurea subsp. leiocarpa can be seen in the direction the Akaishi River. They look just like a yellow carpet.
Photos: Anaphalis margaritacea subsp. margaritacea near Mt. Kurodake’s 9th Station (left) and Solidago virgaurea subsp. leiocarpa in the direction of the Akaishi River (right) Aug. 18

Some of the leaves are still very green between Mt. Kurodake’s peak and Ohachidaira. However, when viewed overall, the leaves are changing color earlier than they did last year.
The coloring will continue and spread over a larger area, and even now there are places where the leaves are quite beautiful.
In general, the Sorbus matsumurana are also still not quite in their fall mode. I will make a judgment on whether or not the season has started in my next report.
Photos: Near Pon Kurodake Aug. 18

The Sorbus matsumurana leaves around Mt. Kurodake are still generally green, which makes it hard to declare that the fall foliage season is imminent.
As can be seen in the photo, some of the verdant color has been lost at Kumonotaira; however, the leaves are still generally green.
It may be hard to tell by looking at the photo, but there is also some faint coloring in the leaves at Mt. Kurodake’s 9th Station.
As a result of the recent typhoon, the air around the peak has suddenly changed and the mountain is feeling very autumnal. Even at Kurodake Ishimuro, early morning temperatures are falling into the single digits. Climbers should remember to bring warm clothing.
Photos: Maneki-iwa at Mt. Kurodake’s 9th Station (left) and Kumonotaira (right) Aug. 18