Toyotomi: Raised Bog, Birdlife and Winter

Toyotomi offers two distinct travel interests: the Sarobetsu Wetland, with its bog, birdlife and plant life, and winter sports at the Toyotomi Onsen Ski Area. You can explore the natural environment through exhibitions, a boardwalk and guided activities; the ski area has a lift and floodlighting. To plan your trip, it helps to start by deciding what you want to focus on: would you rather spend your time observing nature or taking part in winter sports?

Sarobetsu: Raised Bog and Birdlife

The Sarobetsu Wetland is a lowland raised bog and the largest of its kind in Japan. It is part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park and was designated a Ramsar site in 2005. It serves different functions for birds: it is a stopover site for the Greater White-fronted Goose and a breeding area for the Red-crowned Crane. The term “lowland raised bog” describes the type of bog; its status as part of a national park and its Ramsar designation refer to additional forms of protected-area recognition. Its size sets it apart nationally, while its importance to these two bird species shows the wetland’s role for specific wildlife.

Exhibitions, Boardwalk and Guided Nature Activities

At the Sarobetsu Wetland Center, exhibitions focus on more than 100 different species of flowers and wild birds found in the region. The exhibitions complement individual observations outdoors and present the plant and bird life as specific nature themes. A 1-kilometre boardwalk leads from the Center into the wetland. Along the way, you can observe birds and flowering plants. The stated length gives you a clear guide for planning, while the route lets you shift your attention between birdlife and blooms.

A certified nonprofit organization, together with the Sarobetsu Wetland Center, offers paid guided nature walks for small groups and larger bus tours. The program includes informative guided walks on the boardwalk as well as snowshoe hikes through wetlands and forests. Two differences can help you choose: the tour format, from small groups to larger bus tours, and the activity, from guided boardwalk walks to snowshoe hikes. Check whether the program is available before your trip if you would like to plan a guided tour.

Winter Sports and Choosing Accommodation

When looking for a holiday rental in Toyotomi, you can use your travel interests as a guide: Sarobetsu and its activities are relevant if you want to observe nature, while the ski area is relevant for winter sports. This makes it possible to choose Toyotomi based on specific activities rather than just a general image of a holiday. The municipality lists ski and snowboard lessons for children and for beginner, intermediate and very advanced skiers; ski-badge tests are also listed. Lesson and test dates may vary. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check the latest dates well before you travel.

Discover More Destinations

Akkeshi, Ashibetsu, Soyamisaki, Monbetsu District, Nemuro, Kamikawa, Chitose, Sorachi District

For the full travel overview: Hokkaido.