REPORT

The small orange day lillies that began to bloom at the end of June, known as Nikkokisuge in Japanese, are now peaking in the area around the Kamaike Shitsugen (pictured). This large grouping of flowers lies between the disembarkation point of the Alpen Quad and the boarding point for the Happo No. 3 Pair lift, and many visitors seemed to stop to admire and photograph the scene. Elsewhere along the wooden boardwalk further back, Otakanebara (Prickly wild roses) were blooming beautifully as well.
[Kurobishi-daira・Kamaike Shitsugen]

Nikkokisuge are a particular type of flower that follow the daily cycle of the sun, opening in the morning and closing once again at night. To my surprise, the vast majority of the flowers and the buds seemed to be young, fresh and vibrant. (This weekend really is peak timing!) The delicate yellowish-orange flowers could be seen spreading below the lift all the way from Usagidaira to the Happo-ike Sanso mountain hut, and even in spots alongside the Happo-One Nature Trail.
[Kurobishi-daira・Kamaike Shitsugen]

In other news, today marked the first day of early morning operation for the Happo Alpen Line and the Kurobishi No. 3 Pair. The start time varies according to the calendar, but the earliest starting times during the summer will see the Alpen Line begin moving at 6:30, while the Kurobishi No. 3 Pair will kick off as early as 4:30. The cloudy skies this morning provided some protection from the harsh, direct sunlight, and the resulting cool temperatures were in stark contrast to the heat at the base of the mountain, enabling me to hike comfortably.
[Happo-One Nature Trail・Mountaineering Route]

The season for alpine plants has arrived in earnest, and there were a wide variety of flowers blooming along the Happo-One Nature Trail in addition to Nikkokisuge. The purple petals of Chinmagikyo (pictured) could be seen peaking around the No. 3 Cairn. Other standouts included Iwashimotsuke, Ibukijakoso, Yotsubashiogama, Toriashishoma, Kumomamiminagusa, and Shirobananigana.
[Happo-One Nature Trail・Mountaineering Route]

[Happo-One Nature Trail Opening Information]
＊Business Period … Daily from 6/18 (Sat.) 〜 11/6/2022 (Sun.)
＊Business Hours …Happo Alpen Line 7/9〜7/15 7:30〜 / 7/16〜7/18, 7/23, 7/24, 7/30, 7/31 6:30〜 / Weekdays from 7/19〜 7:00〜. Kurobishi No. 3 Pair 7/9〜7/15 7:45〜 / 7/16〜7/18, 7/23, 7/24, 7/30, 7/31 4:30〜 / Weekdays from 7/19〜 7:15〜
＊Fees … Round trip use of the Happo Alpen Line / Adults ¥3,200, Children ¥1,800 → Advance Discount Tickets Adults ¥2,800, Children ¥1,700! (Advance Discount Tickets are usable as-is! Proceed directly to the gondola for immediate boarding.)

[Kitaone Kogen Opening Information]
＊Business is currently suspended for the 2022 summer season.

＊To Visitors Requesting Original Data of Our Photographs

reported by Snownavi