Nature Exploration Archives - TRICOLAGE

Adventures That Stir the Soul: Exploring Teshikaga, Hokkaido

Victor — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 06:17:00 +0000

Have you ever felt the need to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and reset your mind?

If so, Teshikaga, located in eastern Hokkaido, is the perfect destination. This serene town boasts breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and the deep connection of its people to the environment they call home.

From Lake Kussharo, Japan’s largest caldera lake, to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mashu, and the active volcano Mount Io (Atosanupuri), Teshikaga’s scenery feels like a window into the Earth’s primal beauty. On my journey here, I discovered tranquility and clarity like never before.

About Teshikaga

Nestled within Akan-Mashu National Park, Teshikaga is a nature lover’s paradise. With 65% of its land designated as a conservation area, the town is a testament to the harmony between nature and community. The region’s iconic Kussharo Caldera is surrounded by the Akan volcanic range, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape.

This area has long been home to the Ainu, a local indigenous people, whose cultural presence is reflected in place names like Atosanupuri, meaning “bare mountain.” Beyond its natural beauty, Teshikaga strives to balance tourism with environmental preservation. Recognized as one of the Green Destinations Top 100 in 2023, it has earned global acclaim for its sustainable practices.

A Journey into Nature

After a two-hour drive from Kushiro Airport, my first stop was an overlook above Lake Kussharo. There, I was warmly greeted by a local sustainability coordinator, Ms. Kinase, who brewed fresh coffee as we admired the lake’s serene surface.

“This is where your journey begins.”

she said, as we gazed at a landscape unlike anywhere else in Japan.

We began with a visit to the Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail, led by a knowledgeable local guide who pointed out unique flora. “These dwarf pines are typically found at elevations over 1,000 meters,” the guide explained, noting how volcanic activity allows them to thrive at lower altitudes here.

By October, the trail was adorned with vibrant hana-goke mosses, while in June, the landscape transforms into a sea of white with blooming iso-tsutsuji flowers.

Emerging from the forest, we were greeted by the sight of Atosanupuri, its stark, volcanic slopes a striking contrast to the surrounding greenery.

As we approached Atosanupuri, the vivid yellow, needle-like crystals came into view—so striking they seemed almost unreal. These formations, along with the numerous fumaroles scattered across the area, are designated as “special natural tourism resources,” carefully protected for their unique geological and ecological value. Once a hub for sulfur mining, the mountain now stands as a testament to the dynamic beauty of nature, cherished and safeguarded by the local community.

Atosanupuri Trekking

The highlight of my trip was the Atosanupuri Trekking Tour, an initiative by the Teshikaga Eco-Town Promotion Council. This guided experience offers exclusive access to protected areas, ensuring minimal environmental impact while providing a safe and enriching adventure.

Accompanied by Yukiko, a certified guide, we began our ascent. As we climbed, Yukiko shared stories of the mountain’s mining past and the community’s efforts to preserve its natural beauty. Sulfur vents emitted vivid yellow crystals, and the bubbling hot springs seemed to breathe life into the rugged terrain.

As the climb grew steeper, my breath grew shorter, but we finally reached the summit—the highest point accessible to hikers.

Taking a break, Yukiko shared more of the region’s story:

“In the early 1990s, this area was bustling with tourists during the tourism boom.”

But as visitor numbers declined, the local economy stagnated, leading to issues like abandoned buildings and environmental degradation. However, rather than returning to mass tourism, the community sought a different path. They wanted to protect the resources they hold dear and create tourism that offers visitors an authentic connection to their nature and culture while sustaining the local economy.

This tour itself is a testament to their vision. It was developed as part of the community’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism, with part of the tour fees directly supporting environmental conservation and the maintenance of the trekking trails.

This tour is more than just an opportunity to enjoy nature; it’s a travel experience that gives back to the community and takes a meaningful step toward the future of sustainable tourism. It’s an invitation to travelers to recognize their responsibility and appreciate the thoughtful systems the region has established to protect its resources. I felt this tour was a true model of coexistence between humans and nature.

“Shall we head back down?”

Yukiko said, her voice breaking the calm silence.

With Yukiko’s encouragement, we started our descent along the path leading to the base. Ahead lay the Tsutsujigahara Nature Trail we had explored the day before, and beyond it, the shimmering surface of Lake Kussharo. Surrounded by this vast wilderness, I felt a renewed connection to the natural world as we made our way back, savoring every step down the trail.

