Visitor Center Report

On the Mt. Aka course, a snowy gorge of roughly 23 meters remains before the Daiichi Kaen sign.
However, the snow is melting nicely and the trail is expected to become exposed shortly, so the snow should present little problem in terms of passage. In Daini Kaen, the snow is melting up to before the sign; nonetheless, the area remains almost completely covered with snow. At Daisan Sekkei, a snowy gorge of approximately 140 meters remains from the middle to lower area. The snow becomes slightly hard during the daytime, so caution should be exercised, particularly when descending. At Daiyon Sekkei, a snowy gorge of about 50 meters remains in the lower area but should not present a major problem.
Photo: Daisan Sekkei, Mt. Aka Jul. 17

At Kumonotaira, the Rhododendron aureum are approaching the end of their blooming season, while the Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, Potentilla matsumurae, Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia and various other flowers are forming communities in their place. However, while the area is still beautiful to see overall, there are signs that the season is coming to an end. (The Sieversia pentapetala are already starting to become cottony.)
I should mention that soon it will be time for the Bryanthus gmelinii to blossom. (The blossoms are already starting to open little by little.)
In the direction of Utsukushigahara, communities of Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, and Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia are forming where the snow has melted.
In all cases, the flowers that bloomed first are nearing the end. It appears the plants in this area are starting and ending their blooming early this year.
I should mention that, as of today, the Akaishi River can be crossed without difficulty. There is still a snowy gorge of about 40 meters remaining below the Hokuchindake junction.
Climbers should be sure to bring all of the gear needed to climb safely.
Photos: Kumonotaira (left) and Utsukushigahara looking toward the Akaishi River (right) Jul. 16

The conditions of the snowy gorges on the trail have changed dramatically since the previous report.
I found during my descent that the gorge of around 2 meters that existed past the 7th Station snow depth pole had completely disappeared. With this, all of the snow has melted between the northeast face of Mt. Kurodake and the Hokuchindake junction. (The snow in front of the Ohachidaira lookout also disappeared today.)
The number of blooming Weigela middendorffiana flowers has increased even more from the 8th Station to the peak. These flowers are in their best viewing season, although some wilting can now be seen near the peak. The trail has become even more colorful with the addition of Weigela middendorffiana as well as Trollius riederianus, Geranium erianthum f. pallescens, and Dactylorhiza aristata.
In addition, communities of Therorhodion camtschaticum have formed between the peak and Pon Kurodake. Mixed in among them are Patrinia sibirica, Dicentra peregrina, and Pennellianthus frutescens that make this area very attractive as well.
Photos: Near Mt. Kurodake’s 7th Station (left), near the 9th Station (center), and near the peak (right) Jul. 16

It was sunny in Daisetsuzan’s Sounkyo until just a little while ago. Now all of a sudden it has become cloudy. The weather has been somewhat unstable recently、and for the past few days I have had to give up my reporting due to bad weather.
The weather report predicts an improvement from around the 16th, so I ask readers to please wait just a little longer for a new report.
Now, a warning: Ursus arctos yesonesisdroppings were spotted near the Mt. Midori lookout.
The droppings had dried, so they were probably several days old. Nonetheless, the amount suggests that the animal was quite large. Climbers must take steps to avoid encountering the Ursus arctos yesonesis, such as carrying a bell or whistle.
Photo: Ursus arctos yesonesis droppings Jul. 13

The Pedicularis oederi subsp. heteroglossa near the Mt. Hakuun hut are approaching their best time for viewing.
At the same time, Arenaria arctica var. arctica communities (shown in the photo) can be seen here and there and are also at their most beautiful.
Although a lot of snow still remains, communities of Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, and Phyllodoce aleutica are finally forming where the snow has melted.
Photos: Near the Mt. Hakuun hut Jul. 13