Sarobetsu Marsh, the northernmost tip of Hokkaido, is considered a globally important marshland. The Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden, which belongs to the Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu National Park, is located in a part of the Sarobetsu Marsh. Wooden paths are well maintained, making it easy to walk around even if you just drop by for sightseeing. Let's take a look at the different scenes of spring, summer, fall, and winter.
First of all, spring comes to Sarobetsu Marsh after a long and harsh winter in late April.

Ezo ruekinka (photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network)

Rhododendron rhododendron (photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network)

Many of the flowers that bloom in spring are small and dainty, and it is common to see people eagerly taking pictures of them. The sight of colorful flowers emerging from the dead grass is heartwarming.

Mizubashou (photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network)

In summer, Ezo kanzo, which blooms around the end of June, is a representative plant of the Sarobetsu Marshlands; in some years, the flower buds are affected by a late frost in May and do not bloom, but in good years, the bright yellow color spreads all over the area.

Ezo Kanzo (photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network)

After the Ezo kanzo's flowering season is over, purple flowers such as the Japanese honeysuckle and the tachi gibboushi begin to bloom.

Tachigiboshi (photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network)

Autumn: In late September, Ezo gentian and Miyama akinochirinso bloom, heralding the arrival of autumn in Sarobetsu Marsh. In addition, during this season, the plants throughout the marshland change their leaves to red, giving the marsh a different flavor from that of spring and summer.

(Photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network)

Winter. Sarobetsu Marshland, covered with snow, is truly a silver world! Just because it is winter does not mean it is off-limits. It is possible to walk on the Sarobetsu marshland with snowshoes.

(Photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network)

Snowshoes can be rented at the Sarobetsu Marshland Center, the entrance to the marshland. The Sarobetsu Marshland Center also has exhibits on the history of wilderness development, and offers guided tours for those who wish to deepen their knowledge.
We have rushed through the scenery of the four seasons, but what do you think? The photos alone are enough to convey the splendor of the area, but you must actually stand there and see and feel it with your own eyes. Rishiri Fuji on Rishiri Island can be seen in the distance, and you can really feel the dynamism of nature unique to Hokkaido. Please visit Sarobetsu Wild Flower Garden and experience it for yourself.
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Sarobetsu Marshland Center