Located at the southern tip of northern Hokkaido, Uryunuma Marsh is a tranquil wetland area nestled in the mountains.
It's quietly gaining popularity as a trekking spot within Hokkaido.

But what makes it so appealing? How is it accessible? There are probably many unanswered questions.

This time, we'll introduce the secluded Uryunuma Marshland. You'll definitely want to see and experience this hidden gem of Hokkaido.
Furthermore, the best season to visit Uryunuma Marsh is just beginning.

<Table of Contents>
1. What is Uryunuma Marsh?
2. Spring, Summer, and Autumn in Uryunuma Marshland
2-1 Springtime Uryunuma Marshland
2-2 Summer at Uryunuma Marsh
2-3 Autumn at Uryunuma Marsh
3. Surrounding Facilities - Route Guide
3-1 Uryunuma Gate Park
3-2 Management office
3-3 First Suspension Bridge ~ White Dragon Waterfall ~ Second Suspension Bridge
3-4 Uryunuma Marshland
4 Access
XNUMX. Notes
5-1 The main characters are wild animals and plants
5-2 Mountain weather is unpredictable.
5-3 Beware of horseflies and black flies
Final thoughts

Photo by Wikipedia/Akiyoshi Matsuoka

The Uryunuma Marshland, sometimes called the Oze of Hokkaido, is located in Uryu Town, Sorachi region.

Another possible route is from Rumoi and Mashike on the Sea of ​​Japan side. However, the route via Mount Shokanbetsu is said to be a challenging one, taking over 10 hours in total.

For many years, mosses have accumulated in this peatland without decaying from autumn through winter. Within this peatland, numerous ponds called "chito" are scattered. It is said that there are over 700 of them, offering visitors a complex and beautiful landscape.

The entire area is vast and majestic, while retaining the tranquility inherent in the wild. Hikers say it's beyond description.
The ponds, of various sizes and shapes, float flowers on their surface and reflect the snow-covered Shokanbetsu Mountains.

The lush green fields are lavishly adorned with a diverse array of alpine plants. Some visitors even describe it as resembling Nirvana.
With significantly fewer visitors than Oze, you can enjoy a truly secluded and private journey.

Image provided by: Hokkaido Free Photo Stock Footage Do Photo

2-1 Springtime Uryunuma Marshland

Photo by Wikipedia/Akiyoshi Matsuoka

Even within Hokkaido, where spring arrives late, the Uryunuma Marsh, which can be described as a high-altitude wetland, awakens even later, around mid-June.
Heavy snowfall comes from the Sea of ​​Japan side, and even in years considered mild winters, there isn't much difference. For a while after the mountain opens for the season, you'll be traversing through remaining snow.

However, the opening of the mountain also marks the beginning of the flowering season for alpine plants.
During the mountain opening season, skunk cabbage plants stand tall like candles from the ponds.

Even as the rainy season ends and beaches open in southern Honshu, the skunk cabbage is still quietly blooming in Uryunuma Marsh.
You might feel a sense of mystery about the Japanese archipelago.

Other flowers, such as the large-leaved violet and the dwarf rhododendron, sway in the wind, displaying their striking, assertive colors despite their small size.
Enjoy the scenery as colors gradually spread through the remaining snow.

2-2 Summer at Uryunuma Marsh

Photo by Wikipedia/Akiyoshi Matsuoka

The flowering season truly begins in July.
The rising morning mist covers the pond in a milky white expanse, and through the gaps, flowers in full bloom peek out.

The most spectacular sight is the indescribable golden-yellow color of the Ezo daylily.
The landscape, with its slender, lily-like sun spreading across the ground, is described by climbers in various ways, such as the celestial realm, heaven, or nirvana.

Next to and between them are some paler-colored Trollius japonicus.
The iris (Iris ensata) creates a contrast with its purple flowers.
Though small, the cranberry bushes are shining with their red flowers.

The Uryu water lily is a species endemic to Lake Uryunuma. The water lily is a type of lotus, named for the fact that its flowers wither at 2 a.m.
The abundance of flora, so rich that it could be described as a riot of colors, creates a breathtaking scene overflowing with the sheer power of life.

It's a wild landscape untouched by human hands. The value of Uryunuma Marsh lies not in its remoteness, but in the beauty it displays in late July.

The natural world produces all sorts of miracles, and one of them is this Uryunuma Marsh.

2-3 Autumn at Uryunuma Marsh

Autumn arrives early in the Uryunuma Marshland; by the end of August, it's already early autumn, and in early October, the marshland closes off and enters a long slumber until June of the following year.
As if to celebrate the short autumn season, the flowers continue to bloom until early September.

The noble purple hues of the Lobelia and Gentiana triflora mark the end of the flowering season.
Plants never slack off until the very end.

Once the flowers have finished blooming, the wetlands gradually transform into barren fields.
Although it may appear to be a barren field, the Uryunuma Marsh is rich in water, so rather than being completely dry, it has a moist, humid feel, and bathed in the light of the setting sun, the marshland shines with a golden glow.

Perhaps due to the lighting and vegetation, some parts of the flowers have a delicate pink hue that seems to emit a fragrance.
It's a wonderful atmosphere for appreciating the passing seasons and appreciating the beauty of nature. If you turn your gaze towards Shokanbetsu, you can see the greenery gradually fading away.
Some of the flowers may already be starting to change color. Compared to summer, when our eyes are drawn to the close-up view of flowers, autumn is also recommended, as it draws our gaze to the distance.

