Daisetsuzan: Full of autumn leaves 🍁 and the first snow ☃️

 The Daisetsuzan Mountain Range is crowded with many hikers during the autumn leaves season.

On Saturday, September 21st, when we traversed from Mt. Akadake to Mt. Kurodake, the coldest air of the season hit, and the summit of Mt. Kurodake seen from the foot was covered with a light layer of snow.When we started climbing from Mt.Akadake Ginsendai, the mountain trail was covered with frost pillars on pines and on the sides of the trail. (The thermometer installed at Komakusa-daira (altitude 1842m) is "2.4°C"😱)

The leaves may have become even more beautiful and colorful due to the cold weather. As the name suggests, the slopes of Mt. Akadake are dazzling red, and I enjoyed the beauty of the topography along the way from Mt. Hokkaidake to Kurodake-Ishimuro of Mt. Kurodake.
As looking back on the way to Mt. Kurodake, you will begin to understand why it is called Kamuymintara ('The Playing Garden of the Gods' in the Ainu language).
(I posted it on Instagram, so please take a look. @tabipirka)

Until September 29th (Sunday), private cars are prohibited in the Ginsendai and Kogenuma areas, and shuttle buses are in operation.

Regarding vehicle traffic regulations during the autumn leaves season (Kamikawa Town HP)

Total cost of 1,750 yen (including 250 yen donation) from Sounkyo to Lake Site to Ginsendai. If you can gain altitude up to 1500m with the convenience of civilization, it's not bad at all. The way down Mt. Kurodake is of course by lift and ropeway. Total 2,000 yen.
The first shuttle bus from Sounkyo to Ginsendai via Lake Site in the morning (no transfers on this bus) had a long line at the bus stop (especially Lake Site).

Please be sure to wear mountain climbing shoes and other cold weather protection(fleece, down, overpants, hats, etc.). Even with gloves on my fingertips felt cold at the beginning of the climb and near the summit.

Portable toilets are also recommended. This time the activity time is about 8 hours. There is a bio-toilet in the Kurodake Ishimuro, but Kurodake Ropeway posted on SNS saying that the bio-toilet was full and could not be used (Sept. 23rd). They are sold at visitor centers and shops at Mt. Kurodake, Mt. Asahidake, and Ginsendai. (About 500 yen) https://www.instagram.com/kurodakeropeway/ (Kurodake Ropeway)

I don't think bears will come out to approach the areas with many visitors, but please be careful. We better to keep in mind not leave anything of food or snacks during trekking.

Daisetsuzan is majestic. Hope you also visit and enjoy the garden where the gods play.