Kushiro River Canoeing and Culinary Delights

Another unforgettable experience was canoeing down the tranquil Kushiro River. Guided by a passionate local who had fallen in love with Teshikaga’s natural beauty, we floated through serene waters, pausing for tea as we listened to birdsong and spotted wildlife.
The journey ended with an exhilarating rush through gentle rapids, a thrilling conclusion to our river adventure.

For lunch, we stopped at the SoRa Auberge, where chefs craft creative dishes from fresh, locally sourced ingredients, including Hokkaido wagyu and seasonal seafood. The combination of exquisite flavors and stunning views from the dining room’s large windows made for a perfect end to the day.

The restaurant is set in expansive grounds, with lush lawns stretching out in every direction. Each dish was a masterpiece, showcasing the chef’s skill and creativity, while the scenery outside the windows heightened the sense of connection to Hokkaido’s natural abundance.
SoRa Auberge also offers charming guest rooms, making it a sought-after destination for those who wish to enjoy an extended and relaxed stay.

Hot Springs and Accommodationss

Teshikaga offers a variety of unique and delightful accommodations.
During my stay, I chose Bettei Suikazura, located in Kawayu Onsen, which features a rare and highly acidic hot spring. The soothing waters were perfect for unwinding, and the property includes a cozy lounge, ideal for relaxing alone or with family. One of the highlights was enjoying local Japanese cuisine, such as Wagyu beef prepared in the distinctive “Sulfur Mountain Grill” style, served in a private dining room—a truly memorable experience.

Another exceptional option is WAKKANUPURI, a one-group-per-day retreat offering unparalleled privacy. From the large windows of the guest room, you can enjoy exclusive views of stunning Lake Kussharo. The sandy beach beside the lodge provides direct access to the lake for canoeing, offering a private gateway to Teshikaga’s natural wonders. Meals are served in a private living-dining pavilion, where exquisite Japanese cuisine is crafted with the day’s finest ingredients. This accommodation is perfect for those seeking a serene and luxurious experience in Teshikaga.

Lastly, there is the Kussharo Lake Onsen Hotel, another one-group-per-day boutique hotel that provides tranquil views of the surrounding forest. A highlight of this property is its proximity to the Kussharo Sauna Club, a must-visit for sauna enthusiasts. Overnight guests enjoy unlimited access to the sauna from evening until morning, while daytime visitors can also use the sauna facilities without staying overnight—a popular draw for locals and tourists alike.

At the Journey’s End

The three days I spent in Teshikaga were more than just a reset for my mind—they offered me a fresh perspective. I was deeply moved by the profound connection between the local community and their land, the intricate beauty of nature, and the rich cultural heritage they strive to protect.

If you’re seeking a place to step away from the noise of daily life and rediscover yourself, Teshikaga is the perfect destination. A journey here holds the promise of encountering a new version of yourself amidst the awe-inspiring wilderness.

Hokkaido offers countless other captivating destinations as well: the World Natural Heritage site of Shiretoko, the powder snow of Niseko, the lavender fields of Furano, and more. Why not embark on a journey with Tricolage to explore a path less traveled and create unforgettable memories?

If this resonates with you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Tricolage!

Our dedicated travel team is here to craft a one-of-a-kind journey tailored just for you.

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Nature Tours to Enjoy and Conserve Kyushu’s Natural Beauty

Victor — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 02:47:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about wanting to show the breathtaking views you’ve seen while traveling to your children or grandchildren? Unfortunately, the scenery we are witnessing today may be changed in 100 years.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could protect the rich natural environment of the region while enjoying our travels and pass it on to future generations?

The abundant regional resources also contribute to tourism, allowing us to enjoy unique experiences in various locations. It is precisely because of well-preserved nature that travelers can savor the landscapes and local ingredients, ensuring that the next generation can enjoy the same natural beauty.

Environmental elements are essential for sustainable tourism, and the concept of “conservation and utilization,” which emphasizes using natural resources for tourism while also preserving them, has been advocated in Japan’s national parks.

This time, I experienced the important natural blessings of the region, including vast grasslands, volcanoes, and hot springs powered by geothermal energy, in Oita and Kumamoto Prefectures in Kyushu.

Living with the Energy of Beppu’s Hot Springs

Beppu City in Oita Prefecture is famous for its hot springs. This onsen area is called “Jigoku” (Hell) because it was considered too dangerous to approach in about a thousand years ago.

