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北海道・遠軽町でしか出会えない奇跡の物語 北海道の右上に位置するオホーツク地方の内陸に広がる遠軽町（えんがるちょう）。 ここは“日本最古の国宝”である石器の原料となった黒曜石が眠る場所であり、北海道で唯一「国宝」と「ジオパーク」が交差する特別な町です。 かつて3町1村（遠軽町・白滝村・丸瀬布町・生田原町）が合併して誕生した遠軽町は、花と森、鉄道と温泉、そして悠久の歴史が息づく旅の舞台。エゾシカやキタキツネが駆け抜ける大地で、太古のロマンと自然の息吹を同時に体感することができます。 この記事では、「黒曜石とは？」「ジオパークとは？」といった遠軽町ならではの情報や、地元民が愛する観光スポットや温泉、グルメまで、遠軽町の魅力をぎゅっと詰め込んでご紹介します。読み終わった後には、もう遠軽町行きの旅のイメージが頭の中に広がっているかもしれません。 国宝に指定された白滝の黒曜石の石器群 北海道遠軽町白滝地域といえば、日本最古の国宝「北海道白滝遺跡群出土品（黒曜石の石器群）」を有することで知られています。 北海道で国宝に指定されているのは、函館市の「中空土偶（ちゅうくうどぐう）」とこの白滝の石器群の二つのみ。その希少さは、遠軽町が誇る大きな文化的価値を物語っています。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 出土した石器は縄文時代よりも古い旧石器時代、約3万年前～1万2千年前に作られたものです。黒曜石を巧みに加工して鋭い刃物や狩猟道具を作り出したことは、当時の人々が高度な技術と知恵を備えていた証拠です。これらの石器は単なる道具ではなく、人類の創造性を示す貴重な文化遺産として、今も私たちに古代の息吹を伝えています。 黒曜石とは ？古代人を魅了した“火山のガラス” 黒曜石（こくようせき）は、火山から噴き出したマグマが急速に冷えてできる天然のガラスです。割れると断面がナイフのように鋭くなるため、古代の人々にとっては理想的な道具の素材でした。 写真：黒曜石の矢じり 白滝産の黒曜石は特に質が高く、漆黒の輝きと透明感のある美しさが特徴です。旧石器時代にはナイフや矢じりに加工され、北海道だけでなく本州や樺太にまで運ばれていたことが考古学的に確認されています。白滝が古代の広域交易ネットワークを支える拠点であったことを物語る証拠です。 現代においても、その美しさは人々を魅了し続けています。遠軽町の「白滝ジオパーク交流センター」では黒曜石の常設展示があり、黒曜石を間近で観察でき、光を透かすとガラスのように輝く神秘的な姿を楽しむことができます。まさに、黒曜石は、単なる石ではなく、大地が生んだ宝石ともいえる存在なのです。 北海道遠軽町の大自然と悠久の歴史を学べる 「白滝ジオパーク交流センター」 2010年、日本ジオパークネットワークに認定された「白滝ジオパーク」。 ジオパークとは、大地がどのようにしてできたのかや、そこで育まれてきた人の暮らしを楽しく学べる“屋外の博物館”のような場所です。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 その拠点となるのが「白滝ジオパーク交流センター」。館内には白滝地域で採れる黒曜石の魅力や、火山活動によって生まれた大地の成り立ちを紹介する展示が並びます。黒曜石がマグマからどのように生まれるのか、また旧石器時代の人々がどのように道具に加工していたのかを、映像や模型を通して分かりやすく体感できます。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 定期的に開催されるジオツアーでは、専門ガイドと一緒に実際のジオサイトを巡り、地球の壮大な営みを間近で観察することができるため、ジオサイトに訪れる方にはおすすめのツアーです。 黒曜石の原産地である赤石山への登山ツアーも人気です。 「白滝ジオパーク交流センター」施設情報 住所：〒099-0111 北海道紋別郡遠軽町白滝138-1 利用時間：9:00～17:00（最終入館16:30） 休館日：年末年始 料金：無料 アクセス：JR白滝駅から徒歩約15分、車では白滝ICから約5分 公式サイト：白滝ジオパーク交流センター 国宝に指定された白滝の黒曜石の石器群が展示されている「遠軽町埋蔵文化財センター」 「北海道白滝遺跡群出土品」は、旧石器時代初の国宝として令和5年（2023年）6月27日に指定されました。 その数1,965点で、石器1,514点、接合資料451組が一括国宝に指定されています。 これらは国内の旧石器時代遺跡出土遺物の中でも内容・質量ともに群を抜いており、世界的にも貴重な出土品です。 「遠軽町埋蔵文化財センター」では、展示されている国宝「北海道白滝遺跡群出土品」を見学できるほか、石器加工の過程を学べます。黒曜石の石器づくりなど体験メニューも充実しています。 「遠軽町埋蔵文化財センター」施設情報 住所：099-0111 北海道紋別郡遠軽町白滝138-1 白滝ジオパーク交流センター2階 利用時間：9:00～17:00（最終入場） 休館日：年末年始 料金：一般:320円（団体:260円）　高校生以下:160円（団体:130円） ※体験利用の場合は、別途体験学習料がかかります。一般:110円、高校生以下（未就学児含む）:60円 アクセス：JR白滝駅から徒歩15分、車では白滝ICから約5分 公式サイト：白滝ジオパーク交流センター 大地の物語を辿るジオサイトめぐり 白滝ジオパークには、「ジオサイト」と呼ばれる見どころがいくつもあります。ジオサイトとは、大地がつくった景色や岩石、そこから生まれた人々の歴史を体感できる場所のこと。滝や断崖、黒曜石の露頭（岩肌）、高原の絶景など、自然が語る物語に出会えるスポットです。 白滝のジオサイトは、ただ景色を眺めるだけでなく、「この岩はどうやってできたのか」「古代の人々はどんな暮らしをしていたのか」と感じられるスポットがたくさん。ぜひたくさん訪れて想像を広げてみてください。 ■ 八号沢露頭（黒曜石の露頭） 白滝地域を代表するジオサイトで、世界最大級の黒曜石産地を象徴する場所です。高さ15m以上の岩壁には黒曜石溶岩の層がはっきりと刻まれ、約200万年前の火山活動の痕跡を目にすることができます。旧石器時代にはここで黒曜石が採掘され、ナイフや矢じりに加工されて生活の道具として広く利用されていました。現場を訪れると「人類と大地のつながり」が一目で理解でき、考古学ファンだけでなく自然愛好家にも感動を与えるスポットです。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 住所：〒099-0126 北海道紋別郡遠軽町白滝奥白滝 見学方法：国有林内にあるため自由散策は出来ず、「白滝ジオパーク推進協議会」主催のツアーに参加する必要が有ります。 Googleマップ ■ 赤石山山頂 赤石山山頂は道の表面に大小の黒曜石が散りばめられ、太陽の光を受けてキラキラと輝きます。その様子はまるで夜空に広がる銀河のよう。光の角度によって色味や輝きが変わり、歩くたびに違った表情を楽しめます。地質学的にも珍しい光景であり、赤石山山頂コースのツアーは毎回人気があります。 見学方法：国有林内にあるため自由散策は出来ず、「白滝ジオパーク推進協議会」主催のツアーに参加する必要が有ります。Googleマップ ■ 瞰望岩（インカルシ） 地上から約78メートルにそびえる瞰望岩（がんぼういわ）は、アイヌ語で「インカルシ」、見晴らしの良いところという意味です。 えんがるの町名はこの言葉に由来するほど、瞰望岩は町のシンボル的な存在で、町のあらゆる所から望むことができ、その場所ごとに表情が変わります。 アイヌの人々の古戦場となったドラマチックな伝説もあります。登り口から頂まで登ってもわずか数分、素晴らしい眺望が広がり、北海道自然百選にも選ばれました。 また、瞰望岩は、平成23年2月7日に、国指定名勝「ピリカノカ」の構成資産として、オホーツク管内で初めて指定されました。 名勝「ピリカノカ」（アイヌ語で美しい・形）とは、アイヌの物語や伝承、祈りの場、言語に彩られた、道内の良好な自然の風致景観を持つ優秀な景勝地をあらわす統一名称です。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 住所：北海道紋別郡遠軽町西町1丁目 アクセス：JR遠軽駅から車で約5分Googleマップ ■ 天狗平展望地 ”火砕流”と呼ばれる火山の噴火現象が生み出したなだらかな草原です。 背後には、北大雪を代表する火山である天狗岳や平山が位置しており、雄大な景色を見ることができます。早朝には雲海が広がることがあり、幻想的な光景を楽しむことができます。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 住所：北海道紋別郡遠軽町白滝天狗平 アクセス：道の駅「しらたき」から車で約5分 Googleマップ ■ 太平高原 ぐるっと360度の大パノラマが広がる高原で、日中の景観はもちろん、お勧めは遮るものも、余計な明かりも無い夏の星空です。 満天の星空には短時間にいくつもの星が現れ、幻想的な気分に浸ることができます。恋人たちに、ぜひ訪れてほしいお勧めスポットです。 5月下旬から10月上旬まで、牧草ロールが点々とする時期もあります。 「大平ジオパークロード」として「ほっかいどう100の道」にも選定されています。 住所：北海道紋別郡遠軽町丸瀬布大平 アクセス：丸瀬布ICより約40分 ■ 山彦の滝 高さ約28mの滝で、特徴は滝の裏側からも水の流れを見られること。別名「裏見の滝」として親しまれています。春から夏にかけては新緑に映える清涼な水しぶきを楽しめ、秋には紅葉と滝のコントラストが美しい景観を作ります。冬には滝が完全に凍結し、氷のカーテンのような幻想的な風景に。四季折々に違った魅力を見せるため、何度訪れても飽きないスポットです。 写真：北海道遠軽町・山彦の滝 住所：北海道紋別郡遠軽町丸瀬布上武利 冬季は滝の駐車場の2キロメートル手前のゲートで車両通行止めになります。 1月から3月には「山彦の滝ナイトツアー（ライトアップ）」や日中の「山彦の滝観察会」を開催しており、その際は一時解除しています。 Googleマップ ■ 武利風穴 夏でも冷たい風が吹き出す不思議な地形。地中にたまった冷気が隙間から吹き出すことで、周辺は真夏でもひんやりとしています。この特殊な環境のおかげで高山植物が自生しており、まるで「天然の冷蔵庫」。自然がつくり出す小さな奇跡を体感できる場所です。真夏の避暑スポットとして訪れるのもおすすめ。 場所：遠軽町丸瀬布地区 Googleマップ 遠軽町観光スポット｜4地域の魅力的な見どころ 白滝ジオパークで大地の歴史に触れたあとは、遠軽町の各地域にも足を延ばしてみましょう。遠軽・白滝・丸瀬布・生田原の4つのエリアには、それぞれに個性あふれる観光スポットが点在しています。地元観光協会や旅行サイトで人気の名所を中心に、自然の絶景から文化体験まで、遠軽町ならではの魅力をご紹介します。旅の計画にぜひ役立ててください。 ■■■ 遠軽地域｜花と自然の絶景スポット 町の中心エリアでありながら、豊かな自然と四季の花々が彩るのが遠軽地域。日本最大級のコスモス園や、新しい道の駅など「遠軽らしさ」を象徴する見どころが集まっています。 ■ コスモス園 遠軽観光の代名詞といえば、太陽の丘えんがる公園のコスモス園です。 日本最大級の規模を誇る10ヘクタールの広大な敷地に咲き誇る約1,000万本のコスモスは、8月下旬から9月下旬にかけて見頃を迎え、まさに「花の絨毯」と呼ぶにふさわしい絶景を作り出します。 園内には約20種類のコスモスが植栽されており、ピンク、白、オレンジと色とりどりの花々が風に揺れる様子は、まるで自然が描いた美しい絵画のようです。 花摘み体験が家族連れに人気の他、SNS映え抜群の写真スポットとしても人気で、特に夕日に照らされるコスモス畑は格別の美しさをご堪能いただけます。 園内の展望台からは、コスモス畑を一望していただけるだけでなく、遠くに連なる山々まで見渡せる大パノラマをお楽しみいただけます。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 ■ 太陽の丘えんがる公園 太陽の丘えんがる公園は、65haの広大な都市公園で、春から秋まで四季折々の花を楽しめます。 公園内にある「芝ざくら公園」は、5月中旬～下旬にかけて『芝ざくら』を見ることができます。丘一面ピンクの絨毯のように美しい景色が広がります。 また、『芝ざくら』の咲き始めは「エゾヤマザクラ」、見頃の時期には「チューリップ」とのコラボをご覧になることが出来ます。 ・施設情報 住所：〒099-0407 北海道紋別郡遠軽町丸大70-1 料金：大人600円、小学生300円（コスモス開花時期のみ） 営業時間：9:00〜17:00） 開園期間:4月下旬〜10月上旬 太陽の丘えんがる公園（コスモス園 ）公式サイト ■ 道の駅「遠軽森のオホーツク」｜アクティビティが豊富で遊びいっぱいの道の駅 令和元年12月にオープンした、北海道初のスキー場を併設した道の駅として注目を集めています。 旭川とオホーツク圏を結ぶ旭川紋別自動車道の遠軽ICに隣接し、まさにオホーツクの玄関口としての役割を果たしています。 春～秋には日本最大の傾斜角度25%のジップラインや、ツリートレッキングなどのアクティビティをお楽しみいただけ、木の上のワイヤーやはしごを渡って木から木への空中散歩を楽しむツリートレッキングは全長約400ｍ、29のアトラクションを巡ります。 冬はスキーをお楽しみいただける通年型の観光拠点となっています。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 高濃度人工炭酸泉「森のオホーツク足湯」も人気があります。 施設内のレストランでは、地元産のアスパラや白滝じゃがを使用したメニューを楽しめます。 特に人気なのが、黒曜石をイメージした黒色の「ジオカレー」。 黒曜石のような深い黒のカレーに、黒曜石に見立てたお肉がゴロゴロと入っていてインパクト大です。 ・施設情報 住所：〒099-0344 北海道紋別郡遠軽町野上150-1 営業時間：9:00〜18:00 定休日：なし 道の駅遠軽 森のオホーツク 公式サイト ■■■ 丸瀬布地域｜森林鉄道と昆虫の楽園 自然あふれる森の中で、北海道唯一の森林鉄道や昆虫の展示に出会えるエリア。大人も子どもも一緒に楽しめる体験型スポットがそろい、ファミリー旅行にぴったりです。 ■ 丸瀬布森林公園いこいの森｜雨宮21号乗車体験 丸瀬布森林公園いこいの森は、北海道唯一の森林鉄道が運行している貴重なスポットです。 「雨宮21号」の愛称で親しまれる蒸気機関車は、大正時代に製造された本物の森林鉄道車両。 いこいの森園内に敷設された2キロメートルの森林鉄道の旅では、豊かな森の中をゆっくりと進みながら、鉄道ファンならずとも心躍る特別な体験をしていただけます。 車窓からは四季折々の自然美をお楽しみいただけ、特に紅葉シーズンの美しさは格別です。 また、昆虫生態館での珍しい昆虫観察、キャンプ場での自然体験など、お子さまから大人の方まで楽しんでいただけるので、家族連れにおすすめの観光スポットとなっています。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 ・施設情報 住所：〒099-0213 北海道紋別郡遠軽町丸瀬布上武利80 開園期間：4月29日～10月下旬 遠軽町 公式サイト「丸瀬布森林公園いこいの森」 ・蒸気機関車「雨宮21号」 同園内で運行。4月下旬～10月下旬※運行日は公式サイトでご確認下さい。 料金：大人800円、4歳以上400円 公式サイト：遠軽町　北海道遺産　森林鉄道蒸気機関車　雨宮２１号 ■ 丸瀬布昆虫生態館｜哀川翔氏から贈られた昆虫を展示 季節を問わず生きた昆虫を生態展示している虫の博物館。 １年を通して南国の蝶が優雅に飛び交っている「蝶の広場」や外国の生きたカブトムシやクワガタムシが見れる「エントランスホール」など見どころいっぱい。 特に人気なのが、世界最大のカブトムシ「ヘラクレスオオカブト」。 また、哀川翔氏から贈られた昆虫を展示している「アニキの森」では、「アクティオンゾウカブト」や、世界で一番美しい「ニジイロクワガタ」を鑑賞できます。 お子様はもちろん、大人の方も夢中になる充実の展示内容となっています。 写真：ヘラクレスオオカブト ・施設情報 住所：〒099-0213北海道紋別郡遠軽町丸瀬布上武利68 定休日：火曜日、年末年始 遠軽町 公式サイト「丸瀬布昆虫生態館」 ■■■ 生田原地域｜体験型ミュージアムと芸術の世界 木のおもちゃや影絵など、文化やアートに触れられるのが生田原地域。のんびり過ごしながら、創造性を刺激する体験や芸術鑑賞が楽しめます。 ■ ちゃちゃワールド｜夢いっぱいのおもちゃと影絵の世界 世界約40カ国の木のおもちゃを集めたミュージアム。 からくりおもちゃ・あやつりおもちゃ・くるみ割り人形など大小１万点もの木のおもちゃを展示・収蔵しています。 からくりおもちゃ、積み木コーナー、積木パズル「キュボロコーナー」や「カプラコーナー」など、おもちゃを手にとって遊べる場所もいっぱい。子どもはもちろん大人も童心にかえって楽しめます。 また、木のおもちゃ作りを体験していただける木工房「ゼベット」では、自然木を使った自分だけのおもちゃを作ることが出来ます。 写真：北海道遠軽町・ちゃちゃワールド ・施設情報 住所：〒099-0701 北海道紋別郡遠軽町生田原143-4 営業時間： 4月～10月　9:30～18:00 11月～3月　10:00～17:00 休館日： 4月～10月　無休 11月～3月　月曜日（祝日の場合翌日休館） 年末年始 木工房「ゼペット」は、月曜日・木曜日休業 ちゃちゃワールド ■ 藤城誠治コロポックル影絵美術館｜幻想的な影絵の世界 日本を代表する影絵作家、藤城清治氏の作品を常設展示する藤城誠治コロポックル影絵美術館では、光と影が織りなす幻想的な世界をご堪能いただけます。 エレベーターホールの壁一面を利用した、高さ9ｍ・幅18ｍの世界最大級の影絵「光彩陸離（こうさいりくり）」 など30作品が鑑賞できます。 ※館内は撮影禁止のため、実際に足をお運びいただき、目に焼き付けていただければと思います。 ・施設情報 住所：〒099-0701 北海道紋別郡遠軽町生田原143-4（ちゃちゃワールド併設） 遠軽町の地元民がおすすめする隠れた観光スポット 観光ガイドに載る有名スポットもいいけれど、「知る人ぞ知る」遠軽町の魅力に触れてみるのもおすすめです。 のんびり牛が草を食む北海道らしい牧場風景、鉄道ファンが憧れるスイッチバック駅、さらには自衛隊の町ならではのイベントまで。ちょっとディープでユニークな体験は、旅の思い出をぐっと特別なものにしてくれるはずです。 ■ 見晴牧場｜北海道らしい牧歌的風景 遠軽町郊外に広がる見晴牧場では、放牧された牛たちがのんびりと草を食む、いかにも北海道らしい牧歌的な風景をお楽しみいただけます。 特に夏季には、一面の緑と青空のコントラストが美しく、都市部では味わえない開放感を満喫していただけます。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 ■ 遠軽駅｜鉄道ファンを魅了するスイッチバック JR石北本線の遠軽駅は、鉄道ファンにとって特別な駅です。 ここは日本でも珍しいスイッチバック駅として知られ、列車が一度バックしてから進行方向を変える珍しい光景をご覧いただけます。 駅のホームからは、この貴重な鉄道技術を間近でご覧いただけるため、全国から鉄道ファンが訪れる名所となっています。 写真：JR石北本線の遠軽駅 ■ 自衛隊の町としての一面 遠軽町は陸上自衛隊遠軽駐屯地を有する「自衛隊の町」でもあります。 毎年8月に開催される駐屯地祭では、装備品の展示や模擬戦闘訓練の公開など、普段はご覧いただけない自衛隊の活動を間近で見学していただけます。 地域住民と自衛隊員の交流も盛んで、町全体が一体となって隊員たちを支える温かい雰囲気が印象的です。 遠軽町グルメと特産品｜大地の恵みを味わう 旅の楽しみといえば、その土地ならではのグルメ。 遠軽町には、雄大な自然と歴史を背景に生まれた個性豊かな食文化があります。町の象徴・黒曜石をユニークに表現したご当地グルメから、豊かな火山灰土壌が育む甘みのある「白滝じゃが」、そして春と夏に旬を迎えるジューシーなアスパラガスまで。どれも一口食べれば遠軽の大地を感じられる、自慢の味わいです。 観光とあわせて、ぜひ遠軽ならではの食の魅力も堪能してみてください。 ■ 黒曜石をモチーフにしたグルメ 遠軽町では、町の象徴である黒曜石をモチーフにした独創的なランチやグルメが数多く開発されています。 一番人気は道の駅「遠軽森のオホーツク」で味わえる「黒いカレー」。 黒曜石のような深い黒のカレーに、黒曜石に見立てたお肉がゴロゴロと入っていてインパクト大です。 ■ 白滝じゃが｜甘みと食感が自慢のブランドじゃがいも 白滝地域で栽培される「白滝じゃが」は、寒暖差の大きい気候と火山灰土壌という生育環境が、高品質で自然な甘みを生み出しています。 特に「男爵」「メークイン」「きたあかり」の3品種が有名で、ホクホクとした食感が特徴となっています。 毎年10月頃には、町内飲食店が「白滝じゃが」を使用しオリジナル料理を提供する「えんがぁる愛欲フェア」が 開催されています。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 ■ 遠軽町のアスパラ｜春の訪れを告げる緑の恵み 遠軽町の春～夏を代表する味覚がアスパラガスです。 雪解け水と豊富な日照時間に恵まれて育つアスパラは、太くてみずみずしく、甘みが強いのが特徴。 「遠軽にょっきーず」というブランド名で知られ、春採りだけでなく、夏採りも人気があり、特に夏採りは「木漏れ日アスパラ」とも呼ばれています。遠軽町は、春と夏に二度アスパラガスの旬を迎えるのが特徴です。 毎年7月～8月にかけて、町内飲食店が「夏採りアスパラ」を使用しオリジナル料理を提供する「匠の夏採りアスパラフェア」が開催されています。 遠軽町イベントカレンダー｜四季を彩る祭りと催し 遠軽町では、季節ごとに地域の魅力を存分に味わえるイベントが開催されています。 夏の夜空を彩る花火や、秋に咲き誇るコスモスと音楽の祭典など、自然の美しさと人々の活気が融合する特別なひととき。地元ならではの温かな雰囲気に包まれながら、旅の思い出をより華やかに彩ってくれます。 ■ 太陽の丘コスモスフェスタ 9月第一日曜日には、コスモスの見頃に合わせたコスモス園を舞台に盛大なイベント「コスモスフェスタ」が開催されます。花を愛でながら様々なステージショーが楽しめます。 2月14日はバレンタインデー、3月14日はホワイトデーというのはみなさんご存知とは思いますが、ホワイトデーから半年後の9月14日は『コスモスの日』です。この特別な日に満開に咲かせるため、毎年コスモスの播種（はしゅ）を行っています。 ■ 遠軽がんぼう夏まつり 7月に開催される遠軽町の夏の風物詩。音楽パレートや千人踊りなど各種催し物が繰り広げられます。 地元グルメの屋台も多数出店し、町の熱気を肌で感じることができる貴重な機会です。 画像出典 :えんがる町観光協会 遠軽町の宿泊と温泉｜疲れを癒す極上のひととき 遠軽町にはマウレ山荘やノースキングのほか、地域ごとに特色ある温泉施設が点在しています。いずれもアルカリ性単純泉が多く、美肌の湯として人気。観光やアクティビティで疲れた体を癒し、旅の充実度をさらに高めてくれます。 ■ 森のリゾートで過ごす「丸瀬布温泉 マウレ山荘」 北海道・遠軽町の丸瀬布の森の中に佇む、三角屋根に真っ白な壁が印象的なリゾートホテルです。温泉は湯冷めしにくく肌がなめらかになるアルカリ性単純泉です。 「エゾ・モダン」をコンセプトにした、木のぬくもりが感じられる落ち着いた雰囲気の客室やラウンジのほか、多彩な書籍が並ぶライブラリーなど心地よいくつろぎの空間が広がっています。 宿泊プランは多様で、和・洋室のほか、温泉付き特別室など6タイプ25室からお選びいただけます。近くの林の中にフィンランド産パイン材を使用した温泉付きコテージが3棟あります。コテージでは源泉かけ流しの温泉で、気軽に別荘気分を味わえます。 季節の地元食材を使った和洋折衷のコース料理をお楽しみいただけます。新鮮な刺身やオホーツク近郊の牛肉を使用した肉料理、手打ち蕎麦など手の込んだ多彩なお料理の品々が提供され、北海道の恵みを存分に堪能できます。 ■ 日帰り温泉「ポッケの湯」 2019年9月、日帰り温泉「ポッケの湯」がオープン。泉質は湯冷めしにくく、つるつるのお湯が美肌の湯として評判のアルカリ性単純泉です。 特に注目すべきは、道内でも珍しい薪式のフィンランドサウナも楽しめることです。本格的なサウナ体験ができる施設として、遠方からの来訪者も多い人気スポットです。 ■ 自然に包まれて泊まる「丸瀬布森林公園いこいの森キャンプ場」 オートサイトやバンガロー、フリーサイトが完備され、川遊びや森林散策と組み合わせてお楽しみいただけます。 ご家族連れからソロキャンプまで幅広くご利用いただいております。 満天の星空の下で焚き火を囲み、翌朝は新鮮な空気と鳥のさえずりで目覚める—遠軽のキャンプ体験は、ホテルや温泉とはまた違った贅沢な宿泊スタイルをご提供しています。 地域ごとの特色ある宿泊施設 遠軽駅周辺の宿泊施設 駅から徒歩圏内に複数のホテルがあり、観光やビジネスの拠点に便利。公共交通機関を利用する旅行者に最適です。 白滝地域「まきば北海道 タロちゃん家」 ペット同伴可の一棟貸し宿泊施設。広々としたドッグランやサウナがあり、乗馬体験もできる珍しい施設です。 愛犬と一緒に北海道旅行を楽しみたい愛犬家やファミリーに人気の宿です。 生田原地域「生田原温泉ホテルノースキング」 源泉かけ流しの温泉を備えた宿泊施設。日帰り入浴や岩盤浴、レストランも利用でき、落ち着いた雰囲気の中でゆったりと湯を楽しめます。 遠軽町へのアクセスと町の巡り方 北海道の大自然を満喫できる遠軽町へは、飛行機・鉄道・車のいずれを利用してもアクセスが可能です。女満別空港や旭川空港、オホーツク紋別空港からの空路、JR石北本線を利用した鉄道旅、また国道を走るドライブコースなど、旅のスタイルに合わせて選べます。オホーツクエリアや道内主要都市とつながっているため、観光の拠点としても便利な町です。 町内には見どころが広く点在しているため、効率的に巡るならレンタカーの利用がおすすめ。ここでは、飛行機・鉄道・車でのアクセス方法と、町内観光を楽しむための移動のポイントをご紹介します。 遠軽町へのアクセス方法 【飛行機利用の場合】 遠軽町への空の玄関口は 女満別空港 と 旭川空港 、 オホーツク紋別空港 の3つです。 女満別空港から遠軽町 … 車で約1時間30分〜2時間 旭川空港から遠軽町 … 車で約2時間～2時間30分 オホーツク紋別空港から遠軽町 … 車で40分〜50分 女満別空港からは北見バスも運行していますが、本数が限られているため、観光にはレンタカー利用が便利です。 【JR利用の場合】 JR石北本線の遠軽駅の他、白滝駅、丸瀬布駅、生田原駅があり、特急と普通列車を利用してアクセスできます。 （JR遠軽駅の場合） 札幌駅から ：特急「オホーツク」で約3時間30分 旭川駅から ：特急で約2時間 北見駅から ：普通列車で約1時間30分 【車利用の場合】 自分のペースで観光したい方にはドライブが最適です。遠軽町は 国道39号線 に面しており、主要都市からのアクセスも良好です。 札幌から ：約280km（約4時間） 旭川から ：約100km（約1時間30分） 北見から ：約40km（約45分） 途中には道の駅や景勝地も多く、ドライブそのものを旅の楽しみにできます。 【遠軽町内観光】 遠軽町は広大な町域に観光スポットが点在しているため、効率よく巡るならレンタカーがベスト。地域ごとのおおよその移動時間は以下の通りです。 遠軽地域 ⇔ 白滝地域 ：約30km（車で40分） 遠軽地域 ⇔ 丸瀬布地域 ：約20km（車で30分） 遠軽地域 ⇔ 生田原地域 ：約15km（車で20分） 遠軽町観光の魅力まとめ｜特別な北海道体験への招待 遠軽町は、日本最古の国宝が語る古代の記憶と、白滝ジオパークに息づく地球の物語、そして四季折々に移ろう雄大な自然が調和する、北海道でも特別な場所です。 かつて3町1村がひとつになって生まれたこの広大な町には、遠軽・白滝・丸瀬布・生田原という個性豊かな4つの地域が広がり、それぞれが異なる感動を与えてくれます。 1,000万本のコスモスが咲き誇る花の絶景、後期旧石器時代の黒曜石の石器が伝える古代ロマン、森林鉄道が奏でる懐かしい汽笛、澄んだ空気の中で味わう温泉やキャンプ体験。そして、出会う人々の温かな笑顔――そのすべてが旅人の心をやさしく包み込みます。 黒曜石の漆黒の輝きに時を超えたロマンを感じ、ジオサイトを歩きながら大地の鼓動に耳を澄まし、夜は満天の星の下で静かに旅の余韻に浸る。そんな贅沢なひとときを過ごせるのは、遠軽町ならではの魅力です。 日本最古の国宝と、自然が紡いだ奇跡の風景が待つ遠軽町へ。次の北海道旅行では、ぜひこの特別な体験を心に刻んでください。 日本最古の国宝と自然の奇跡がお待ちする遠軽町で皆様をお待ちしています。 公式サイト 遠軽町公式 えんがる町観光協会 .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } 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Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise's Dolphin Show! This video is titled “A Dolphin Show to Enjoy at Home Long Version “Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise（おうちで楽しむイルカショー ロングver【横浜・八景島シーパラダイス】）.” It was uploaded by Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. You'll feel like you're at the aquarium just by watching this video. Check out the exciting footage of these adorable dolphins putting on an amazing performance! What Is Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise’s Dolphin Show? Source :YouTube screenshot At Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, you can watch shows involving various sea creatures. As you can see from 0:05 in the video, mascot Sea Para Seata appears and from 0:49 the show of penguins and dolphins begins. You can see a cool hawk from 1:00. When the dolphins jump in tandem with the music, the water splashes high into the air. This can be seen at 4:24 in the video. Be careful of sitting in the front row, you're bound to get splashed! There are other shows involving seals and walruses as well, so be sure to check them out if you're interested. We recommend booking a hotel so that you can enjoy a whole day at the aquarium. There's also a shopping mall, hotel, and a marina all inside Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. What Is Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Like? Photo：Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a leisure facility, called "Sea Para" for short. The aquarium is at Aqua Zone and there are several sections, such as the Aqua Museum, Aqua Stadium Dolphin Fantasy, Sea Farm, and The Fureai Lagoon where you can pet some of the animals. The amusement park is at Pleasure Land and there are restaurants, souvenir shops and amusement zones. The magic show by Mr. Maric and the illumination event LIGHTIA were 2 very popular events. Summary of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Photo：Dolphin Watching a dolphin show is very exciting. If you haven't gotten your fill of dolphins, there's plenty to see in the video! Check out the website for tickets and get ready to visit Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise! There are quite a few seats at the dolphin show, but be aware that it can be crowded on weekends. ◆Information◆ 【Address】 Hakkeijima, Kanazawa, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0006 【Access】 Hakkeijima Station Seaside Line. Bus available from Yokohama Station 【Aqua resort pass】 3,000 yen for adult and 1,800 yen for elementary to junior high school students (Depends on season/ Amusement park one day pass discount available) 【Closures】No holidays 【Parking】Available 【Phone number】045-788-8888 【Official Website】Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/en/ 【Tripadvisor】Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298173-d1308703-Reviews-Yokohama_Hakkeijima_Sea_Paradise-Yokohama_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto.html a

