Located in Omachi City, Nagano Prefecture, the Omachi Municipal Mountain Museum is a place where you can learn about why mountains are here, what creatures live in them, and how people have interacted with them. About the Museum: The first floor features exhibits focusing on the relationship between people and mountains. There are many exhibits related to the equipment used by mountaineers of the past and mountain worship, making it especially enjoyable for mountaineers.

We visited the rice marsh in early spring. (Note: Due to damage caused by heavy rains in 2024, the area is currently closed to the public. For details, please see the Sakegawa Village Tourism Association website.) Exploring: First, the entrance. The area is becoming much more lush. As we approached the marsh, we came across a boardwalk. This boardwalk was once in use, but it has since collapsed due to aging. This is also a former boardwalk. It is gradually filling in...

I visited Nakamura Marsh in early spring. Despite it being Golden Week, there were no visitors. Exploring: At first glance, it looks bleak. Perhaps due to the melting snow, there seems to be a lot of water. Nothing seems to be growing in the marsh. Perhaps there are no flowers that bloom in early spring. The water level is so high that even the boardwalk is submerged. It would be difficult to walk without waterproof shoes. It's bleak. Something...

I visited Karimegi Marsh in Ugo Town, Ogachi District, Akita Prefecture. I parked my car and started exploring. Apparently, "Karimegi" is pronounced "Garimegi." It's quite an impressive name. At the entrance was a reservoir? A swamp? Cherry blossoms were blooming on its banks. I walked along a road still covered in snow. Perhaps due to meltwater, the water had become like a stream. The further I went, the deeper the snow became.

Karimegi Marsh is a low-lying marshland nestled among the mountains of Ugo Town, Ogachi District, Akita Prefecture. Its deep mountain location offers a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. Sixty-four species of native plants, including the endemic Garimegi Inunohiges, are known to inhabit the area, along with numerous insects such as dragonflies. Touring the Marsh: May: This is the time when skunk cabbage and anemone flowers can be seen. The marsh landscape remains dreary. https:...

In early summer, the river flows slowly and birds sing to each other at Okususobana Nature Park. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rogUgYPNBM...

At Okususobana Nature Park in early summer, you can enjoy the sounds of forest tree frogs. Many eggs were observed around the pond. Why not enjoy the forest tree frog season to the fullest? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_1lBC1xca0 Forest tree frog eggs laid on a tree.

I visited Fuyushi Marsh in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. When I visited in July 2021, the undergrowth was thick and horseflies were flying around, making it impossible to explore. This time, I was able to see a completely different landscape. Exploration Heading to Fuyushi Marsh. Apparently, there's also a place called "warabi no sato" (a village of bracken). It would be great to make tempura out of it. Apparently, they had recently been burning the bracken. The marsh...

I visited Shishigahana Marsh in Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture. I visited Shishigahana Marsh in July 2021 and remember being amazed by the tremendous amount of water flowing there, even in the middle of summer. This time, the snow had just melted, so I was looking forward to seeing what kind of scenery I would see. Exploring: The parking lot was relatively empty. I started my walk. Young Asian skunk cabbage flowers were blooming along the side of the road...

I visited the Katakinuma Marsh in Yurihonjo, Akita Prefecture. I'd previously visited in late July, but this was my first time visiting in early spring. The parking lot was quite spacious. I wonder when the main season is. Here's a glimpse of the Katakinuma Marsh. Despite its low-lying location, the ponds are visible, creating a wonderful atmosphere. If you shift your gaze slightly, you'll see a deep pond that seems to surround the marsh.