Today, visitors can explore seven hells (Onsen), including Umi Jigoku (Sea Hell) and Kamado Jigoku (Cooking Pot Hell).

The unique features of Beppu Onsen are its quantity and quality.

According to a 2019 survey by the Ministry of the Environment, Oita Prefecture ranks first in the nation for both the number of hot spring sources and the volume of hot spring water, with Beppu City leading the prefecture.

There are seven different types of hot spring waters in Beppu, and soaking in them in order—from Myoban Onsen to Kannawa Onsen—provides remarkable beauty benefits.

The ways to enjoy the hot springs are diverse; you can experience steam baths lying on medicinal herbs or sand baths. Many people come for “Touji” (bath healing) to relax and rejuvenate for these reasons.

The steam rising throughout the town makes it feel like the entire city is a hot spring.

The heat from the springs is also an essential energy source for local residents, used for electricity generation.

Oita Prefecture is the largest geothermal power plant in Japan, producing about 40% of the country’s geothermal electricity. The self-sufficiency rate for renewable energy in Oita is 28.1%, the highest in Japan.

The heat from the hot springs is harnessed to generate renewable energy, and it is also used in everyday life, such as cooking with the heat in place of a microwave.

You can experience meals prepared using this geothermal energy.

I enjoyed “Jigoku Mushi” (hell-steamed) dishes at Daikokuya, a ryokan and dining hall.

Vegetables and meats are cooked in 90-degree steam for about six minutes. Guests can bring their ingredients to the impressive steam pots for cooking.

The food, enriched with minerals from the hot springs, is delicious with a natural salty flavor. You can also buy ingredients nearby and prepare your favorites.

Through this sustainable food experience that utilizes the natural energy of the hot springs, you can truly savor the essence of Beppu with all your senses.

Traditional Crafts Made from Sustainable Material: Bamboo

Oita Prefecture is known for its thriving bamboo cultivation, and the bamboo crafts have been widely recognized as gifts for the Emperor and souvenirs for visitors to hot springs.

Beppu bamboo crafts have a history of over 100 years and are designated as traditional crafts recognized by the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.

These beautifully crafted bamboo items are displayed as art pieces in various locations.

At the Beppu City Bamboo Craft Traditional Industry Hall, visitors can view exhibitions, purchase products, and participate in workshops.

Each bamboo craft is stunning, particularly those created by Living National Treasures, such as Shōunsai Shōno, who was first recognized in 1967, and Seihou Kibe, who received the designation in 2024.

Bamboo is increasingly being used as a sustainable alternative to plastic in everyday items, including cutlery, toothbrushes, and lunchboxes. Its durability allows for long-term use. In addition to everyday bamboo items, the shop also offers bamboo craft accessories, making for stylish fashion pieces.

There are also tours for bamboo harvesting and workshops, as well as visits to individual studios where bamboo crafts are made, providing various opportunities to engage with this traditional craft.

Enjoy a relaxing stay in Beppu, Oita, filled with sustainable elements!

A Sustainable 1,000-Year Grassland in Aso, Kumamoto

The Aso region is located in the eastern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, near the borders with Oita and Miyazaki Prefectures, and is within the “Aso Kuju National Park.”

Mount Aso is an active volcano that erupted three years ago.

The grasslands spreading at the foot of Mount Aso are said to have existed for about 13,000 years, dating back to the Jomon period, where humans and nature have worked together to nurture these plains.

In Japan’s climate, grasslands cannot be maintained solely by natural forces; without human intervention, they would eventually turn into forests. By making moderate adjustments, people have helped maintain the balance of nature.

The benefits of grasslands are numerous: they mitigate sediment disaster risks, possess excellent water source conservation functions (storing and discharging rainwater), support biodiversity, and sequester carbon in the soil.

This time, I experienced the grasslands of Aso through the Adventure Cycle Aso Mountain Grassland Ride, witnessing the collaboration between humans and nature that created these plains.

To protect the grasslands, it is necessary to regularly reduce the grass cover to encourage new growth, which has been achieved through practices like grazing, hay harvesting, and controlled burning.

While there was hay harvesting for the Aka-ushi (Japanese Brown Cattle) that graze in the grasslands, the number of cattle has now decreased to 300. Aka-ushi beef is known for its rich red meat rather than fat, and consuming 100 grams is equivalent to the amount of grass that one tatami mat can cover.

Controlled burning, known as “noyaki,” is an important method for preserving grasslands that has been practiced since the Jomon period. Each year, the grasslands are intentionally burned by human hands. I spoke with a guide who conducts these burns.

