REPORT

A stationary autumn rain front had brought an extended stretch of wet, cloudy weather to the area, so I took advantage of this morning’s sunshine and headed for Mt. Nakatomi (2,037 m). As clouds began building around the mountain, I met members of the Hakuba Goryu Tourism Association (pictured) carrying brush cutters on their backs. They told me, “Thanks for all your reporting! We’re heading out today to do trail maintenance beyond Mt. Otomi.”
[Mt. Kotomi Trekking Course・Ichinose-kami]

The wind was light, but the clouds were moving quickly, and conditions changed constantly. One moment the surroundings would brighten and the views would open up; the next, everything would disappear into white. Two hikers taking a short break (pictured) stopped to admire one of those brief openings and said, “Wow, we can see the valley! It’s beautiful.” Far below, the rice fields were glowing gold just ahead of the harvest.
[Mt. Kotomi Trekking Course・Ninose-kami]

Signs of autumn were also becoming more noticeable among the plants. Nanakamado and azaleas were showing a little more color, while okamenoki, mine-kaede, beech, and dakekanba had also begun to turn. Among the many oyama-rindo still in bloom, some were peeking out from carpets of moss (pictured). I also saw plenty of red gozen-tachibana berries, along with beech nuts and konara acorns.
[Trail to Mt. Goryu・Mt. Kotomi to Mt. Nakatomi]

I later met two hikers at Ninose-kami (pictured), who told me, “The clouds cleared for a moment earlier and we caught a glimpse of Mt. Kashimayari. Hopefully it clears up again.” They then continued on toward Mt. Otomi. Meanwhile, the Tenbo Lift, which is currently closed, will resume operations on 9/19 (Sat.). In other news, a Moss Terrarium Workshop will be held at Alps-Daira Plaza from 9/19 (Sat.) through 9/23 (Wed., public holiday), followed by a Succulent Workshop on the second floor of Escal Plaza on 9/21 (Mon., public holiday).
[Trail to Mt. Goryu・Mt. Nakatomi]

　　
　　　　
*The free shuttle bus serving JR Kamishiro Station, the Hakuba Goryu Bus Stop, and Escal Plaza is currently in operation!
　　
[Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden Opening Information]
*Period … Sat. & Sun. from 6/6 (Sat.) to 6/14 (Sun.), Daily from 6/20 (Sat.) to 10/18 (Sun.)
*Hours … Goryu Telecabin: operates from 8:15 a.m. on weekdays and from 7:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
*Fees … Goryu Telecabin round-trip September & October: Adults JPY2,800, 6 to 18 y/o JPY1,300 → Coupon Adults JPY2,500, 6 to 18 y/o JPY1,250!, From 7/1 to 8/31: Adults JPY3,000, 6 to 18 y/o JPY1,500 → Coupon Adults JPY2,900, 6 to 18 y/o JPY1,450! (Free ride on observation lift, One preschool child per adult is free)

*Request for the original data of our photographs

reported by Snownavi