Introduction of Obihiro Zoo’s Japanese Raccoon Dogs! This video, “しぐさが可愛い！おびひろ動物園のタヌキが人気に” (Too cute! The Popular Raccon Dogs of Obihiro Zoo!), is an interview-style video first televised on HTB News. In the video, “buried raccoon dogs”, the adorable sight of raccoon dogs playing in the pool of fallen leaves prepared by the zoo’s staff, is shown. But just why are the raccoon dogs of Obihiro Zoo (おびひろ動物園, Obihiro dobutsuen) burying into the fallen leaves? In this article, we will introduce these animals along with a video of the adorable raccoon dogs peeking out from the fallen leaves. Obihiro Zoo's Raccoon Dogs Source :YouTube screenshot The raccoon dogs shown in the video are named An and Shiro. Originally, the zoo staff had hidden food in the fallen leaves. However, the raccoon dogs continued to bury themselves comfortably in the pool of leaves, as shown in the video, due to the warmth provided by it. The adorable sight of their faces peeking out from amongst the leaves can be seen from 0:25 in the video. This video of the raccoon dogs playing in the pool of leaves was posted on Twitter by zoo staff, and began to trend on social media sites. What Are Japanese Raccoon Dogs? Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese raccoon dogs are a member of the Canidae family, and are a Japanese subspecies of the Asian raccoon dog. They can be found in certain areas of Hokkaido. Japanese raccoon dogs grow to a length of about 50 centimeters and weight about 4 to 8 kilograms. Those living in the wild have a lifespan of 6 to 8 years. They are mostly nocturnal, and subsist on an omnivorous diet of fruits, insects, and meat. The ezo tanuki species of Hokkaido is said to be different from the hondo tanuki species found in other areas of Japan. Japanese raccoon dogs come under the Wildlife Protection and Hunting Act of Japan, and cannot be raised as pets without special permission. Let’s Visit the Zoo to See the Japanese Raccoon Dogs! Source :YouTube screenshot The raccoon dogs can be seen in Obihiro Zoo, as introduced in the video. However, as mentioned at 0:44 in the video, the zoo closes for a certain period of time during the winter season, so do make sure to confirm the opening days before visiting. In recent years, the “natural behavior display”, where visitors can observe the behavior of animals in their natural habitat, has become a popular display method in zoos. In Hokkaido, besides Obihiro Zoo, zoos such as the popular Asahiyama Zoo (旭山動物園, Asahiyama dobutsuen) and Sapporo City Maruyama Zoo (札幌市円山動物園, Sappro-shi maruyama dobutsuen) also make use of such displays. In the souvenir shop of the zoo, you can purchase adorable raccoon dog plush toys as well. Summary of Japanese Raccoon Dogs at Obihiro Zoo In this one-minute video, you can get a sense of just how adorable and charming the Japanese raccoon dogs are. As seen from 0:50 in the video, as the season begins to change to winter, the raccoon dogs’ fur grows out rapidly and becomes soft and fluffy. For those who want to view this adorable sight, definitely pay a visit to Obihiro Zoo in the winter. 【Official Website】Obihiro Zoo | Obihiro City Homepage Tokachi https://www.city.obihiro.hokkaido.jp/zoo/