Noyaki helps regenerate the grasslands and protects endangered plant and insect species. Unlike the large-scale burning seen in the Amazon, this practice typically affects a small area for only about three seconds, resulting in minimal negative impacts on the ecosystem.

The carbon dioxide emitted during the burning is transformed into carbon-rich ash that the grass can absorb. The regenerated grasslands are capable of absorbing twice the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by Kumamoto.

However, the process of burning the grasslands is dangerous, and it requires significant effort to cut the borders of the areas that won’t be burned. Due to a shortage of manpower, the area being burned has decreased, and over the past 100 years, the total grassland area has been reduced to less than half.

Seeing the beautiful scenery firsthand made me feel inspired to take action regarding these issues.

In fact, a portion of the tour fee goes towards environmental conservation activities, allowing us to enjoy and protect Aso’s natural beauty at the same time.

In winter, there are tours that support Aso’s activities by participating in controlled burning, enabling participants to enjoy both the season and the conservation efforts.

My experience of participating in the tour, learning about Aso’s ecosystem and grassland burning, while cycling through the preserved lush grasslands, became my most memorable moment of the year.

When you see the scenery of Aso, you too will likely want to preserve it for future generations.

Would you like to join us on a tour that allows us to enjoy and protect nature together?

Tricolage offers special journeys that balance environmental conservation and tourism.
We invite you to embark on an adventure with us that you’ve never experienced before!

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The Charm of Japan’s Mountains: Volcanoes, Culture, and Mountain Huts

Victor — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 02:57:00 +0000

Japan, a country of volcanoes. Mountains have been a part of Japanese life since ancient times. The mountaineering culture, originally thought to have come from Europe, is now cherished by many in Japan.

In this article, we interview Mr. Yukinori Uchida, an inbound project producer, and Mr. Yosuke Yuasa, a corporate sales producer from “Yama to Keikoku” magazine, to discuss Japan’s mountains and their charming mountain huts.

Taketoshi Uchida,
Yama-Kei Publishers Co., Ltd.

Joined the company in 1991, moving through the editorial departments of “YamaKei JOY” and others, to the advertising department in 2006 to handle PR for mountaineering manufacturers. In 2016, he launched a solutions business for government offices and local authorities, and in 2021, he moved to the corporate sales department to expand solutions for inbound and resettlement strategies.

Yosuke Yuasa,
Yama-Kei Publishers Co., Ltd.

After joining in 1997, he contributed to the launch of “YamaKei Online” in 2010, after experiences in the advertising and new business development departments. He managed the site for 11 years and, since 2021, has worked in the corporate sales department, involved in PR for mountaineering equipment manufacturers, mountain huts, and local government tourism promotion.

Volcano Nation Japan

Fumiko Yoshida (Tricolage) : Japan is known as a country of volcanoes. Why are there so many volcanoes?

Uchida: The Japanese archipelago is formed on a complex crust that is rare in the world. It sits at the collision point of four plates: the Eurasian, North American, Pacific, and Philippine Sea plates, making it a region where magma easily accumulates and many eruptions occur, forming volcanoes. Traditionally, volcanoes were classified as “extinct,” “dormant,” or “active,” but with advances in dating methods, we no longer use the classifications of “extinct” or “dormant.”

Yoshida: How have erupted volcanoes affected the surrounding environment?

Uchida: Yuasa: Crater lakes form in the craters of erupted volcanoes, and towns have developed where people have come to live. For example, the famous Fuji Five Lakes were formed by the merging of overflowed lake water and mountain stream water due to volcanic lava flows. On the outer side, there’s Hakone, famous for its hot springs. The abundance of hot springs in Japan is because Japan is a country of volcanoes.

Mountains as Culture

Yoshida : Hot springs are an important part of Japanese culture. Can you tell us more about the connection between mountains and Japanese culture?

Yuasa: In Japan, there is something called mountain worship. Mountains have been revered as objects of faith since ancient times, a unique form of Japanese animism. When a mountain erupted, the Japanese thought it was “the anger of the gods” and prayed for peace.

Yoshida: Indeed, when climbing mountains, you often see shrines and torii gates.

Uchida: Mt. Fuji, Mt. Hakusan, and Mt. Tateyama are called the three great mountains of Japan’s mountain worship. They were seen as mountains for ascetic monks to climb due to their high altitudes and difficulty. Though now many ordinary climbers climb them, the spirit of mountain worship remains in modern Japanese. The 2014 eruption of Mt. Ontake resulted in many victims, but followers of the Ontake mountain worship were praying, “Be placated, be placated.”

