Visitor Center Report

On the Mt. Aka course trail, a snowy gorge of roughly 12 meters remains in front of the Daiichi Kaen woodland; however, a snowy gorge that existed before the sign and below the viewing platform has completely disappeared.
At Daini Kaen, a snowy gorge of about 110 meters remains. And at Daisan Sekkei, a snowy gorge of roughly 120 meters remains from the middle to lower area. The snow’s surface is firmly packed and fairly difficult to climb.
The snowy gorge on the trail at Daiyon Sekkei has completely melted.
Photo: View of Daisan Sekkei, Mt. Aka Jul. 24

On the Mt. Aka course, the Campanula chamissonis are blooming around the peak; however, wilting Arenaria arctica var. hondoensis and Therorhodion camtschaticum are seen throughout the area.
At both Daisan Sekkei and Daiyon Sekkei, only localized pockets of Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia, Gentiana nipponica, and Cassiope lycopodioides are blooming. Very few flowers are blooming even in areas away from the trail. The Dicentra peregrina and Bryanthus gmelinii at Komakusadaira have completely passed their peak season; however, some still beautiful areas can still be seen in the distance.
In general, flowering alpine plants are quite sparse around the peak and Komakusadaira. At Daisan Sekkei and Daiichi Kaen, the snow has only just melted, so few of the alpine plants that are expected to bloom beginning this weekend and into next week can be seen now.
Photo: Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia at Daini Kaen, Mt. Aka Jul. 24

Flowers of the Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia, Potentilla matsumurae, Loiseleuria procumbens, and Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata are appearing where the snow has melted.
Much snow remains in the direction of the Akaishi River (there is a small amount of snow on walking areas; this snow is slightly frozen). However, the combination of the snow and flowers creates a somewhat magical landscape.
As of today, the Akaishi River can be crossed. However, the river may rise if, for example, there is rain on the previous day, so climbers should be properly prepared with the necessary gear.
In addition, there is still a snowy gorge of about 25 meters below the Mt. Hokuchindake junction. Although the amount of snow is much smaller than last year, climbers should still be sufficiently careful when ascending and descending.
Photo: Utsukushigahara Jul. 24

The Sieversia pentapetala and Phyllodoce caerulea have stopped blooming and become cottony in most areas. (Flowering communities can still be seen in limited areas.)
In their place, the small and somewhat inconspicuous Bryanthus gmelinii are approaching their best viewing season.
They are very lovely little flowers that are loved and admired by climbers.
Photos: Near Kumonotaira Jul. 24

Although still small in scale, the Sieversia pentapetala and Phyllodoce caerulea are forming communities near Ishimuro where the snow has melted.
There are still buds on plants in the rear areas, so the season will likely last a little longer. However, the continuing warm temperatures will probably bring an early end to the flowering season.
Photos: Near Ishimuro Jul. 24