Adorable Capybaras Enjoying the Hot Springs! Capybaras are the largest members of the rodent family, and the video 「みんなで入浴　カピバラ温泉～桶風呂～始めました！　2017.12.5（埼玉県こども動物自然公園　公式/SaitamaChildrensZoo　official ）capybara onsen』, created by 「埼玉県こども動物自然公園（SaitamaChildrensZoo）」compiles scenes of capybaras enjoying bathing in the hot springs. These scenes of six capybaras considerately entering the hot springs together will warm your heart. The video has also become popular, not only among the Japanese, but also with people from overseas. The Capybaras Introduced in the Video, and Why They’re in the Hot Springs Photo：Capybaras Capybaras are members of the rodent family, and can be found from Panama in South America, all the way to Northeast Argentina. With calm and gentle personalities, capybaras are also popular as pets, and are the largest members of the rodent family, growing up to 106 to 134 centimeters. Males weigh around 77 to 141 pounds, while females weigh around 81 to 145 kilograms. Being proficient swimmers, capybaras tend to escape to the water once they sense approaching danger. They can remain underwater for up to 5 minutes. Although the water is their shelter and haven, due to their warm natural habitat, capybaras are weak to the cold. As a countermeasure to combat cold winters, the “Capybara Hot Springs” was created. The Capybara Hot Springs and the Saitama Children's Zoo Source :YouTube screenshot The Saitama Children's Zoo holds a “Capybara Hot Springs” event every year. The event lasts from November through March, with the location being at the Capybara/Wallaby enclosure. Pools built to look like rock baths are filled with water warmed to a suitable temperature by the sun. Besides the unique springs such as the yuzu bath, a waterfall bath and tub bath are also prepared. The video begins with five capybaras heading towards the hot springs. Of the five, three enter the bath with floating yuzu, one makes for the smaller tub bath, and the last heads for the waterfall bath. Without any jostling or competition for space, the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. From 1:22 in the video, another capybara appears. The scene of this capybara unobtrusively lowering itself backside-first into the yuzu bath is extremely heartwarming. From 1:43 in the video, the capybara in the waterfall bath can be seen wiping its face, and from 1:53 is seen staring peacefully into space, contently settling into the water. The fact that these capybaras act just like little humans will bring a smile to your face. In the Saitama Children's Zoo, you can enjoy viewing the capybaras while warming your feet in the foot baths. Why not stop by and enjoy the relaxing hot springs together with the capybaras? Saitama Children's Zoo Photo：Saitama Children's Zoo Saitama Children's Zoo is a spacious park located in Saitama Prefecture, Higashi-Matsuyama City in Japan's Kanto region (関東地方・埼玉県東松山市, Kanto-chiho・Saitama-ken Higashi-matsuyama-shi). Besides the zoo, the park also boasts the "Children’s Castle" (こどもの城, Kodomo no jo) as well as a large playground (みんなの広場, Minna no hiroba) where children can run around and play. In the playground is the “Adventure Forest Athletics” area (冒険の森アスレチック, Bouken-no-mori asurechikku) as well as the “Shabu-shabu Pond” (じゃぶじゃぶ池, Shabu-shabu ike) with water activites. Here, children can enjoy playing and being active. In the animal area, pony-riding as well as animal-feeding activities are available. Also, from September of 2019, the “Small Animals Enclosure” (ecoハウチュー, eco hauchu) was opened. There, you can observe small animals such as hedgehogs. Where to Enjoy Japan's Capybara Hot Springs Photo：Capybara hot springs, Kobe Animal Kingdom Below is a list of some of the capybara hot spring areas throughout Japan. With so many facilities available, you're sure to be able to enjoy the capybara hot springs! Hokkaido ・Banya no Yu (番屋の湯) [Ishikari, Hokkaido] ・North Safari Sapporo (ノースサファリサッポロ) [Sapporo, Hokkaido] Tohoku/Kanto Regions ・Akita Omoriyama Zoo (秋田市大森山動物園) [Akita Prefecture] ・Nasu Animal Kingdom (那須どうぶつ王国) [Tochigi Prefecture] ・Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland (草津熱帯園) [Gunma Prefecture] ・Aloha Garden Tateyama (アロハガーデンたてやま) [Chiba Prefecture] ・Mother Farm (マザー牧場) [Chiba Prefecture] ・Yokosuka Soleil Hill (長井海の手公園ソレイユの丘) [Kanagawa Prefecture] Chubu Region ・Ishikawa Zoo (いしかわ動物園) [Ishikawa Prefecture] ・Asuwayama Amusement Park (足羽山公園遊園地) [Fukui Prefecture] ・Suzaka Zoo (須坂市動物園) [Nagano Prefecture] ・Izu Shaboten Zoo (伊豆シャボテン動物公園) [Shizuoka Prefecture] ・Toyohashi Zoo and Botanical Park (豊橋総合動植物公園　のんほいパーク) [Aichi Prefecture] Kansai/Chugoku Regions ・Kobe Animal Kingdom (神戸どうぶつ王国) [Hyogo Prefecture] ・Himeji Central Park (姫路セントラルパーク) [Hyogo Prefecture] ・Daisen Tom Sawyer Pasture (大山トム・ソーヤ牧場) [Tottori Prefecture] ・Ikeda Zoo (池田動物園) [Okayama Prefecture] Shikoku/Kyushu Region ・New Reoma World (レオマリゾート) [Kagawa Prefecture] ・Tobe Zoo (愛媛県立とべ動物園) [Ehime Prefecture] ・Nagasaki Bio Park (長崎バイオパーク) [Nagasaki Prefecture] ・Aso Farm Land (阿蘇ファームランド) [Kumamoto Prefecture] ・Hirakawa Zoo (平川動物公園) [Kagoshima Prefecture] Summary of the Capybara Hot Springs Video The video introduced in this article shows capybaras enjoying a nice soak in the hot springs of the Saitama Children's Zoo. Definitely take a second to relax by watching this video of capybaras relaxing in the hot springs. 【Tripadvisor】Saitama Children's Zoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1021372-d1425140-Reviews-Saitama_Children_Zoo-Higashimatsuyama_Saitama_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Bird Watching in Tokyo, Japan – Video Introduction This video, titled "An oasis where Japanese wild birds gather /4K," was uploaded by "Birdlover.jp," a channel that introduces rare and seasonal wild birds found in Japan. Birds You Can Observe in Tokyo Tokyo is the capital of Japan. Despite being the largest urban area in Japan, even in the Tokyo metropolitan area, there are many wild birds to be seen. In the parks of Tokyo, you can see a wide variety of birds, including brown-eared bulbuls, pale thrushes, hawfinches, dusky thrushes, sandpipers, brown-headed thrushes, white-cheeked starlings and many more. Brown-Eared Bulbuls, Pale Thrushes, Hawfinches, and Dusky Thrushes – A Look at the Birds in the Video Photo：Pale thrush While birdwatching in Tokyo, you can see many different types of wild birds. Here are some characteristics of each. Brown-Eared Bulbuls: Gray plumage with a pattern of white spots on their bellies. They have a high-pitched call. Their beaks are elongated at the tip to suck nectar from flowers. Pale Thrushes: About the size of a brown-eared bulbul, the pale thrush has a cute appearance. They can sometimes be seen flitting about parks. Hawfinches: Larger than sparrows and characterized by their sharp eyes. You can see a hawfinch drinking water in the video. [Video] 1:30 - A Hawfinch Drinking Water Dusky Thrushes: The white line above their eyes looks like an eyebrow. They fly from Siberia to Tokyo in winter and stay in Japan until around April. Bird Watching & Photography Spots Photo：Inokashira Park So where can you see wild birds in Tokyo? Here are some spots we recommend for birdwatching and photographing wild birds. ・Inokashira Onshi Park In 1917, Inokashira Onshi Park was opened as Japan's first suburban park. It is a popular spot for birdwatching and bird photography. ・Mizumoto Park The largest park in Tokyo's 23 wards, Mizumoto Park is a popular place to watch kingfishers, grey herons, and other birds. ・Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park was originally built on land reclaimed from the sea. It is said that wild birds naturally gathered in the park due to its favorable environment. Many wild birds can be seen here, including warbling white-eyes, Japanese tits, sandpipers, plovers, ducks, and more. ・Meiji Jingu Shrine Kingfishers, woodpeckers, and pale thrushes can be seen at Meiji Jingu Shrine. Although Meiji Jingu Shrine is located in Harajuku, it is home to a large number of wild birds, which is unexpected given its urban setting. ・Kiyosumi Garden At Kiyosumi Garden, you can see white-cheeked starling, eastern spot-billed ducks, and Eurasian wigeons. The Japanese garden is an attractive place to observe many wild birds amongst lovely scenery. ・Shinjuku Gyoen Shinjuku Gyoen is known as a unique bird-watching spot in central Tokyo, where visitors can observe goshawks, tits, and other birds. The Wild Bird Society of Japan The Wild Bird Society of Japan, Tokyo was formed on September 13, 1947 and is dedicated to bird watching and bird conservation. The organization engages in a variety of activities, including observing wild birds in Tokyo with other members, and conducting conservation activities in parks where wild birds are found. Summary of Bird Watching in Tokyo Photo：Bird watching Some people may find it hard to imagine that there are so many wild birds in Japan's capital, Tokyo. But in reality, many wild birds can be seen in the city, including at places like Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park, Shinjuku Gyoen, and Meiji Jingu Shrine. Bird-watching events held by the Wild Bird Society of Japan, Tokyo, can be enjoyed by beginners as well. Another attraction is that you can observe different types of wild birds throughout Japan's four seasons: warbling white-eyes and brown-eared bulbuls in spring, dusky thrushes and pale thrushes in winter, and so on. If you visit any of the places introduced here, be sure to listen for the sounds of birds. You may discover the charms of bird watching even in the big city.

