October 20, 1999. Kouyou peak in Niseko. Niseko in Hokkaido.

Niseko's kouyou came this year about ten days late compared to the past years, and it was at its peak around the 20th in the flatland. Because of the strong wind and snowfall this year, there is not much kouyou in the highland, but birch's yellow, bamboo's green, rowan, and the poison ivy are showing a brilliant contrast. The picture shows the poison ivy. As its name shows it belongs to the group of ivy and you get a rash by touching it.