insights from frontier Japan

he Kushiro Wetland Nature Restoration Council has revised its ‘Canoeing Guidelines’ for enjoying the nature of the wetlands while canoeing down the Kushiro River. The guidelines provide information on areas where navigation is prohibited due to revetment work, and dangerous areas where there are frequent accidents, as well as re-emphasize consideration for nature.

On January 13, JR Hokkaido offered a test ride for "SL Fuyuno Shitsugen" (SL Winter Wetlands Train), which runs between Kushiro and Shibecha on the JR Senmo Line. JR Hokkaido hosted members of the press on passenger cars dubbed Tancho Cars that have been renovated and now feature an even better view from the windows.

At the Daisetsuzan Nature School, we provide environmental education for local children. We are putting together a list of 100 things that all kids in Hokkaido should experience. These experiences are not just fun outdoor activities, but also those we adults think would help develop an understanding of our environment. Understanding the environment and how our actions affect it, is key for us to live sustainably for generations to come.

Early in the morning, as the sky begins to turn white, the temperature at Lake Toro is almost 20 degrees below zero. The frozen lake surface looks like a field of pure white flowers. At first glance, the white specks look like snowflakes, but they are ‘frost flowers’ – the crystalized water vapor on the ice caused by radiative cooling. Almost the entire surface of Lake Toro has frozen over, and the white frost flowers grow as far as the eye can see.

JR Hokkaido’s special ‘Yuhi (sunset) Norokko’ sightseeing train operated for a limited three-day period from September 27–29, enabling passengers to enjoy the Kushiro Wetlands lit by the setting sun, from the windows of the train. The first day of services was blessed with fine weather as passengers photographed the wetlands, colored orange by the light.

‘Fuyu-no-Shitsugen-go’ (Winter Wetland train), the steam locomotive that exhales smoke and steam from its giant black body as it passes through the Kurshiro Wetland in eastern Hokkaido. The only steam locomotive in operation on a route in Hokkaido turned 80 years old last year, and continues to drive the steam locomotive culture that has continued for 140 years. JR Hokkaido has given the go-ahead for its continued service and from this summer will spend 400 million yen on totally refurbishing the locomotive and all five carriages.

JR Senmo Line's special sightseeing train "Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko" temporarily suspended service this season due to impact from the novel coronavirus pandemic. But on July 18 it operated its first round trip service 2 and a half months late, running between Kushiro Station (Kushiro City) and Toro Station (Shibecha town). Reserved seat tickets were reduced to about 40% compared to normal years, and coronavirus prevention measures were put in place.