About
In the northern reaches of Japan's Hokkaido island, where the land meets the sea in a harmonious embrace, lies a place of serene beauty and quiet wonder. Here, the landscape unfolds in a tapestry of lush greenery, rolling hills, and the gentle undulations of the Sarobetsu Wetland, a sanctuary of life and color.
As dawn breaks, the first light of day casts a golden hue over the expansive marshlands. The Sarobetsu Wetland, part of the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, awakens with a symphony of sounds. Birds of myriad species take to the sky, their calls echoing across the open expanse. Among them, the graceful dance of the Japanese crane, or tancho, is a sight to behold—a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture.
The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers. In early summer, the wetland becomes a vibrant canvas painted with the yellow hues of daylilies, known locally as ezokanzo. These blossoms, swaying gently in the breeze, have long been celebrated in local folklore, believed to be the tears of a celestial maiden who descended to the earth.
Beyond the wetland, the land rises gently into rolling pastures where dairy cows graze contentedly. This region is renowned for its dairy farming, producing rich, creamy milk that is the pride of the local community. The milk, often referred to as "Toyotomi Milk," is cherished for its purity and flavor, a testament to the pristine environment in which it is produced.
Nestled within this pastoral setting is the Toyotomi Onsen, a hot spring with a unique character. Discovered in the early 20th century during oil exploration, the waters here are infused with natural oil, giving them a distinctive appearance and texture. Locals and visitors alike speak of the onsen's therapeutic properties, particularly for skin ailments. The onsen has become a place of healing and relaxation, where the warmth of the waters soothes both body and soul.
As the day wanes, the sky transforms into a canvas of fiery oranges and deep purples. The sun sets over the Sea of Japan, casting a shimmering path of light across the water. Fishermen return to the shore with their day's catch—salmon, flounder, and the prized hokki-gai (surf clams). These treasures of the sea are celebrated in local cuisine, with dishes that highlight the freshness and flavor of the ocean's bounty.
In the quiet of the evening, the land seems to hold its breath, enveloped in a tranquil stillness. The stars emerge, scattered across the night sky like diamonds on velvet. The Milky Way stretches overhead, a reminder of the vastness of the universe and the small yet significant place this land holds within it.
This corner of Hokkaido, with its harmonious blend of land, water, and sky, offers a glimpse into a world where nature and culture intertwine seamlessly. It is a place where the rhythms of the earth are honored and celebrated, inviting all who visit to pause, reflect, and find solace in its timeless beauty.