The Giant Salamander of Kyoto's Kamo River! This is a video of the Giant Salamander, a protected species, that appeared in Kyoto's Kamo River. The giant salamander is the world’s largest amphibian. The characteristics of giant salamanders is their large body, which is approximately 150cm (~5 ft.) long. Giant salamanders have not changed in form since ancient times, and as such, they are referred to as "living fossils." What Are Giant Salamanders? Photo：Giant salamander Japanese Giant Salamanders belong to the animalia kingdom, chordata phylum, and amphibia class. They are also referred to as "Hanzaki" in Japanese. It is an endemic species living in the south western part of Japan. The mucus giant salamanders secrete on their skin smells like Japanese pepper (Sansho), so they are called "Sansho Uo" in Japanese. Chinese giant salamanders are very similar to Japanese giant salamanders. There's not much difference between Japanese giant salamanders and Chinese giant salamanders, and it is difficult to identify them based on appearance. In China, there is a theory that earthquakes occurs when giant salamanders appear. Are There Many Giant Salamanders Living in Kyoto's Kamo River? Photo：Kyoto As you can see in the video, giant salamanders are often seen in Kyoto's Kamo River basin. However, according to genetic research in the Kyoto area, the native species are extinct and the ones currently living in the city are likely to be non-native, hybrids, or a new species. In Kyoto, heavy rains and typhoons often cause the Kamo River to flood. After it rains, you can find salamanders that were washed downstream from Kumogahata village. The video begins with a giant salamander, over 1 meter in length, walking slowly along the path. It stops moving after 0:07, but you can see it slowly raising its head a couple of times. Giant Salamanders at the Kyoto Aquarium! Photo：Giant salamander At Kyoto Aquarium, there is a special display area of giant salamanders, and if you're lucky, you may even hear their low guttural call. You can also buy stuffed giant salamanders at the aquarium's souvenir shop. At the aquarium, more research is being done on giant salamanders. According to studies, the average life expectancy of a Giant Salamander is 80 years, but some live more than 200 years. Summary of the Giant Salamander at Kamo River Source :YouTube screenshot Many of you may have been surprised by the sheer size of the salamander in the video. There are many reports of salamander sightings along the Kamo River, so it's a good place to stop by when sightseeing in Kyoto. You can also visit the Kyoto Aquarium to learn more about the biology of the Japanese giant salamander. 【Official Website】Kyoto Aquarium- A short walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/

