mizubasyou mizubasyou
Tsugaike Natural Park
1 , Tsugaike Natural Park is highland swamp
located in the Japan Alps National Park.
2, It is about 1900 meters above sea level
and 100 hectares in size. There are some
walking tracks ( the longest is 5.5 km and
takes about 3.5 hours )
3, You can view the breathtaking scenery
of Hakuba's three mountains etched against
the sky. If you would like to go on to higher
vantages, you can climb on to Mt. Hakuba,
Hakuba Ooike Pond, Kazefuki Ooike Pond etc.
4, 15 registered volunteer "goodwill
guides" patrol, study, preserve, guide
and inform visitors about the area. If you
meet one of them, don't hesitate to ask any
questions you may have.
5, You can get there by taking the gondola
lift (20 min) and then change to the rope-way
(6 min.). It was possible to go by car but
this has been restricted lately to help conserve
the natural environment. The rope-way cable
is 1200 m long and can support 71 passengers.
6, Sewerage is taken down to the treatment
plant by helicopter to help preserve the
natural wild state.
7, Even in early June there is a lot of snow
remaining. As the snow melts the Mizubasyo
(Skunk cabbage) shows it's face( mid of June
is the peak). After the snow has melted,
many kinds of alpine flora bloom one after
another until October (ex. Ryuukinnka, Umebatisou
, Watasuge, Tateyama-rindou, Nikko -kissed,
Hakusan-kozakura, Tingaruma etc.)
8. The Mizubasyo festival is held every mid
June. You can enjoy Mochituki (Rice cake
making) and taste bamboo miso soup .
9, From September to October the leaves are
a dazzling gold (Dakekannba) and crimson
(Nanakamado) . The transition of greenery
to autumn foliage and snow on the mountainside
is spectacular. It is called "Sandan
Kouyou" (three levels of autumn colors)
10, At the Visitors center, you can see a
topographical model and some specimens from
the area. You can also enjoy video programs
of alpine flora and life in the lecture room.