[spring][ Hokkaido Koshimizu Town]Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden: Spring alpine plant stroll
Koshimizu Flower Garden (Koshimizu-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido) attracts visitors with its beauty as alpine plants bloom in the spring. This flower garden, which spreads over about 8 kilometers of sand dunes, is located between the Sea of Okhotsk and Lake Tofutsu, and is characterized by a diverse group of plants that grow in a unique natural environment. In particular, in spring, the colorful flowers begin to bloom all at once with the melting snow, making Koshimizu Flower Garden a major tourist attraction. On a spring stroll, you can encounter plants unique to Hokkaido such as Corydalis ambiguis and Asian skunk cabbage, and you can also enjoy bird watching around Lake Tofutsu. Because it is protected as a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention, visitors are asked to be considerate of the environment, but it is a place where you can feel harmony with nature. For foreign tourists visiting this area, Koshimizu Flower Garden is a great spot to experience the ``natural beauty of spring in Japan.'' Tourists from overseas in particular will be highly satisfied with the opportunity to experience untouched nature, which is a little different from urban tourist destinations.
What is the charm of spring at Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden?
Koshimizu Flower Garden (Koshimizu-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido) attracts visitors with its beauty as alpine plants bloom in the spring. This flower garden, which spreads over about 8 kilometers of sand dunes, is located between the Sea of Okhotsk and Lake Tofutsu, and is characterized by a diverse group of plants that grow in a unique natural environment. In particular, in spring, the colorful flowers begin to bloom all at once with the melting snow, making Koshimizu Flower Garden a major tourist attraction. On a spring stroll, you can encounter plants unique to Hokkaido such as Corydalis ambiguis and Asian skunk cabbage, and you can also enjoy bird watching around Lake Tofutsu. Because it is protected as a wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention, visitors are asked to be considerate of the environment, but it is a place where you can feel harmony with nature. For foreign tourists visiting this area, Koshimizu Flower Garden is a great spot to experience the ``natural beauty of spring in Japan.'' Tourists from overseas in particular will be highly satisfied with the opportunity to experience untouched nature, which is a little different from urban tourist destinations.
Highlights of alpine plants blooming in spring
Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden is known for the diverse plants that are the product of its rich ecosystem. In spring, as the snow melts, alpine plants such as Corydalis ambigua, Adonis amaranth, and Dogtooth Violets bloom in full glory, spreading the entire flower field like a colorful carpet. These plants symbolize the strong vitality that has overcome the harsh winter, and they impress visitors. Corydalis ambigua is characterized by its vivid blue-purple flowers and is one of Hokkaido's representative spring flowers. The color of the flowers looks even more vivid, especially during the morning sun, and you can enjoy a photogenic landscape. In addition, in the wetlands near Lake Tofutsu, pure white Asian skunk cabbage blooms beautifully against the backdrop of the lake, delighting visitors' eyes. These plants are species that are commonly found in Japan, especially in Hokkaido, and are a rare sight for foreign tourists. There are also an increasing number of English guides explaining the names and characteristics of the flowers, so even visitors from overseas can enjoy a stroll with peace of mind.
Walking routes and access information for Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden
Walking in Koshimizu Primeval Flower Garden is designed to be enjoyed by beginners and experienced hikers alike. There are multiple walking routes in the garden, and you can choose according to the length and difficulty. The weather is especially mild in the spring, making it the perfect time to take your time and enjoy nature. The recommended route is the route around the observation deck that overlooks Lake Tofutsu. On this route, you can enjoy the contrast between the lake, the flower fields, and the Sea of Okhotsk. There are also rest areas and information boards along the route, so you can take your time enjoying the scenery along the way. Access is very convenient, about a 5-minute walk from JR Hamakoshimizu Station, the nearest station. In addition, there is a parking lot for those who use cars, and public transportation is also considered for foreign tourists who have difficulty using public transportation. In addition, the tourist information center in Koshimizu Town provides multilingual pamphlets and guide services, making it easy for foreign tourists to use.
[Outdoor Activities]Other recommended spots
Abashiri River Spring Canoe Experience
Hokkaido Abashiri City
From Abashiri Station, take the Abashiri Bus "Yobito Line" or "Memanbetsu Airport Line" and get off at "Abashirikoso-mae" bus stop, then walk for about 10 minutes.
Mt. Rausu Spring mountain climbing and spectacular views
Hokkaido Rausu Town
It is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport. It is about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport and Tancho Kushiro Airport.
Spring outdoor experiences on Mount Niseko Annupuri
Hokkaido Niseko Town
It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport via Otaru Station to Niseko Station. From Niseko Station you can take the Niseko bus.
Spring Cycling Experience in Furano and Biei
Hokkaido Furano City and Biei Town
Furano Station: JR Nemuro Line Biei Station: JR Furano Line ※There are bicycle rental shops around each station.
Shiretoko Five Lakes Spring Trekking Experience
Hokkaido Shari Town
From JR Shiretoko-Shari Station, take the Shiretoko Line of Shari Bus for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Cycling along the lake at Onuma Park
Hokkaido Nanae Town
About 5 minutes walk from Onuma Koen Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line.
Jozankei Spring River Rafting and Hiking Experience
Hokkaido Sapporo City
From JR Sapporo Station, take the Jotetsu bus (approx. 70-80 minutes)
Lake Mashu: A spring stroll around the mysterious lake
Hokkaido Teshikaga Town
It takes about 20 minutes by bus from JR Senmo Main Line "Mashu Station" to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck. It takes about 40 minutes by bus from JR Senmo Main Line "Kawayu Onsen Station" to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck.
Lake Toya Spring Walking Experience
Hokkaido Toyako Town
Take a Dounan bus from JR Muroran Main Line "Toya Station" for about 20 minutes and get off at "Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal".