The Sarobetsu Marshland, located in the northernmost part of Hokkaido, is considered to be a marshland of global importance. Part of it is the Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden, which belongs to the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park. The boardwalk is well-maintained, so it's easy to walk even if you just drop by for sightseeing. From here, let's take a look at the scenery in each season of the year. First, spring. By the end of April, the long, harsh winter is over and spring finally arrives in the Sarobetsu Marsh.

Caltha marsh marigold (Photo provided by Sarobetsu Eco Network, a certified NPO)

Rhododendron dwarf (Photo provided by Sarobetsu Eco Network, a certified NPO)

Many of the flowers that bloom in spring are small and delicate, so you can often see people eagerly taking photos of them. It's heartwarming to see colorful flowers peeking out from the dead grass.

Skunk cabbage (Photo provided by Sarobetsu Eco Network, a certified NPO)

Summer. Day lilies, which bloom in full glory around the end of June, are a representative plant of the Sarobetsu Marsh. In some years, late frosts in May affect the flower buds and prevent them from blooming, but in good years, the bright yellow color spreads all over the place.

Day lilies (Photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network, a certified NPO)

After the flowering season of the day lilies ends, purple flowers such as wild irises and hostas begin to bloom.

Tachigiboshi (Photo provided by certified NPO Sarobetsu Eco Network)

Autumn. In late September, the Siberian gentian and the Miyama autumn goldenrod bloom, heralding the arrival of autumn in the Sarobetsu Marsh. In addition, during this season, the entire marshland turns red in a phenomenon known as "kusa momiji," giving the marsh a different feel from spring and summer.

(Photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network, a certified NPO)

Winter. The snow-covered Sarobetsu Marsh is truly a silver world! Just because it's winter doesn't mean you're not allowed to enter. You can put on snowshoes and walk on the Sarobetsu Marsh.

(Photo courtesy of Sarobetsu Eco Network, a certified NPO)

Snowshoes can be rented at the Sarobetsu Marsh Center, the gateway to the marsh. The Sarobetsu Marsh Center also has exhibits on the history of wilderness development and offers guided tours, so it's recommended for those who want to gain a deeper understanding. We've taken a quick look at the scenery of each season, but what do you think? Photos alone can do justice to its splendor, but you really have to stand there and see it with your own eyes to feel it. You can even see Mount Rishiri Fuji on Rishiri Island in the distance, and experience the dynamism of nature that is unique to Hokkaido. Please come and experience it for yourself at Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden. <Thumbnail image provided by> Sarobetsu Marsh Center