The Rock Ptarmigan - An Endangered Species This video, titled "Endangered Species｜Rock Ptarmigan｜A Precious Encounter Whilst Mountain Climbing｜Special Edition (4k)" (絶滅危惧種 雷鳥　登山で出会った貴重なニホンライチョウ動画 特集 【4K】), was created by "Yamacchi channel" (やまっちchannel). It contains footage of the rock ptarmigan, a protected species in Japan, as well as the Crested ibis and Red-crowned crane. Due to the effects of global warming, the number of rock ptarmigan in Japan has dwindled to around 1,500 and it is now recognized as an endangered species. This video contains a compilation of footage of the adorable rock ptarmigan, which was spotted whilst mountain climbing. In this article, we'll introduce the rock ptarmigan, an endangered species! More About the Rock Ptarmigan, an Endangered Species Photo：Tateyama ptarmigan Said to have survived the ice age, the rock ptarmigan is now an endangered species belonging to the order Galliformes, family Phasianidae and genus Lagopus (キジ目キジ科ライチョウ属, kijimokukijikaraichouzoku). The subspecies of rock ptarmigan which inhabits Japan is a very adorable and friendly bird, making it a favorite among mountain climbers. It has a characteristic call that sounds similar to that of a frog. From 0:14 in the video you can see the rock ptarmigan at Mt. Senjo (仙丈ヶ岳, senjogatake), and at Mt. Tsubakuro (燕岳, tsubakurodake) from 1:38, Mt. Chogatake (蝶ヶ岳, chougatake) from 2:09, and Mt. Jonen (常念岳, jounendake) at 2:04. Rock ptarmigan chicks average 6 cm in height. A fully grown adult rock ptarmigan measures 37 cm in height and weighs approximately 400-600g. They lay their eggs in early summer from the beginning to the middle of June. The color of their feathers also changes depending on the season. In summer, their feathers are a dark brown color, and in winter they change to a snowy white. Furthermore, the rock ptarmigan is a symbol of Toyama Prefecture (富山県 toyamaken), Nagano Prefecture (長野県, naganoken) and Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県, gifuken). Photo：Northern Alps The rock ptarmigan lives in a harsh environment at an altitude of 2,400 m. In the warmer summer months they live in the alpine zone, moving to the subalpine zone in the cooler winter months. In 1980, there were an estimated 3,000-4,000 rock ptarmigans living in Japan. However that number has dropped to around 1,500. The effects of global warming are considered to have been the direct cause of this decrease in numbers. It is thought that the decrease in creeping pine (ハイマツ, haimatsu) numbers, a main food source for the rock ptarmigan, due to global warming is one of the main causes of the decline in rock ptarmigan numbers. Several measures are being taken in order to conserve the rock ptarmigan, such as protecting the species from predators and breeding in zoos. Incidentally, rock ptarmigans have been kept in Ueno zoo (上野動物園, uenodoubutsuen) since 2019. The Habitat of the Endangered Rock Ptarmigan Photo：Tateyama mountain range and a ptarmigan There are 6 genera and 17 species of rock ptarmigan found across the world. They can be found in North America, the coast of the Arctic Ocean in Eurasia, Europe, and the alpine zone in Asia. In Japan, they inhabit the central area of Honshu (Japan's main island) (本州中部地方, honshuuchuubuchihou). In this video, you can see footage of the rock ptarmigan spotted whilst climbing Mt. Senjo, Mt. Chogatake, Mt. Tsubakuro and Mt. Jonen. Snacks shaped like rock ptarmigan are sold in Nagano prefecture, the home of the Northern Alps. A similar bird, the Hazel grouse (エゾライチョウ, ezoraichou), of the genus Tetrastes (エゾライチョウ属, ezoraichouzoku), inhabits Hokkaido (北海道), Japan's northernmost Island. Summary of the Endangered Rock Ptarmigan Source :YouTube screenshot This video "Endangered Species｜Rock Ptarmigan｜a Precious Encounter Whilst Mountain Climbing｜Special Edition (4k)," created by "Yamacchi channel" (やまっちchannel), contains footage of the rock ptarmigan, an endangered species. We highly recommend the video to animal lovers as it has footage of the rock ptarmigan from different places all over Japan! This video of the adorable rock ptarmigan is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face!

The Oniyanma - Japan's Largest Dragonfly! This video, titled "Oniyanma (The Largest in Japan)" (オニヤンマ（日本最大）), introduces the oniyanma, a large dragonfly belonging to the Cordulegastridae family and Odonata order. The massive dragonfly has an abdominal length of 7 cm for males and 8 cm for female. Those that inhabit Hokkaido (北海道, Hokkaido), Yakushima Island (屋久島, Yakushima), etc., have a tendency to be smaller. Their eyes are a bright emerald green color, but change color when they are made into specimens. Their body is black with a yellow pattern and fine horizontal stripe at each section. They are compared with sieboldius albardae (ko-oniyanma), but these belong to the Gomphidae family, and are different from oniyanma in that their compound eyes are placed separately on both sides of their head, and their larvae are flat and disk-shaped and live on stones at the bottoms of rivers. Oniyanma - Distribution and Habits Photo：Oniyanma Oniyanma are widely distributed throughout Japan, mainly around streams, riverbanks, outskirts of forests and mountainous areas, but they can also be seen on the plains and in urban areas when it is cooler. International visitors may be surprised to find them in urban areas because of their very large area of activity. When you find a female oniyanma, you can catch it by taking advantage of its habit of stopping its movement and hovering. Male Oniyanma consider anything that flaps its wings to be female, so if you hold a fan or other wind-producing object in front of the male, it will stop moving. If you're a bug collector, you can use this as a reference when collecting! The Life Cycle of Oniyanma Photo：Oniyama Patrol Oniyanma are carnivorous, feeding on moths, flies, and other small flying insects. Their natural predators are birds, bats, etc. They can bite humans as well, so be careful. Male oniyanma mate with females they meet while patrolling their territory. After mating, the female will go to a clean river or puddle to lay her eggs. Upon finding a suitable location, oniyanma perform a unique spawning display in which they will drop to the surface of the water while standing up and flying. You can see a female oniyanma laying eggs at 0:30 in the video. They spawn by thrusting their ovipositor into the mud in the water. Photo：An oniyama hatching Eggs hatch about 1 month after being laid, and the larvae are called nymphs. Nymphs are a translucent white with no wings and a short abdomen. They burrow into the mud to lie in wait for food to pass. When they are young, they feed on water fleas, mosquito larvae, etc., but as they grow older they begin feeding on tadpoles, small fish, etc. In addition, they feed on each other as well as nymphs of other species and, as a result, only the strong survive. It takes five years for them to become adults, and they molt about ten times before reaching this stage. Eventually, compound eyes pop out and the mouth part of the molt becomes a unique face as if they were wearing masks. Eventually, scaly wings form on their backs, and on a sunny summer day, they climb up from the bottom of the water to a stone or pile on the surface of the water and their backs split open and they emerge as adults. Immediately after hatching, their wings are white and shrunken, but over night, the black and yellow pattern appears and the wings solidify. You can amazing footage of an oniyanma molting at 0:58 in the video. After emerging as adults, they continuously feed for about a month before mating. The total life span of an oniyanma is 5-6 years. Summary of Oniyanma- Japan's Largest Dragonfly Photo：An adult oniyanma emerging Did you enjoy learning about the oniyanma, the largest dragonfly in Japan? Footage of them laying eggs is quite rare, so if you still haven't yet, be sure to check it out!

Video Introduction This video, titled "Cape Kiritappu, Hokkaido｜Wild Sea Otters Floating in the Sea｜2020" (北海道霧多布岬 ぷかぷか浮かぶ 野生のラッコ 2020), was uploaded by "Shinji kawamura." The video captures endangered sea otters playfully swimming and relaxing at Cape Kiritappu, a place where you can encounter otters, foxes, and other wildlife of Japan. It's a great place for taking Instagram photos as well, so be sure to check it out. Don't forget to follow along with the video! Sea Otters – An Endangered Species on the Decline in Japan Photo：A raft of sea otters The main habitat of wild sea otters is the area from the California coast through Alaska and the Aleutian Islands to the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Overfishing has led to a decline in the wild population, and it's estimated that more than 3,000 sea otters perished when an oil tanker ran aground in Alaska. Although the number of sea otters in the wild temporarily declined to less than 2,000, active conservation efforts have helped the population recover to more than 100,000. On the other hand, the number of sea otters kept in aquariums in Japan has continued to decline from 122 in 1994, and by 2021 there will be only 4 in Japan. Sea otters, which are designated as an endangered species, are prohibited from being imported from outside of Japan. Currently, because of declining reproductive capabilities and aging populations, further breeding of sea otters kept in Japan becoming more and more difficult. Because of this, it's not unlikely that there will come a day when sea otters can no longer be seen in aquariums in Japan. Where to See Sea Otters in the Wild in Japan Photo：Cape Kiritappu, Hokkaido There was a time when wild sea otters were no longer seen in the waters around Japan due to overfishing, but since 1980, there has been a string of sightings along the eastern coast of Hokkaido. In recent years, wild sea otters have been seen in Japan mainly in three areas along the eastern coast of Hokkaido. One is Cape Kiritappu, which is introduced in the video, and the others are Cape Nosappu in Nemuro, which is located on the northeast side of the cape, and Moyururi Island, an uninhabited island off the Kombumori fishing port between Cape Kiritappu and Cape Nosappu. Breeding has been confirmed on both Cape Kiritappu and Moyururi Island. Of these three locations, the highest probability of observing wild sea otters from land is at Cape Kiritappu. The sight of wild sea otters, both parents and offspring, floating in the sea, is both funny and cute. [Video] 0:19 - Wild Sea Otters Swimming With Their Offspring in Their Arms Sea Otters at Cape Kiritappu - The Best Times and Where to See Them Photo：An otter Wild sea otters can be seen throughout the year around Cape Kiritappu. However, your chances are low during bad weather, such as fog or high waves. It's said that the chance of seeing sea otters on a clear day is only a 1 in 3 chance, so weather is also an important factor. The best place to see them is where the waves are most calm. The probability of seeing them is higher on the north side of the cape and around reefs. If you're lucky, you can see wild sea otters up close, but we recommend bringing a telescope or binoculars in order to clearly see their appearance, behavior, and facial expressions. You can check out the sea otters napping and eating in the video. [Video] 1:50 - Sea Otters Relaxing and Taking Naps [Video] 4:28 - Sea Otters Eating Shellfish off Their Stomachs Summary of Otters at Cape Kiritappu The number of sea otters kept in aquariums has drastically decreased due to difficulties in breeding in Japan. Wild sea otters, on the other hand, a species that once vanished due to overhunting, can now be seen in the waters around Japan. The eastern coast of Hokkaido, where sightings are particularly common, is now quite popular. Cape Kiritappu is a popular spot to see rare wild sea otters from land. If you happen to see them during a visit to the area, consider yourself lucky! 【TripAdvisor】Cape Kiritappu https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1120924-d1553698-Reviews-Kiritappu_Cape-Hamanaka_cho_Akkeshi_gun_Hokkaido.html