Image provided by: Sorachi Michikusa Photo Studio

3-1 Uryunuma Gate Park

The starting point for Lake Uryunuma is Uryunuma Gate Park.
Minami-Shokanso, a lodging facility at the trailhead of Mount Shokanbetsu. In a sense, this is the furthest point of what could be called civilization.

From here on, there are no convenience stores, not even a single vending machine.

We'll make our final preparations here before venturing into the remote wilderness.
It's impossible not to get excited. Even though it's accommodation, you have to bring all your own bedding.
Unless you're planning a serious climb of Mount Shokanbetsu, which requires a 12-hour round trip, you probably won't need to stay overnight.

3-2 Management office

As a basic rule, you need to submit a climbing plan when visiting Uryunuma Marshland.
You submit it at the management office located next to the parking lot.

Here, you can find explanations of important points and receive advice.
Advice that prioritizes the safety of hikers and visitors is very reassuring.

3-3 First Suspension Bridge ~ White Dragon Waterfall ~ Second Suspension Bridge

After passing through a relatively gentle path, you'll see a suspension bridge. This is the real entrance, and the path becomes a bit steeper from here.
However, you can also see Shirataki Falls (Shiraito Falls), one of the scenic spots.

Uryunuma Marsh is surrounded by mountains and is a terraced wetland, so you have to be prepared to encounter several rivers and climb uphill to get there.

3-4 Uryunuma Marshland

A washing area has been set up at the entrance to the wetland as a precaution to prevent the introduction of invasive species into the wetland.
Always make sure to wipe the mud off your shoes before stepping into the wetlands.

A wooden boardwalk stretching over 3 kilometers in length unfolds, offering a magnificent view that unfolds before your eyes.

It truly lives up to its nickname, "Oze of Hokkaido." It's breathtaking.
From the slightly elevated observation deck, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of magnificent and intricate natural formations.

The wild scenery, untouched by human hands to the bare minimum, will stir your soul and leave you with images that will never fade from memory.

The blue of the sky, the depth of the green, the flowers in full bloom—they are too many things to simply lump together as memories.
I think the impact of this paradise-like wetland in the ceiling is overwhelming.

There is no public transportation to Gate Park.
Take the JR train to Takikawa, then transfer to a Hokkaido Chuo Bus to Uryu Town. From the town center, you'll need to take a taxi.

If you are using a rental car or private car, take the Fukagawa-Nishi Interchange on the Fukagawa-Rumoi Expressway, then take the Fukagawa-Uryu Prefectural Road to Uryu Town, and from Uryu town center it is approximately 26km to the trailhead.
Gate Park has parking available for 70 cars.

From here, we'll follow the mountain trail along the Penkepetan River for about 90 minutes.
Even during peak season, there aren't many people around. It truly is a hidden gem.

5-1 The main characters are wild animals and plants

Photo by Flickr: Uryunuma bog / Christoph Rupprecht

Wild animals are the main inhabitants of the Uryunuma Marshland.
We humans are, after all, merely foreigners to this wetland.
The visit is conducted with that premise in mind.

It is part of a national park and is also a bird sanctuary designated under the Ramsar Convention.

The brown bear population is also high. While this indicates the richness of nature, please understand that this is a place where bear sightings are a real concern.

Entering areas other than the boardwalks is strictly prohibited.

5-2 Mountain weather is unpredictable.

Image provided by: Sorachi Michikusa Photo Studio

As the presence of a management office suggests, you should basically approach this with the same mindset and attire as you would for mountain climbing.
Along the way, some parts of the path are quite wild, with overgrown undergrowth.

In terms of clothing, pants and trekking shoes are definitely necessary.

Furthermore, there are no restrooms beyond the gate park, so it is recommended to carry a portable toilet.

5-3 Beware of horseflies and black flies

Insect repellent is necessary. Black flies are small insects that breed near clean water, but their bites can be quite miserable for a long time afterward.

Some people may suffer for more than a month, and in some cases, the swelling can become severe and develop into a chronic eczema-like condition.

Horseflies are also quite large. Their bites are very painful, so be sure to take adequate precautions against insects.

Final thoughts

Image provided by: Sorachi Michikusa Photo Studio

I hope I've managed to convey at least some of the charm of the Minami-Uryu Marshland.

This wetland looks quite challenging. It's wild and far from easy to access. But perhaps that's what nature is really like.

The higher the hurdle, the greater the joy you'll experience.

The celestial realm at the northwestern edge of Sorachi may not accept everyone.
However, it is a world that you cannot reach unless you stretch out your hand, and it possesses a magnificence that will never disappoint your expectations.

An experience of returning to the wild in a remote, secluded area. I highly recommend it this summer.

Information about Uryunuma Marsh
Please be sure to check the local conditions before actually visiting Uryunuma Marshland.
For more information,Uryu Town Tourism Association websiteUntil.

*The mountain is scheduled to open for the 2016 season on Saturday, June 18th. It is currently closed.
*The usual period for entering the mountain is from mid-to-late June to early-to-mid October.

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