At around 2,500 meters, the trees disappear. This is the tree line. Below it, stands of Erman's birch. Above it, a world where Siberian dwarf pine creeps along the ground. The border between the two is sharp enough to see.
Around Tatamidaira, almost the only tree that grows is that one pine. The wind is fierce, so it grows low. It adds only a few centimeters a year, spreading over the ground like a mat, and in its shade yellow-flowered rhododendron and cowberry take root.
Tatamidaira sits at 2,702 meters. When the road opens in mid-May, walls of snow about ten meters high line it, and they linger until around mid-June.
When the snow melts, Hakusan anemone and alpine buttercup bloom in drifts. On dry gravel, komakusa, the delicate alpine poppy of the high rocks. Even in midsummer, temperatures can fall to around ten degrees, clouds race, and in moments everything goes white.
Wind, snow, and a short summer have left only low flowers and low pines at this height.
Beyond the pines that gain a few centimeters a year, the narrow road runs on.
Numbers in this chapter
- The tree line is at about 2,500 m. Beyond it, the survivor is the Siberian dwarf pine, which grows only a few centimeters a year.
- Tatamidaira is at 2,702 m above sea level.
- When the road opens in mid-May, walls of snow about 10 m high form, lasting until around mid-June.
- Even in midsummer, temperatures can drop to around 10 degrees.
Flowers
- Hakusan anemone, alpine buttercup, komakusa.
Rock ptarmigan
- A Special Natural Monument of Japan, found only in the alpine zone of central Honshu.
- Foxes and crows drawn by garbage, and sika deer that eat alpine plants, are seen as threats.
Keep listening
- The history of the road up to Tatamidaira:
How a Military Road Became a Tourist Road
For climbing safety, please check the latest official information.
