Much easier way to reach the peak !

by Kazu

The trail to the peak of Mt. Niseko Annupri led to the start point of the downhill ski course on the opposite side of the mountain. The lifts for skiers and snow-boardwers are not available in green season.

Para-glider activity is not in service in this area. The maintenance of the lifts is tough and expensive. I've never seen the trekkers crawling up the downhill ski course before.

I've never heard of brown bears appeared around this area. I heard that six hundred brown bears were shot in a year to avoid the bear attacks in Hokkaido but controlling the number of the brown bears in Hokkaido is tough work in this aging population. Seasoned and experienced hunters are very few in Hokkaido. 

 

Going through the bamboo grass !

by Kazu

The trail to the peak of Mt. Niseko Annupri had not been covered with bush and had fine view of the landscape around it. We could get the perspectives of the area  geographically. 

From the peak of the mountain, the whole Mt. Yotei covered with white cloud like silk could be seen. Experiencing the geographical dynamism of this island of Hokkaido may be much easier than in the main island of Japan.  

 

Trekking on Mt. Niseko Annupri !

by Kazu

From the hillside of Mt. Niseko Annupri, the peak and hillside of the adjacent Mt. Iwaonupri could be seen so clearly. The dark green hillside wore white drapes of snow at the beginning of summer.  

The season of trekking is so limited in Hokkaido. Even in June, trekkers need iron spike to crawl up the hillside covered with snow. The mountains in Hokkaido are much milder than those in the main island of Japan but even if so, we should be well-prepared for trekking, including the bear bell to avoid the encounter with brown bears.