More About Kuroiwa's Ground Gecko- A Protected Species in Japan The video featured this time is called "It looks like a lizard but it's not?!" It was created by "Toranosuke's Creature Movies" and it shows a close up look at the Kuroiwa gecko, a protected species. Kuroiwa's ground gecko, also known as the Okinawan ground gecko, is a member of the Eublepharinae family (トカゲモドキ科, tokagemodokika) of geckos. These geckos belong to the order Squamata, suborder Sauria, infraorder Gekkota, family Eublepharinae and genus Goniurosaurus (爬虫類有鱗目トカゲ亜目ヤモリ下目トカゲモドキ科トカゲモドキ属, hachuurui yuurinmoku tokageamoku yamorikamoku tokagemodokika), as do the common leopard geckos (レオパードゲッコー, reopaadogekko) who are often kept as pets. The Eublepharinae family of geckos is a group of primitive geckos endemic to the island of Tokunoshima (徳之島) in Kagoshima prefecture (鹿児島県, kagoshimaken). They differ from other geckos in that they have eyelids, allowing them to close their eyes. Due to their underdeveloped feet, they cannot climb walls as well as other geckos. As with other geckos, if they lose their tail it can grow back again. An adult gecko is roughly 15-18cm in length, weighs roughly 7-17g and spawns in the warmer months from May to August. They usually lay 2 eggs at a time, in one month intervals. In this video, you will have the rare opportunity to observe Kuroiwa's ground geckos in the wild. Did you know such a cute creature inhabited Japan? Please take the time to enjoy our video! Japan's Effort to Protect This Endangered Species Photo：Kuroiwa ground gecko Kuroiwa's ground geckos live deep in the mountains and can’t be seen in Naha (那覇) or other big cities in Okinawa. Due to deforestation and loss of habitat, the number of Kuroiwa ground geckos has decreased in recent years. Kuroiwa's ground geckos are carnivorous, feeding on mainly insects and ground worms. Due to their nocturnal nature, you can't spot them during the daylight hours. They are often referred to as Jihab or Ashihab by Okinawan people, and in the past they were wrongly believed to be poisonous. The Kuroiwa ground geckos found in southern Okinawa (in the area surrounding Naha Airport) have a straight line pattern down their back, whereas the geckos found in northern Okinawa (in the mountainous regions) have slightly different markings. You can see this distinct straight line pattern clearly at 0:58 and 4:34 in the video. There are also subspecies of the Kuroiwa ground gecko found in Okinawa, each with their own unique and interesting markings. Due to their collectability as pets, in the past they were poached and sold at a high price by foreigners. In Japan they are designated as a protected species and therefore hunting and breeding of them is prohibited by law. Preventing the Overhunting of Japan's Protected Species According to the Washington Convention's rules regarding business transactions of wild animals, the illegal hunting of protected species is prohibited in Japan. Due to the rules of this treaty, endangered species in Japan are required to be actively protected. Since being designated as a protected species in Japan, two subspecies of Kuroiwa ground geckos: Goniurosaurus kuroiwae sengokui (ケラマトカゲモドキ, keramatokagemodoki) and Goniurosaurus kuroiwae toyamai (イヘヤトカゲモドキ, iheyatokagemodoki), have been added to the critically endangered list of reptiles by the Japanese Ministry for the Environment. However, that isn't the only problem threatening Kuroiwa ground geckos. Non-native species such as mongooses, dogs, cats and the American bullfrog are common predators of Kuroiwa's ground gecko and are contributing to their dwindling numbers. Summary of the Kuroiwa Ground Gecko Source :YouTube screenshot The protected species, Kuroiwa ground gecko, which is often amicably nicknamed the 'living dinosaur,' is a lizard rarely spotted in the wild in Okinawa but can be seen clearly in this video. At 1:48 in the video, you can see their movements in detail as one gecko moves slowly across the forest floor. Please enjoy watching the rare footage of this living fossil!

Watch the Video on Japanese Serows! Today we are showing you a video called ‘Japanese serows, visitors to a village (人里にやってきたニホンカモシカ)’. Japanese serows have lived in Japan for a very long time. They are mentioned in the Manyoshu, an 8th century anthology of Japanese poetry, and the Nihonshoki (Chronicles of Japan). Japanese serows are nicknamed the Philosophers of the Forest. They look proud and stand with authority. They remind you of Shishigami (シシ神 Shishigami) (The forest spirit from the Ghibli movie, Princess Mononoke). With the video today, we will look into the habits and habitat of Japanese serows in detail. What Kind of Animals Are Japanese Serows? How Big Are They? How Do They Live? Photo：Japanese Serows Japanese serows (Capricornis sumatraensis) are even-toed-ungulate mammal and Bovine antelope. They are an indigenous species in Japan and live in Eastern Honshu, Shikoku, and in parts of Kyushu. They are not nomadic. Many wild Japanese serows are seen in Okutama and Ome in Tokyo and in the hills of Kanagawa Prefecture in the Kanto region, as well as in Japan's Shikoku region. Japanese serows are between 105～112cm (41-44 in.) long and weigh around 30～45kg (~65-100 lbs). When intimidating unwanted guests, or during their mating season, they make a high-pitched call. You can find how old a Japanese serow is by looking at the rings on its horns. The Japanese serow shown in the video has a broken horn. However, unlike deer, it will not grow back once broken. Where Can I See Japanese Serows? Source :YouTube screenshot If you're lucky, you can see wild Japanese serows in the mountains of Japan. You might even see ones with a baby in tow. Throughout the video, the camera catches Japanese serows visiting from the hills. From 0:18 in the video, they come very close to the camera, yet they don’t seem to be scared of human beings. Photo：Tama Zoological Park If you want to see Japanese serows in captivity, visit the places like Tama Zoological Park (多摩動物公園 Tama Dobutsu Koen), Inokashira Park Zoo (井の頭自然文化園 Inokashira Shizenbunka Koen), Oshima Park Zoo (大島公園動物園 Oshima Koen Dobutsuen) and Saitama Children’s Zoo(埼玉県こども動物自然公園 Saitama Kodomo Dobutsu Shizen Koen). In the past, Japanese serows were temporarily endangered. However, the population has recovered very well, and their numbers continue to grow. Despite being protected species, Japanese serow meat is occasionally eaten in the name of pest control in some regions. Apparently, the meat tastes rather plain and light. Summary of the Video on Japanese Serows We have introduced you to Japanese serows, an indigenous species to Japan. The video shows you Japanese serows for around 5 minutes. It's perfect if you want to learn the habits of this animal. When you visit a zoo in Japan, please look out for handsome Japanese serows like in the video.

A Look at the Japanese Badger This video, titled "[Japan's Wildlife] the Ecology of Badgers｜A Cute Animal That Looks Like a Bear but Isn't (Japanese Badger)" (【日本の動物】アナグマの生態〜クマのようで熊ではない可愛い動物〜(Japanese badger)), introduces the Japanese badger. Japanese badgers look like bears, but as you'll see in the video, they are actually quite different. Let's take a look at Japan's native badger species! About the Japanese Badger Photo：Japanese badgers Japanese badgers belong to the family Mustelidae and order Carnivora. The scientific name of the Japanese badger is "Meles anakuma." The Japanese badger is 40 to 60 centimeters in length and weighs about 12 kilograms. They're light brown in color, similar to that of bears. A characteristic of the Japanese badger is their sharp claws. Japanese badgers are nocturnal and omnivorous animals and live in units called "clans." When the temperature drops below 10 degrees Celsius, they enter hibernation. They inhabit forests in Honshu (本州), Shikoku (四国), and Kyushu (九州). The average lifespan for a wild Japanese badger is 10 years. In the video you can see two cute Japanese badgers playing, running around, and taking naps. Japanese Badgers - Viewed as Pests Photo：A badger walking on snow Japanese badgers have warm personalities and do not scare easily. Unfortunately, because they often feed on the crops of farmers, they are seen as pests. Some restaurants in Fukuoka, Kagoshima, and Kyoto actually serve badger meat as game dishes. The Diverse Wildlife Found in Japan Photo：Japanese weasel There are other animals similar to the Japanese badger, such as the raccoon dog (tanuki), masked palm civet, raccoon, and the Japanese weasel. There's a Japanese proverb that goes "Onaji ana no Mujina" (同じ穴の狢), which, translated to English, goes "Badgers of the same hole." It basically expresses that while seemingly unrelated, these animals are of the same type. It's similar to "birds of a feather" or "villains of the same stripe." Breeding Japanese Badgers? Source :YouTube screenshot Japanese badgers are quite friendly. Even when people come close to it, it sometimes moves closer to them, albeit with their tail between their legs like a cat. However, if they are provoked, they may threaten other animals with fierce warning calls. They are not prohibited from being kept as pets, but it's a bit difficult to actually keep them, as you won't be able to bring them to an ordinary vet if something happens. Summary of Japanese Badgers In this article we gave a quick overview of the Japanese badger. Recently, Japanese badgers have been featured on news broadcasts as they've been seen coming down to towns for food, due to increasing deforestation. We'll have to do our part to preserve the forests so that humans and animals can coexist.

Japan's Owl Cafes! This video is titled "The First Owl Café in Nara- 'Watawata'" (奈良で初めてのフクロウカフェ【わたわた】). It introduces the owl café in Nara, called "Watawata." There aren’t many chances where you can interact with owls, but at Japan's owl cafes you can enjoy seeing owls up close and even petting them! Many tourists from overseas come to Japan's cat cafes, but if you're looking for a more unique experience we definitely recommend checking out an owl cafe! How Owl Cafes Work Source :YouTube screenshot Owl cafes are places where there are cute owls, such as horned owls and more. Customers can play with owls while eating and drinking, and you can even feed the owls as well! As you can see from 0:49 in the video, there are cafes where you can put the owls on your shoulder and play with them too. You can also take photos with the owls and post them on social media sites. You can see this at 0:51 in the video. About Owls Photo：Owl Owls are nocturnal birds of prey, belonging to the order Strigiformes. They are called "the professors of the forest" and "philosophers of the forest." Their size ranges from 50 to 62 centimeters in length and they weigh anywhere from 500 to 1,300 grams. Five species of owls exist in Japan: the Yezo Ural Owl, Tohoku Owl, Ural Owl, Moniyamae, and Kyushu Owl. The hooting of owls can sometimes be heard as far as several kilometers away. Summary of Japan's Owl Cafes Source :YouTube screenshot If you're looking to rid yourself of stress and enjoy time with an animal you wouldn't normally get to be up close to, be sure to visit one of the many owl cafes in Japan! If you like cute animals, you can also try visiting a parrot or hedgehog cafe as well! 【Tripadvisor】Wata Wata Owl Cafe https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298198-d9856696-Reviews-Wata_Wata_Owl_Cafe-Nara_Nara_Prefecture_Kinki.html

