2023.2.23 Ochikura Nature Park - Heavy snowfall up to the waist -

Yashima Marsh in the early morningNext we headed to Ochikura Nature Park in Hakuba Village.

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▼The entrance had been thoroughly cleared of snow.

There is also parking space for about two cars.

The toilets were closed in winter.

▼The amount of snow from the entrance is enormous, and you have to step over blocks of snow just to get in.

We'll enter from here.

▼There was no sign of anyone having entered recently.

▼The whole landscape is covered in snow.

▼At the beginning, it's only a little buried, but as you go along it gets deeper and deeper.

I think this would be difficult without hiking boots and gaiters.

▼After making our way through, we arrived at the marshland area.

I can roughly tell where the boardwalk is.

There is barely a path visible, so unless you've been there in the summer it will be difficult to get in.

▼While there was a huge amount of snow overall, there were some areas where the snow had melted.

How sunny is it?

Or maybe skunk cabbage?

▼We make our way along the boardwalk, covered with a large amount of snow.

The amount of snow on the boardwalk and the marshland is almost the same, so

▼Even in this condition, some parts have already thawed and the skunk cabbage is peeking out.

▼The skunk cabbage has a heat-generating mechanism that allows it to emerge early and bloom even in the snow.

This is an amazing plant that specializes in getting ahead and staying ahead in snowy environments.

▼At first glance, it's hard to tell where it is on the ground.

▼It's a beautiful landscape.

▼Look at these insects moving on the snow!

How do they maintain their body temperature?

▼Your feet will be buried securely.

▼We have arrived at the Asian skunk cabbage area.

▼The Asian skunk cabbage is also making an appearance.

Surprisingly, there is little snow in this area.

▼The bear looks like it's still sleeping.

▼Eyes are popping out one after another.

▼The water god is also under the snow!

▼We have arrived at the shrine.

▼There was quite a lot of snow.

▼Finally, pass through the torii gate to finish!

▼For lunch, I had soba noodles at Tonegawa Soba Restaurant.

▼There was a kotatsu inside, which was great for cooling down my cold body!

▼The self-service oden is also great.

▼The fried dumplings are also delicious, so be sure to try them!

▼Both the soba and tempura were amazing!

Overview of Marshland Information

summary

Lined up at Kannon-numa in winterDespite the amount of snow, I was amazed at the plants that managed to push aside the snow and pop up.

Gators and other creatures are a must, but it was also interesting because it was a time when you could really appreciate the amazing creatures that live in specialized environments.

Surrounding marshes

Enjoy the four seasons at Ochikura Nature Park