This is a paradise for alpine plants, continuing to captivate many climbers.
Uryunuma Marsh, located on a plateau at an elevation of 850 meters, spans 4 kilometers from east to west and 2 kilometers from north to south. It is one of Japan’s premier alpine marshlands. The area is dotted with over 100 ponds called “chitō,” and in summer, numerous alpine plants bloom, creating a stunning display.
Uryunuma Marsh is located within the Shokanbetsu Teuri Yagishiri Quasi-National Park, in the northwest of Hokkaido, at the foot of Mt. Minami-Shokanbetsu-Dake. It is renowned as one of Japan’s foremost alpine plant habitats.
From Uryu Town, it takes approximately 50 minutes by car to reach the entrance gate of Mt. Minami-Shokanbetsu-Dake and Uryunuma Marsh. Unfortunately, there are no buses or public transportation options available.
At the gate, there is a park office and a mountain lodge. If you plan to climb Mt. Minami-Shokanbetsu-Dake early in the morning, which is a 7-hour round-trip hike, it’s advisable to stay at the mountain lodge. There is a climbing fee of 500 yen per person at the office to support environmental conservation efforts, and it is free for students below high school age.
To reach Uryunuma Marsh, it takes about 2 hours, followed by an additional 30 minutes to reach the observation hill from the marsh. From the observation hill, it’s another 1 hour and 15 minutes to the summit of Mt. Minami-Shokanbetsu-Dake.
From the summit of Mt. Minami-Shokanbetsu-Dake, you can also see Mt. Shokanbetsu-Dake in the distance, which is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes further away. Therefore, most hikers return to the starting point at the gate park after their exploration.
Cooperation Fee
Accommodation facilities (Minami-Shokanso Lodge and Campground) are free to use starting from the first year of Reiwa era. However, visitors aged 18 and above are required to pay a “Environmental Beautification and Facility Maintenance Cooperation Fee” of 500 yen per person at the management building. This fee is used for environmental beautification and facility maintenance for climbers.
Attention
- On weekends, the roads are very congested, so it’s essential to drive with utmost caution on narrow roads. Let’s make sure to drive safely to avoid accidents.
- In the wetlands, do not enter areas other than the boardwalks.
- Bears are known to appear, so be sure to bring bells, bear repellent spray, and other precautions. Also, aim to descend before sunset, as bears are more active in the evening. It’s advisable to carry a portable toilet as well.
The peak blooming periods for flowers
- June: Skunk Cabbage, Lady’s Slipper Orchid, Ezo Ryukinka, Japanese Burnet
- July: Ezo Kanzo, Marsh Helleborine, Hakkoda Lady’s Slipper, Cotton Grass
- August: White Hellebore, Ezo Rhododendron, Ezo Hawkweed, Sawa Lily
- September: Ezo Gentian
Link
Access
- 3 hours from Sapporo by car via Hokkaido Expressway.
- 3 hours 20 minutes from Sapporo by car.
- 50 minutes from Uryu town by car.
You need to submit a notification for mountain climbing at the office.
If you try to Mt.Minami-Shokanbetsu-Dake, you would stay here. 1,000 yen per night. It is very reasonable isn’t it.
At the entrance, you will see the trapezoid-shaped Mt. Maruyama, which stands at 853 meters, the same height as Uryunuma Marsh.
This is the first bridge, marking the beginning of your climb. The path here is still wide and easy to walk on.
The path will become narrow and rugged.
This is the Hakuryu-no-Taki fall.
When you reach the second bridge, you’ll be nearly halfway there.
From this point onward, the path becomes very steep.
You can enjoy a nice view while taking a break.
left:Mt.Minami-Shokanbetsu-Dake, right: Mt.Shokanbetsu-Dake.
Uryunuma Marsh, situated at an altitude of about 850 meters, is a true paradise.
