Visitor Center Report

The photograph shows the boardwalk near Daini Hanabatake. The nearby snow is disappearing.
The same is true at Daiichi Hanabatake.
However, in general, a lot of snow remains. There are snowy gorges measuring approximately 90 meters from the area past the Daiichi Hanabatake sign and 100 meters past the Daini Hanabatake sign, 90 meters in the upper area of Daini Hanabatake, and 200 meters before the rocky slope.
In particular, the area around the rocky slope requires caution when descending.
Photo: Near Daini Hanabatake Jul. 13

The distance across the snowy gorge below the junction has shortened since the last report; however, a lot of snow still remains.
Although there are no undulations in the snow, climbers are advised to be fully prepared and to proceed carefully when ascending and descending.
The snow level has fallen at the Akaishi River and the gabions are now visible. The river can be crossed by using them.
The snowy gorge on the photograph’s left has completely dropped, so climbers should cross using the gabions, being sure to possess all of the equipment needed.
Photos: Snowy gorge below the Mt. Hokuchindake junction (left) and Akaishi River (right) Jul. 8

In a previous report (July 4), I mentioned that the Rhododendron aureum had formed communities and were nearing their best viewing season. However, when I went out to Kumonotaira, I was left speechless for a moment.
The communities that were so vibrant just three days ago are now approximately 70% wilted.
Some of the plants are still blooming, of course, but they probably will not last long in this heat.
Meanwhile the Sieversia pentapetala and Phyllodoce caerulea that began blooming earlier are now approaching their end.
However, as can be seen in the photos, there are other areas where the flowers are still at their most beautiful. Some plants are still budding, and we can expect the weather to bring those flowers out, too.
Photos: Near Kumonotaira Jul. 8

Until several days ago, the Rhododendron aureum formed thick communities; however, wilting has already become quite noticeable. On the other hand, increasing numbers of Sieversia pentapetala, Phyllodoce caerulea, and Primula cuneifolia var. cuneifolia are blooming in their place.
Although these flowers are blooming in only certain areas at the present moment, they will likely fill in more in the coming weather.
Photos: Near Ishimuro with Mt. Ryoundake (left) and Mt. Eboshidake (right) in the background Jul. 8

The temperatures have been warm lately and the snow is melting day by day.
However, a few patches of snow remain between the 7th Station and 8th Station.
The longest is about 10 meters. The others are short areas of remaining snow that measure between one and three meters.
Although there is little danger of falling, they are very slippery, particularly when descending.
Climbers should descend carefully and not take any chances.
As for the flowers, the Weigela middendorffiana have formed communities from the 8th Station to just below the peak and continue to be beautiful. However, some wilting has become noticeable recently.
The Weigela middendorffiana as well as Trollius riederianus, Dactylorhiza aristata, Geranium erianthum f. pallescens, and Thalictrum aquilegiifolium var. intermedium are also brightening the trails.
Photos: A snowy gorge near the 7th Station (left) and flowers near the 8th Station (right) Jul. 8