Sarobetsu Wetland Peat Bog & Otonrui Coastal Wind Farm

Category: Subarctic Bogland & Horizon Highways | Location: Hokkaido

Sprawling across Hokkaido's windswept northwestern coastline facing the Sea of Japan south of Wakkanai, the Sarobetsu Wetland (Sarobetsu Genya) within Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park is Japan's largest high-moor peat bog situated right at sea level. Sustained by subarctic gales and frigid coastal temperatures, layers of sphagnum moss have accumulated over 6,000 years into deep peat bogs several meters thick. From the elevated one-kilometer circular boardwalk at the Sarobetsu Wetland Center, visitors gaze out upon an unblemished 360-degree flat horizon uninterrupted by a single utility pole or concrete structure. The botanical brilliance of Sarobetsu peaks from mid-June to mid-July, when millions of bright yellow native Ezo-kanzo daylilies ignite the bog in a dazzling golden display, intertwined with fluffy white plumes of Watasuge cotton grass and rare subarctic bog orchids. Looking across the marsh toward the sea, the perfect volcanic cone of Mount Rishiri ('Rishiri-Fuji', 1,721 meters) appears to float ethereally upon the Sea of Japan, forming one of the most evocative and celebrated wilderness panoramas in all of East Asia. Running parallel to the marsh along coastal Route 106 (the renowned Ororon Line) stands the striking Otonrui Wind Farm. Here, 28 colossal wind turbines soaring nearly 100 meters high are aligned in a flawless geometric straight line spanning 3.1 kilometers along the dune coastline, spinning in unison against relentless ocean gusts with no overhead power lines in sight. Travelers can round off their northern journey with a therapeutic soak in nearby Toyotomi Onsen, a world-famous natural hot spring infused with gentle petroleum oils uniquely beneficial for soothing skin ailments.