【Kamuy landscapes】
The deep forests and coastlines inhabited by wildlife. Introducing Hokkaido’s natural scenery that changes with the seasons
Special feature
【Kamuy landscapes】Tarumae Garo, cliffside covered in green moss
Moss carpets a sheer cliff wall several meters tall. The mountain stream flows gently. Tarumae Garo still retains its ancient ambiance today in the western part of Tomakomai City.
The geographical formation generated when rock or volcanic tuff has been eroded by a river is called Garo, and Tarumae Garo is a gorge that formed from ages of the Tarumae River carving away at sediment from Mt. Tarumae eruptions. Moss covers both the rockface and driftwood alike, and a pure mountain stream flows along the bottom of this wall of green.
Natural woodland still remains around Tarumae Garo, and broadleaf tree leaves extend out to shroud the cliff. The light here is mainly restricted to sunbeams filtered through the trees, making it difficult for direct sunlight to pierce through. This is the perfect environment for moss growth. The period of time from now up through early summer is the most beautiful season to view this area.
Currently there is a risk of bedrock cave-in, meaning visitors cannot go down to the riverbed area. But even gazing at this scenery from the bridge above is enough to soothe your soul.
(Words and photo: Shigeru Tadanobu)
Location
Tarumae Garo
Special feature
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【Kamuy landscapes】 Beautiful forest shadows created by yellow larch leaves and oblique light
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