Overview
- The Daisetsuzan Range reached visible peak color on Saturday, Sept. 19, with high-elevation slopes on Mount Asahidake, Mount Akadake and Mount Kurodake showing bright reds and yellows.
- The Sounkyo Tourism Association said this year’s color began earlier than usual and is unusually vivid, and it expects the peak to move downhill toward mid- and low-elevation spots through October.
- On Mount Asahidake the area around the ropeway’s fifth station is reported in full color, with species such as rowan and white birch tinting the upper slopes.
- Upstream access is being controlled to limit congestion and protect routes, with vehicle entry to Akadake’s Ginsendai restricted through Sept. 23 to reserved charter buses or alternating, reservation-based private car entry.
- Visitors are crowding viewpoints to photograph the leaves, and local officials say the short-term controls aim to protect safety and trail conditions while channeling autumn tourism into managed access points.