Oct 15 : Shinhotaka Onsen - Kagamidaira : Northern Japanese Alps

Autumn leaves at Wasabidaira

I went backpacking for 8 days in Japan Northern Alps. From Shinhotaka to Kamikouchi via Mt.Yarigatake. The very high season of autumn leaves had finished already and many mountain huts were going to close in a few days.
I stayed in Takayama the night before and rode the second bus at 7:40 to Shinhotaka Onsen. Arrived to Shinhotaka bus terminal about 9 am. Good weather. But the weather forecast said it were going to rain. It must snow on high mountains.

English Map of Northern Japanese Alps (south part) - English Map from Shinhotaka Onsen to Yarigatake

These names are translated by ME! Ha, ha. I don't assure they are all correct.
http://wikimapia.org: Northern Japanese Alps (south part)
http://wikimapia.org: Shinhotaka Onsen to Yarigatake

Gamata River and Kasagatake (Mt.of Conical Hat)

Going in Hidarimata Valley - Kasa Shindou Trailhead with a nice water Place

There is a primeval beech forest near Wasabidaira Hut - Koike Shindou Trailhead

Rowan Autumn Leaves

View Yarigatake from Koike Shindou Trail - Beautifully paved stone

Chichibukozawa Creek Crossing. The last water of this season - Shishiudogahara (Field of Angelica pubescens)

Look down Gamata River left arm - The last water place in the summer. Dried up.

Koike Shindou Trail - Kuma no Odoriba (Bear's Stair landing) - Kagami Ike (Mirror Pond)

Eventually, I couldn't reach to Sugoroku Campsite this day. I stayed ar Kagamidaira Lodge. It was the last business day of this year. They served us huge amount of food.

Besides the main plate, large plates of shaomai, spling roll and fried chiken - Lamp-shaped oil heater. Nice.