Visitor Center Report

It won’t be long before the snowy gorge below the Mt. Hokuchindake junction disappears.
It is only about 7 meters in length now.
The snow’s surface was frozen at the beginning of my climb and descent.
Climbers should take care to avoid falling. I should mention that nearby areas are slippery because the snow has just melted. Caution is recommended there as well.
As of today, the Akaishi River can be crossed without difficulty.
However, please be on the safe side by being fully prepared for safe climbing.
*The snow depth pole at the junction was damaged by lightning a few days ago but has been repaired. Additionally, the Mt. Hokkaidake snow depth pole was knocked down by wind on August 11 but is also repaired. I would like to thank the organizations concerned for their efforts here.
Photos: Snowy gorge below the Mt. Hokuchindake junction as seen from the junction (left) and the Akaishi River (right) Aug. 18

Climbing up to the ridgeline, I suddenly felt that fall is in the air. The red leaves of the Arctous alpinus var. japonicus have become quite conspicuous. However, although the coloring appears to be widespread in the photo, in actuality it is still limited, as much of the vegetation remains green.
Photo: Near Itagaki junction Aug. 18

The Gentiana algida f. igarashii near the Hakuun hut appear to have passed their peak flowering season, although some flowers can still be enjoyed. People who wish to see them should hurry.
Photo: Near the Mt. Hakuun hut Aug. 18

A snowy gorge still remains above the Hakuun hut’s watering place, so it appears unlikely that the water supply will dry up before the end of this month. However, whether or not water will be available until the hut closes at the end of next month will depend on the weather.
Photo: Near the Mt. Hakuun hut Aug. 18

The spikes of post-flowering Sieversia pentapetala have become noticeable near Daiichi and Daini Hanabatake of Mt. Midori. However, the Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia are still beautiful in rear areas of Daiichi Hanabatake where the snow was slow to melt. And at Daini Hanabatake, the Pedicularis chamissonis var. japonica and Gentiana nipponica are blooming beautifully, albeit in small numbers.
Photo: The upper area of Daini Hanabatake, Mt. Midori Aug. 18