The Sarobetsu Wetland, located at the northernmost tip of Hokkaido, is considered a wetland of global importance. A part of this area is home to the Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden, which belongs to the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. A key feature is the well-maintained boardwalk, making it easy for tourists to take a casual stroll. Let's explore the sights of each season: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
First, spring. By late April, the long, harsh winter ends, and spring finally arrives at the Sarobetsu Wetland.

Ezo-no-ryukinka (Photo credit: Sarobetsu Eco-Network, a certified NPO)

Bog rosemary (Photo credit: Sarobetsu Eco-Network, a certified NPO)

Many of the flowers that bloom in spring are small and delicate, so you'll often see people enthusiastically taking photos. The sight of colorful flowers emerging from the withered grass is truly heartwarming.

Asian skunk-cabbage (Photo credit: Sarobetsu Eco-Network, a certified NPO)

Next, summer. The Ezo-kanzo daylilies, which bloom in late June, are a signature plant of the Sarobetsu Wetland. Some years, late frosts in May can affect the flower buds, preventing them from blooming. But in a good year, a sea of vibrant yellow spreads across the landscape.

Ezo-kanzo daylily (Photo credit: Sarobetsu Eco-Network, a certified NPO)

After the Ezo-kanzo daylilies finish blooming, purple flowers like the wild iris and hosta begin to appear.

Hosta (Photo credit: Sarobetsu Eco-Network, a certified NPO)

Then comes autumn. In late September, flowers like the Ezo-rindo gentian and alpine goldenrod bloom, heralding the arrival of autumn in the Sarobetsu Wetland. During this season, the entire wetland's vegetation turns red and gold in a phenomenon called "kusamomiji," or the autumn colors of the grasses, offering a different kind of beauty from spring and summer.

(Photo credit: Sarobetsu Eco-Network, a certified NPO)

Finally, winter. The snow-covered Sarobetsu Wetland becomes a true winter wonderland! But just because it's winter doesn't mean it's off-limits. You can put on snowshoes and walk right on top of the Sarobetsu Wetland.

(Photo credit: Sarobetsu Eco-Network, a certified NPO)

You can rent snowshoes at the Sarobetsu Wetland Center, the gateway to the wetland. The center also has exhibits on the history of the area's wilderness development and offers guided tours, making it a great stop for those who want to deepen their knowledge.
We've taken a quick tour through the four seasons. What did you think? While the photos certainly convey its splendor, there's nothing like standing there and experiencing it with your own eyes. In the distance, you can also see Mount Rishiri (Rishiri-Fuji) on Rishiri Island, allowing you to truly feel the dynamic nature unique to Hokkaido. We highly recommend you experience it for yourself at the Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden.

Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Writer Profile

Hokkaido Tourism Camera-Writer Team Buchineko

We are "Team Buchineko," with many connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to us living in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We aim to share the charm of this amazing prefecture.