Visitor Center Report

The Mikasa Shindo tends to be closed in or around early July each year when the presence of Ursus arctos is confirmed. However, as of the present time, the trail is open. Around the junction to the Mikasa Shindo for Takanegahara, the Lagotis yesoensis are in their best viewing season and the Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata, Sieversia pentapetala, and Anemone narcissiflora var.
japonomonantha are about to bloom.
Although the Mikasa Shindo is open, a steep snow-covered slope remains in the upper area.
Climbers should proceed with caution due to the danger of slipping and falling. Those who are not accustomed to walking on snow should probably refrain from taking this trail.
Photos: Lagotis yesoensis at the Mikasa junction (left) and the slope on the upper Mikasa Shindo (right) Jun. 24

On the Mt. Midori ridgeline, the Diapensia lapponica subsp. obovata, Potentilla matsumurae, Rhododendron aureum, and Oxytropis japonica var. sericea are about to bloom, while the Lagotis yesoensis are continuing to flower. A small number of Dryas octopetala var. asiatica are also blooming. While it’s possible that a change in the weather could bring on an explosion of flowers, I did not get the impression that the flowering is progressing particularly quickly at the present time.
Photos: Looking toward Mt. Asahi from the Mt. Midori ridgeline (left) and blooming Dryas octopetala var. asiatica (right) Jun. 24

The snow around the Hakuun hut seems to be melting a little faster than usual and much faster than last year. Already there is almost no snow remaining at the tents site. The caretaker has dug out the watering place and it is now useable. Around the hut, Lloydia serotina, Potentilla matsumurae, Rhododendron aureum, and Oxytropis japonica var. sericea are blooming.
Photos: The Hakuun hut tent site (left) and watering place (right) Jun. 24

Even though the snowfall was less this year than last year, large snow fields still remain at Daiichi and Daini Hanabatake on the middle slopes of Mt. Midori. Getting lost should not be a problem when the weather is clear and visibility is good. However, it is possible when visibility is poor or if you mistakenly follow wayward footprints. Therefore, if you are not confident in your map-reading skills, it would be a good idea to ask a seasoned climber to accompany you. A number of people lost sight of the route last season, so caution is a must.
A fairly steep and difficult snow slope remains near the climbing start point for the Eiko no Sawa rocky slope. Care against slipping should be exercised when traversing it.
Photos: Daiichi Hanabatake at Mt. Midori (left), steep slope in upper Eiko no Sawa (right) Jun. 24