Oct 05 (NHK) - Autumn foliage is drawing visitors to Hokkaido's 2,291-meter Mount Asahidake in the Taisetsusan mountain range, the highest peak in Japan's northernmost prefecture.
Leaves near the summit began changing color in mid-September, about two weeks later than normal.
The red and yellow leaves are now best for viewing in the area around the 1,300-meter mark.
Weather officials say the season's first snowcap was observed on the peak on Wednesday, about nine days later than normal.
The autumn leaves can be enjoyed through mid-October.