Hello everyone. This is Tomohiro Nakamichi from Shibecha Town. Welcome to the ninth installment of "Shibecha Diary," my series sharing the charms of Shibecha from my perspective.

This year, abnormal weather patterns due to climate change have continued, to the point where even Hokkaido seems to have a rainy season. June in Shibecha was often foggy and cloudy, with few sunny days, which sometimes got my spirits down. However, even in such conditions, nature is constantly changing, the seasons turn, and the scenery transforms. I want to continue living in harmony with Shibecha's nature, entrusting myself to its flow.

Now, this time I'd like to introduce a mountain that can be called the symbol of Shibecha Town: Mount Nishibetsu!

Mount Nishibetsu is a 799-meter-high mountain in Shibecha Town. Despite its low altitude, it is home to a diverse range of alpine plants due to the unique winds blowing from the Lake Mashu area. It takes about an hour and a half to reach the summit, making it an enjoyable climb for everyone from elementary school students to the elderly, and even for beginners.

The hiking trail is well-maintained. From the final ridge and the summit, you can see Lake Mashu, Mount Mashu, Mount Shari, and more. If the weather conditions are right, you can even see as far as the Kushiro area. The official opening of the mountain for climbing season is held around the end of May each year.

Mount Nishibetsu adorned in fresh green

The most challenging part of the Mount Nishibetsu climb is the "Gaman-zaka," which translates to "Endurance Slope." As the name suggests, it's a slope you can't climb without some perseverance, and it's by no means easy.

You have to climb a 20-degree incline without stairs for about 20 minutes, and it's incredibly tough. Even seasoned hikers will find themselves out of breath. However, once you get past this section, the rest of the trail isn't as strenuous. I encourage you all to test your endurance! (lol)

The Gaman-zaka Slope. Take breaks and climb at a slow pace.

But the view along the way is fantastic. The autumn foliage is also beautiful.

As you gain altitude, you can see a variety of alpine plants. Here are some photos of the alpine plants you can find on Mount Nishibetsu.

Chishima-zakura (Kuril cherry). Best seen in early June.

Chishima-furo (Kuril geranium)

Miyama-kinbai (Potentilla miyabei)

Ezo-tsutsuji (Rhododendron dauricum)

Miyama-odamaki (Fan columbine)

Hakusan-chidori (Dactylorhiza aristata)

I climbed in mid-June, so I imagine there are even more types of flowers now. Besides the ones above, you can also see a variety of other alpine plants such as Hiougi-ayame (Iris setosa), Ezo-iso-tsutsuji (Labrador tea), Minezuo (Alpine azalea), Kurobana-hanshozuru (Clematis fusca), and Kokemomo (Lingonberry).

The flowers that bloom are completely different depending on the season, so it can be fun to climb while wondering, "What's blooming now?"

My personal recommendation for hiking Mount Nishibetsu is the "ridge walk." For a ridge walk that you can reach in just under an hour, I feel it's overwhelmingly beautiful compared to other mountains.

The ridge leading to the summit. The final stretch is a flat path.

Once you get up to the ridge, Mount Mashu and Lake Mashu come into view. On the way, there's a slightly lower peak called Mount Risuke, and the view from there is also outstanding. On a clear day, you can get a wonderful panoramic view, so I definitely recommend climbing Mount Risuke as well.

Viewing Mount Mashu and Lake Mashu from the ridge

The view from Mount Risuke. The summit is a bit small, but the view is exceptional.

After about 15 minutes of walking along the ridge, you'll safely arrive at the summit. A strong hiker can make it this far in about an hour and a half. A 360-degree view spreads out from the summit, and if it's clear, you can see as far as the Kushiro and Abashiri areas.

The summit. The altitude is 799m, so when you stand up, you're at exactly 800m.

The view from the summit

From here, you can also traverse to Mount Mashu.

What did you think? Mount Nishibetsu is a place where anyone can easily climb and see magnificent scenery. The alpine plants that change with the seasons and the autumn foliage are also beautiful. I highly recommend everyone to try climbing it at least once.

I also released a video of the Mount Nishibetsu hike on my YouTube channel as a Community-Revitalization Cooperator.

Please take a look!