Hello everyone. This is Tomohiro Nakamichi from Shibecha Town. This is the ninth installment of "Shibecha Days," in which I will tell you about the charms of Shibecha Town from my point of view.

This year has been another year of abnormal weather due to climate change, so much so that even Hokkaido is experiencing the rainy season. In June in Shibecha Town, there was a lot of fog and clouds, and it did not turn out to be sunny, which made me feel down at times. However, even in such a situation, nature is changing every moment, the seasons are changing, and the scenery is also changing. I would like to continue to live with nature in Shibecha, surrendering myself to nature.

Now, I would like to introduce Mt. Nishibetsu, the symbol of Shibecha Town!

Mt. Nishibetsu is a 799-meter-high mountain located in Shibecha Town. Although it is a low mountain, it is home to a wide variety of alpine flora due to the unique winds coming from Mashu. It takes about one and a half hours to reach the summit, so even beginners, from elementary school students to the elderly, can enjoy this mountain.

The mountain trail is well maintained, and from the last ridge line and the summit, you can see Lake Mashu, Mt. The opening of the mountain is held around the end of May every year.

Mt. Nishibetsu dyed in fresh green

The most difficult part of climbing Mount Nishibetsu is the "gaman slope. As the name suggests, it is a slope that cannot be climbed without endurance and is by no means easy.

It takes about 20 minutes to climb the slope with a slope of about 20 degrees without stairs, but it is very hard. It is so steep that even the fittest climber will find himself gasping for breath. However, if you can get over this point, the rest of the climb is not that hard. Please try to endure it! (Laughs)

Gaman slope. Take a break and climb slowly!

However, the view along the way is great. Autumn leaves are also beautiful!

As you climb higher, you will see a variety of alpine plants. Here are some photos of alpine plants that can be seen on Mt.

Chishimazakura (Cherry Blossom): Best time to see in early June

Chishimafuro

Miyama kinbai

Ezo azalea

Reverdin's violet

Hakusan tinged lily

I climbed the mountain in mid-June, so I think there are more species now. In addition to the above, a wide variety of alpine plants can be seen here, such as the Japanese iris, Ezo azalea, Minnezou, black-faced spider lily, and mossy peach.

The flowers that bloom at different times of the year are completely different, so every time you visit, you can imagine what is in bloom. It is sure to be fun to imagine what is in bloom each time you go up the mountain.

I personally recommend the "ridge line walk" as the most attractive part of climbing Mt.

The ridge leading to the summit. A flat path continues at the end.

As we climb up to the ridge, Mt. Mashu and Lake Mashu come into view. On the way up, there is a slightly lower peak called Mount Riske, from which the view is also outstanding. If you go there on a clear day, you will have a great view, so I recommend you to climb Mt.

View of Mt. Mashu and Lake Mashu from the ridge.

The view from Mt. Riske. The summit is a bit narrow, but the view is outstanding

After 15 minutes of ridge walking, you will reach the summit safely. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach this point if you are a healthy person. If the weather is clear, you can see as far as Kushiro and Abashiri.

The summit of the mountain. The summit is 799 meters above sea level, which is exactly 800 meters above sea level when you stand on the summit.

View from the summit

After the summit, you can traverse to Mt.

How was it? Mt. Nishibetsudake is a place where anyone can easily climb and see a wonderful view. The alpine flora changes with the seasons, and the autumn leaves are also beautiful. I encourage everyone to try climbing there.

In addition, we have posted a video of our climb on Youtube as a regional development cooperative.

Please take a look!