Introducing PR video of Kyoto Aquarium, a new theme park in Kyoto! This video, titled "Kyoto Aquarium, Introductory Video. Kyoto Aquarium (Official)" (京都水族館　紹介映像　京都水族館【公式】), is made by “Official – Kyoto Aquarium (【公式】京都水族館). It's a video introducing Kyoto Aquarium. There are many historical sightseeing spots in the Kansai region of Kyoto where you can enjoy a taste of Japan's natural landscape. The Kyoto Aquarium is a hole in the wall spot that opened in the Umekoji area in 2012. It has been gaining popularity as a new sightseeing spot perfect for dates and leisure. The video shows the interior of the Kyoto Aquarium facility in just two and a half minutes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy everything the aquarium has to offer! The Main Attraction of the Kyoto Aquarium- The Giant Salamander! Photo：Giant Salamander If you do anything at the Kyoto Aquarium, you've got to see the giant salamander, a protected species in Japan. Giant salamanders inhabit the area around the Kamo River (鴨川, Kamogawa), a sightseeing spot in Kyoto, and the ecology can be seen in detail at the Kyoto Aquarium exhibition “Kyonokawa Zone.” It can be seen in the video at 0:15. Many souvenirs are sold at the souvenir shop, including a 170cm (5.5 ft.) long, stuffed giant salamander. Recommended Spots at the Kyoto Aquarium At the Kyoto Aquarium, we recommend checking out "Sango Sea," where you can see clown fish, "Kaiju Zone," where you can meet cute seals, "Kyo no Umi," where you can find green turtles, and the "Penguin Zone" where many penguins live. Don't miss out on the crab, shrimp, rays, and sharks at "Iso no Classroom," as well as the jellyfish aquarium where you can take beautiful pictures for your Instagram. You can see the jellyfish swimming gracefully at 1:16 in the video. Enjoy the Experience Program at the Kyoto Aquarium! Photo：Dolphin show The performance seen at the 180-degree panoramic dolphin stadium at Kyoto Aquarium, introduced at 1:44, is amazing. Dolphin shows can become crowded pretty quickly, so we recommend grabbing a seat sooner rather than later. You can also participate in other events such as feeding time and experiences where you can touch some fish. There are also lunch and cafe shops inside the hotel, so you can enjoy delicious food that can only be eaten here. Summary of Kyoto Aquarium The Kyoto Aquarium houses around 250 species of marine life. Many creatures are introduced in the video as well. Which one was your favorite? Check out the video again to get a better look at some of your favorite exhibits and to see anything you may have missed the first time around. The Kyoto Aquarium, where you can meet cute creatures, is a tourist attraction that you should add to your Kyoto sightseeing trip. ◆Kyoto Aquarium Facility Overview◆ 【Address】35600-8835 35-1 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 【Access】About 15 minutes by walk from Kyoto Station 【Hours】From 10:00 to 18:00 【Closures】Open all year round 【Parking】None 【Telephone No】 075-354-3130 【Admission fee】Adults 2,050 yen, high school students 1,550 yen, middle and elementary school students 1,000 yen, infants 600 yen (* as of November 2019) 【Official Website】Kyoto Aquarium, just off Umekoji Kyoto Nishi Station https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/en/

Introducing Hokkaido's Cutest Critters! This video "Parent and child of fox" shows the state of the ezo red fox inhabiting In Hokkaido's, lush wilderness. You can see many wild animals such as raccoons and foxes in Hokkaido's outdoors. Be sure to watch the video to follow along. The Ezo red fox mother curled up with her kit is just adorable! There are many fans of the Ezo red fox in Japan. In 1978, a documentary movie called "The Glacier Fox" was released and became quite popular at the time. In the video, you can see a picture of an Ezo red fox mother with her kit living in nature. It's very soothing scenery. Please enjoy watching it! What Are Ezo Red Foxes? Source :YouTube screenshot Ezo red foxes are an endangered species that are widely distributed throughout Hokkaido and are also calledSakhalin. They have been frequently seen in Aomori Prefecture in recent years. It is a subspecies of the red fox that inhabits various places, and it is a carnivorous mammal. It is slightly larger than the Japanese red fox inhabiting Honshu. Its life span is generally said to be around 10 years. Ezo red foxes make high-pitched calls such as “can-can” and “wan-wan” They often eat rats, birds, and insects as food. And sometimes they come to residential areas in search of food. In this video, the kit stays close to its mother for safety and to play. From 0:06 in the video, they give playful bites and cuddle each other. It is a very cute, relaxing video about 3 minutes long. Where Can I See an Ezo Red? Photo：Ezo red foxes You may want to encounter a wild ezo red fox, but be careful as wild animals can have a parasite called Echinococcus. Kitami City, Hokkaido, has a fox specialty zoo “Ezo Red Fox Ranch”, where you can observe the ecology of cute red foxes in safety. Although it is in Hokkaido, it is quite far from Sapporo City. So if you visit Kitami City, we recommend making a hotel reservation. Summary of Hokkaido's Ezo Red Foxes Photo：Red fox The family of red foxes shown in the video is very adorable. Ezo red foxes live together in the harsh natural environment of Hokkaido. There is also a crepe shop in Fukuoka Prefecture called "Northern Fox's Favorite", which is popular with locals and tourists. Please enjoy the video of Ezo red foxes in Hokkaido; the place with the highest encounter rate of Ezo red foxes, in Japan.

What is Zao Fox Village? This video, titled "Fox Village in Zao Japan! 蔵王きつね村・kitsune mura," was released by "Rachel & Jun." Located in Shiraishi City, Miyagi Prefecture, in Japan's Tohoku region, Zao Fox Village is a zoo/theme park where the artificial breeding of foxes is conducted, and the park is home to around 250 foxes of six different species. With more than 100 foxes free-ranging and a petting area where even children can safely interact with the various foxes, this is a popular new tourist destination in Miyagi Prefecture that attracts many tourists. A Closer Look at The Foxes of Zao Fox Village and Their Varieties Photo：Red fox Foxes are mammals that are widely distributed throughout Eurasia and the Americas. Let's take a look at the six types of foxes that you can interact with at Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture. ・Red Fox Generally speaking, when people think of foxes, they think of this type of fox. ・Arctic Fox This is a species of fox that lives in cold regions and has a beautiful pure white coat. ・Sakhalin Fox In Japan, Sakhalin foxes can be found in Hokkaido and became famous through the TV drama "Kita no Kuni Kara" (北の国から, From the Northern Country). ・Silver Fox The silver fox is known for its high-quality fur. However, it's a rare species that has been designated an endangered species due to overhunting and is now being protected. Photo：Platinum fox ・Platinum Fox The platinum fox is very similar to the arctic fox, but this one has a bicolored gray and white coat, making it a very cute fox. ・Japanese Red Fox A subspecies of the red fox that lives only in Japan. They are generally slightly smaller than the common red fox. ・Cross Fox It's a very rare fox, and at first glance it looks like a hyena or a raccoon. It is said to be a mutant species of the Ezo red fox. At Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture, there is also a veterinary hospital, and the premises are regularly disinfected and checked for insect/parasite eggs, so there's no need to worry about parasites (e.g., echinococcus) when playing with or feeding the foxes and kits. In this video, a tourist to Japan visits Zao Fox Village. At 0:38 in the video, you can see the foxes being pet and interacting with visitors. Winter Is the Best Time To Visit Zao Fox Village Photo：Arctic fox When it gets cold, foxes put on their fluffy winter coats. Also, some of the foxes kept in the park are originally from cold climates, so if you want to enjoy Zao Fox Village to the fullest, we recommend visiting during the winter! However, winters in Zao are quite harsh for people, so be sure to wear warm clothes! Overview of the Facilities at Zao Fox Village Photo：A goat at Zao Fox Village, Miyagi Prefecture The following facilities can be found at Zao Fox Village: ・A fox petting area ・A domestic animal petting area There are also rabbits, goats, ponies and other animals grazing in the park. ・A fox breeding area Be sure to follow precautions as the parent foxes that have just given birth can be quite skittish. ・A dining area ・A store: Souvenirs from Zao Fox Village can be purchased here. ・The Play-hub rest area: Here you can take a break while watching the natural scenery and the foxes at play. ・Inari Shrine: If there's one thing to remember about foxes in Japan it's their relation to Inari shrines. ・The woods More than 100 foxes live peacefully in a natural wooded environment. ・Parking lot: Parking available for ~100 cars. Summary of Zao Fox Village in Miyagi Prefecture Photo：A fox at Zao Fox Village, Miyagi Prefecture It’s said that foxes live everywhere in Japan, but wild foxes are very wary and rarely seen in daily life. However, if you visit Zao Fox Village, shown in the video, you'll have the chance to see six different species of foxes up close. The closest station to Zao Fox Village is JR Shiroishi Station. It takes about 21 minutes to reach Zao Fox Village by cab from the station. JR East also operates the regular sightseeing bus, "Miyagi Zao Fox Village." 【Official Website】Zao Fox Village http://zao-fox-village.com/en 【Tripadvisor】Miyagi Zao Fox Village https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1023408-d7388189-Reviews-Miyagi_Zao_Fox_Village-Shiroishi_Miyagi_Prefecture_Tohoku.html

The Bonin Flying Fox! This video, titled "Bonin Flying Fox" (オガサワラオオコウモリ), is an informational video that contains footage of the Bonin flying fox. It was posted by "Chichijima Polaris." The Bonin flying fox is an endangered species of bats whose only habitat is the Ogasawara Islands in Tokyo Prefecture. The video contains footage of the Bonin flying fox eating pandan fruit and moving around in the trees. From 0:41 in the video, you can hear the screeching cry of the Bonin flying fox. A Closer Look at the Bonin Flying Fox Photo：Sleeping Bonin fox The Bonin flying fox is a mammal belonging to the Pteropus genus, Pteropadidae family, Chiroptera order and Mammalia class. Its habitats are said to be limited to Chichijima Island (父島, Chichijima), Hahajima Island (母島, Hahajima), North Iwo Jima (北硫黄島, Kitaioto) and South Iwo Jima (南硫黄島, Minamioto). The Bonin flying fox is about 20-25 cm long with forearms that are about 13-15 cm long. It is a nocturnal herbivore, and is seen as a pest because it feeds on the citrus fruits and other such things on the island. However, the reason for this is actually a lack of food; it’s estimated that only about 100 of them currently exist. They were designated as a protected species in 1969 and began to be protected as a Domestically Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna in 2009. Where to Find a Bonin Flying Fox Photo：Bat The Bonin flying fox introduced in the video is very cute (granted it's a bat). On the Ogasawara Islands, there is a night tour where you can gaze at star-filled skies, something you can only find on a remote island! On this night tour, you can observe Bonin flying foxes as well as glow in the dark mushrooms and other natural scenery. The Bonin flying fox cannot be kept as a pet, as it is an endangered species, but you can keep bats as a pet depending on the species. If you're interested in bat-keeping and looking for a new friend, be sure to stop by a pet shop to gather information on them. Summary of the Bonin Flying Foxe Source :YouTube screenshot In this short, 2-minute video, there's plenty of footage of the cute Bonin flying fox. Be sure to watch the video to check out the cute little critter! The Bonin flying fox was previously put on a special stamp as part of a nature conservation series and is popular among stamp collectors. If you were captivated by the cuteness of the Bonin flying fox, keep your eyes peeled for these stamps or other bat-themed products!

A Look at the Wild Marten! This video, titled "A Close up of a Wild Marten" shows rare footage of a wild marten chowing down. Marten are small animals similar to stoats, ferrets, and weasels. The animal is often treated as a supernatural species in many parts of Japan. There are legends and folktales about the marten that say it has the ability to shapeshift into a raccoon or a fox, and that the misfortunes that occur in villages are due to the work of the marten. In this article, we'll explore the ecology and characteristics of the marten! The Marten - Types and Habitat Photo：Marten The marten is a carnivorous animal that constitutes the genus Martes in the family Mustelidae. Marten are generally 44-55 cm long with tails 17-23 cm long, and they weigh around 1 kilogram. Most wild marten in Japan are found on Honshu (Japan's main island), but they are also widely distributed in Shikoku and Kyushu. In Tsushima, Kyushu region Nagasaki prefecture, there is an endemic subspecies called the Tsushima marten. The Japanese sable of Hokkaido is said to be a different species than the marten. There are other types of marten around the world, such as the yellow-throated marten, American marten, Japanese sable, and European pine marten. The Characteristics and Ecology of the Japanese Marten Source :YouTube screenshot In the wild, marten live and breed alone, using crevices in rocks and tree hollows as their burrows. Their high pitched "squeaking" is one of their distinctive characteristics. Wild marten are omnivores, feeding on insects, birds, fruits and many other things. They sometimes appear in towns and destroy fields, so they are often treated as vermin. Their fur is reddish brown or dark brown in color, and they have different colored summer and winter coats. Some marten are even known for their incredibly fine fur. The wild marten shown in the video is seen constantly checking its surroundings as it chows down on some cat food. Occasionally it stands up to check its surroundings as well. This can be seen at 0:46 in the video. If you notice, the marten is also missing his front left leg, which may be the reason it's is relying on cat food, as catching its prey may be more difficult. Keeping Marten as Pets Photo：Marten After seeing this cute critter munching on some cat food, you might even think you want to raise one yourself. The breeding of wild marten is not prohibited in Japan, and they can actually be caught and bred with permission. However, due to their aggressive and violent nature, there are few cases of keeping them outside of specialized facilities such as zoos. That being said, it's probably difficult to care for one. Summary of the Japanese Marten In this article, we introduced the ecology of the wild marten. As you can see in the video, you might encounter a wild marten in your backyard in Japan, but they are quite difficult to care for. If you want to see some cute marten up close, we recommend visiting a zoo or animal shelter!

Wild Japanese Boars The video "MI0231 Japanese Boar Adult Beast" (MI0231 ニホンイノシシ　成獣), was created by "Asia Nature Library." It captures footages of a dangerous wild Japanese boar. The large, sturdy body of the Japanese wild boar was filmed from up close, showing off just how strong it is. Feel the power of the wild Japanese boar in the video! Be sure to follow along as you read this article! The Japanese Boar Photo：Japanese boar The Japanese wild boar is a member of the Suidae family and Artiodactyla order. Its scientific name is "sus scrofa," and it's often just called a boar. Its characterized by its ability to lunge and be aggressive. On the other hand, it's timid and acts with caution. Moreover, the boar is known as the "Pig," which is one of the twelve Chinese zodiacs, and young boars are called "piglets." Japanese boars have hard, thick, and coarse fur, the color of which is generally brown or dark brown, but every once in a while white boars are found. The lifespan of the Japanese boar is about 10 years. They also have the ability to jump and they can leap 1 meter high without a run-up. The size of the Japanese boar is 100-170 cm in length, 60-90 cm in shoulder height, with tails 30-40 cm long. They weigh 80-190 kg. At the highest end, a boar that weighed around 220 kg was caught as well. Their lower jaw is equipped with tusks. Normally they are active in the day, but their behavioral pattern changes to that of nocturnal animals when they are in an area with humans. They have a wide range of activity and have been reported to travel up to several kilometers a day, and their keen sense of smell allows them to sniff out crops, and they can even destroy farmland. They also occasionally swim to nearby islands. Historically in Japan, wild boars had been hunted for meat. People used to eat meat from boars, deer, etc., but eaten meat was mostly avoided after the introduction of Buddhism to Japan. Even in the present day, they are caught by the likes of the matagi (traditional winter hunters), and eaten in game meat cuisine, wild boar stew (ぼたん鍋, botan nabe), and more. Types of Boars Photo：Boar Wild boars originally lived mainly in Asia and Europe, but were introduced to the Americas and Australia by human intervention. While boars now inhabit many places around the world, with a wide range of sizes and varying habitats. In northeast China and Alabama in the US, boars that weigh more than 300 kg have been reported. In Japan, there are 2 subspecies, the Japanese boar that inhabits Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and the Ryukyu boar in Okinawa. The Danger of the Wild Japanese Boar Photo：Boar Wild Japanese boars are timid by nature and rarely attack humans by themselves, but they may be provoked when encountered at close range or if agitated. The Japanese wild boar can run at speeds of up to 45 km/h and, they have incredibly powerful lunges, making them very dangerous if they decide to attack. If you are passing through an area where there have been reports of boars, you can use bells or other sounds to alert people. Wild Japanese wild boars are omnivorous, eating mostly plants, fruits, bamboo shoots, and mushrooms that grow in the forests. You can see a close-up of a wild boar eating at 0:25 in the video. They have been reported to destroy crops and plants, so those who live near a forest are advised to be careful. Summary of the Wild Japanese Boar The video featured in this article gives an up close look at Japan's wild boars. It's an animal you won't find in zoos, so be sure to check it out! If you're a fan of animals, be sure to give it a watch!

The Japanese Dormouse This video, titled "Chino Legacy - A Chino Legacy to Leave to the Future - #16 'Japanese Dormouse'" (茅野レガシー～未来に残したい茅野遺産～#16「ヤマネ」), introduces the cute Japanese dormouse, an endemic species of Japan designated a nationally protected species. The Japanese dormouse is a rodent found in Yatsugatake, which straddle Yamanashi and Nagano prefectures, as well as in low mountains and subalpine areas throughout Japan. During hibernation, the Japanese dormouse crawls into private warehouses and cottages to curl up and take shelter. so there is a possibility of encountering them unexpectedly. About the Japanese Dormouse Source :YouTube screenshot The Japanese dormouse is a small mammal that belongs to the order Rodentia along with squirrels and other rodents, and is of the family Gliridae, and Glirinae genus. As you can see from 0:10 in the video, it has a cute appearance with its round eyes and soft fur. Because it's designated as a nationally protected species, it is forbidden to catch them or keep them as pets. They are 6 to 8 centimeters long, with black vertical stripes along their backs and a bushy tail. They are omnivorous, feeding on insects and fruits. They are often found running around the forest in preparation for winter. As you can see from 1:19 in the video, they nest in tree trunks and cracks in rocks and can race up trees using their sharp claws. It is a very agile animal that can hang on thin branches and jump from branch to branch. They are nocturnal creatures that live in trees, so you won’t encounter them often; however, during winter, you may see them curled up on the ground hibernating. They are also called "Ball Mice" or "Ice Mice" based on their curled up appearance. A hibernating Japanese dormouse sleeps so peacefully that even if you rolled them around, they would not wake up. You can see a curled-up Japanese dormouse hibernating at 2:07 in the video. In spring, they return to their natural habitat in the mountains. The Japanese Dormouse - A "Living Fossil" Photo：Excavating fossils Fossils of Japanese dormice have been excavated from the strata of Europe and Japan from 50 million and 20 million years ago, respectively. In other words, it is believed that the Japanese dormouse has existed on Earth since about 50 million years ago, after the extinction of the dinosaurs. This would have been during the Cenozoic Era, a time when ammonites and marine reptiles became extinct, and mammals and birds prospered. This of course means that they existed long before humans came to be. Because the Japanese dormouse has not changed in ecology or form since these ancient times, it is referred to as a living fossil. After the advent of mankind, the Japanese dormouse was recorded as a delicacy eaten by noblemen in Roman times. They would put Japanese dormice in vases and fatten them up with nuts and then cook them. They were eaten on a daily basis as appetizers or desserts. The Japanese Dormouse as a Pet Photo：Japanese Dormouse Due to the Japanese dormouse being designated as a nationally protected species, it is not allowed to have them as pets in Japan. However, you will see types of dormice from Europe or Asia in pet shops. When keeping them as pets, having a nesting box, drinking water, bedding materials, and a running wheel should suffice. When they begin hibernation, they sleep for half of the year, earning them the name "Sleeping Mice"; be sure to arrange their living quarters so you can see them sleeping! When they wake up from hibernation, it's mating season and they attract females with high-pitched calls. If you keep them as a pair, be aware that breeding occurs during this period. Summary of the Living Fossil - The Japanese Dormouse Source :YouTube screenshot Did you enjoy learning about the cute Japanese dormouse? We hope you were able to learn more about the biology of the Japanese dormouse, a once semi-endangered species and protected species in Japan. If you haven't yet, be sure to check out the video to see footage of this cute critter!

The Nihondaira Zoo Located in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka! This video, titled "[Nihondaira Zoo] Grand Opening：Promotional Video" ([日本平動物園]グランドオープン：プロモーションビデオ), was released by "Nihondaira Zoo." The Nihondaira Zoo opened in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture around 1965. In the renovation project completed in 2013, "Wild Animal House 299," "Flying Megadome," the petting zoo, and other fun facilities were developed, and the zoo opened with the theme of "a zoo of surprise, excitement, and dreams" where visitors could learn about the relationship between animals and people through behavioral exhibits and interaction with animals. The new logo of Nihondaira Zoo is based on the characteristic shape of the zoo. In this article we'll introduce the new Nihondaira zoo promotional video in beautiful 4K resolution. The History of the Nihondaira Zoo Photo：Asian Elephants at Nihondaira Zoo The Nihondaira Zoo started as a project to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Shizuoka City’s municipal administration in 1965 and the current model of the zoo began in 1969. In 2007, a redevelopment project for the entire zoo was started and in the spring of 2013 the new Nihondaira Zoo had its grand opening. In recent years, many zoos have been focusing on behavioral exhibits. This is to minimize the stress on animals as much as possible by creating enclosures that match the ecology and living habitats of the animals. At Nihondaira Zoo, there are also events such as the "Night Zoo" to exhibit the behavior of nocturnal animals. In the video, you'll see facilities where you can view the ecology of red pandas from 0:20, tigers from 0:33, polar bears from 0:38, as well as elephants and various other animals from 0:55. The former Emberson House, which is adjacent to the Nihondaira Zoo, has also been designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Shizuoka City. The Role of Zoos in Japan Photo：Giant Anteater Most people probably have the perception that a zoo is an amusement park. However, the real role of the zoo is for researchers around the world to share information, study animal behavior, and spread and share information about animals to avoid extinction. They are research institutes that provide education by allowing children to interact with animals to learn the importance of life. As a matter of fact, many wild animals are on the verge of extinction due to the recent extreme weather conditions and overfishing happening around the globe. Public zoos and aquariums around the world are collaborating to launch species conservation projects and collaborating with universities to conduct animal research day in and day out, such as sex identification via DNA and breeding cycles through hormone analysis. The Nihondaira Zoo is also in charge of registering the pedigree of domestic animals living in Japan. In the species conservation project, has the best breeding record in Japan, especially for giant anteaters. The breeding journal of the giant anteater has received attention from other zoos as the longest dissertation in Japan.br> The park, which covers an area of 13 hectares, also has a treatment facility where injured and sick wild birds and animals are housed until they can finally be released back into the wild. In this way, they also provide physical therapy services for animals. The Facilities of Nihondaira Zoo Photo：Red Panda The zoo is of course a fun and valuable place to interact with rare animals. Let's take a look at the renovated facilities of the Nihondaira Zoo. First off, you can meet fierce beasts such as the lion at "Wild Animal House 299," and see rare birds at "Flying Megadome." You can also see the popular "Futa-kun" who is kept at the "Red Panda House," as well as pet rabbits and capybaras at the petting zoo. The "Orangutan House" is a place where you can meet cute orangutans with their gentle gestures, which can be seen from 1:13 in the video. Besides that, there are specialized exhibition corners, such as the "Herbivore Huts," exhibits for nocturnal and tropical birds, "The Castle of the Mysterious Forest," the "Reptile House," and the "Penguin House," as well as the general exhibition corner where you can meet giraffes, elephants, and gorillas. In addition, there is an amusement park with a "roller slider," and a restaurant where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy lunch. It's crowded with parents and children every day! Summary the Nihondaira Zoo Located in Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Source :YouTube screenshot If you're headed to Shizuoka, be sure to stop by the Nihondaira Zoo where you can enjoy the behavioral exhibits of various animals! You might be able to discover an unexpected side of the animals that you didn't know existed. ◆Nihondaira Zoo｜Facility Overview◆ 【Address】1767-6 Ikeda, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture 【Access】A 10 minute bus ride from JR East Shizuoka Station, then a 5 minute walk after getting off at the zoo entrance (動物園入口, Doubutsu-en Iriguchi) 【Hours】9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Entrance open until 16:00) 【Admission Fee】General Admission (High school+): ¥620, Elementary｜Jr. High School students: ¥150 【Closures】Every Monday (or the following day if it is a national holiday or observed holiday), from the end of the year to New Year's Day 【Parking】4 parking lots available 【Telephone】054-262-3251 【Official Website】Shizuoka Municipal Nihondaira Zoo｜A behavioral exhibition that can be observed from various angles up close and also a sacred place for red pandas https://www.nhdzoo.jp/english/ 【Tripadvisor】Nihondaira Zoo https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298124-d1403957-Reviews-Nihondaira_Zoo-Shizuoka_Shizuoka_Prefecture_Tokai_Chubu.html