The Charm of Japan’s Mountains

Yoshida: Mountains, once revered as objects of faith, are now beloved as mountains for climbing. What is the charm of Japan’s mountains?

Yuasa: There are thousands of mountains in Japan for climbing. The same mountain changes its expression with the seasons and even depending on one’s mental state. The enjoyment is infinite, not just four seasons but twelve months.

Uchida: Japan has extreme climates. Unique to volcanoes, we have all four seasons. Just an hour away from Tokyo, where it rarely snows, you can enter a region with deep snow. Hokkaido has areas where it snows up to 60 cm in one night, which is rare worldwide. Recently, many people from overseas visit Japan to enjoy “Japow” (Japanese powder snow).

Japan’s Mountain Huts

Yoshida: Mountain huts are now becoming a destination in themselves.

Yuasa: Exactly. Spending time in tune with nature’s timing, feeling the sounds, light, and scents of nature – this is a major attraction. Although places, where signals reach, have increased, mountain huts are originally great places for digital detox and retreats.

Uchida: Mountain huts originally functioned as work huts for forestry and hunting. Many huts have been privately operated since before the National Park Law was established, making Japan’s mountain huts very unique. The owner’s commitment is strongly reflected.

World-Class Service

Yoshida: I had the image that mountain huts were just for sleeping, but that’s not the case, is it?

Yuasa: Mountain huts are different from general accommodations like hotels and ryokans, located in harsh mountainous environments. Many places do not have electricity or running water. Therefore, hut owners provide services with ingenuity under limited conditions.

Uchida: Mountain huts in the Northern Alps and Yatsugatake are said to be of world-class level. They are very clean and serve delicious food. Curry was the mainstream in mountain huts in the past, but recently, there has been a focus on ingredients, with an increase in places serving meals using local products.

Please see the end of this article for some mountain huts recommended by the two.

Sustainability of Mountains

Yoshida: We enjoy mountain climbing thanks to the blessings of nature. What do you think we can do to ensure these beautiful mountains continue into the future?

Yuasa: The basics are very important, such as not littering and never stepping off the designated hiking trails. It’s obvious but very important.

Uchida: In the face of global climate change, it’s questionable whether humans can resist. Adaptation may be necessary. Humans won’t give up their desires. Rather than looking for alternatives, it’s necessary to restrain those desires first. Even if we find alternatives, we’re still impacting nature. With climate change, more mountains are becoming unclimbable due to landslides. If we don’t control our desires, the nature we have now will continue to be lost.

Recommended Mountain Huts

Enzanso
Located in the Northern Alps, Enzanso requires about a 4-hour steep climb from Nakabusa Hot Springs trailhead. Known for its excellent service, it sits on Mt. Tsubakurodake, also known as the Queen of the Northern Alps. The current third-generation president aims to make it the world’s best mountain hut, managing a very wonderful hut that embodies the beauty of the Northern Alps. This stylish building was designed by the same person who designed the Imperial Hotel.

Tokusawaen
Attracting many tourists from overseas, Tokusawaen is a unique facility operated under mountain hut-like rules, such as set lights-out times and the requirement to take your trash home, despite offering hotel-like meals and services. It’s located in Kamikochi, one of Japan’s leading mountain resorts, accessible by a nearly flat hiking path in about 2 hours on foot, of course unreachable by car.

Shirabiso Hut
This quaint, traditionally managed family-run hut is about a 2.5-hour hike from the Inagoyu trailhead. Using firewood for heating and lamps for lighting, it’s a very rustic place where you can enjoy conversations with the owner couple and other climbers or just feel happy looking at the mountains.

Takamagahara Sanso
Located in the deepest part of the Northern Alps, this hut has a very good hot spring. It takes two days to reach the hut from the Oritate trailhead and two days to return, housing what is said to be Japan’s most remote open-air bath, a perfect retreat after a tiring climb.

Hokkein Onsen Sanso
About 2 hours from the Omagari trailhead, Hokkein Onsen Mountain Lodge is located in Kyushu’s Kuju mountain range, the highest hot spring in Kyushu, and a power spot where you can heal your climbing fatigue while stargazing.

After speaking with Mr. Uchida and Mr. Yuasa, I was deeply reminded that Japan’s mountains are more than just landscapes. They symbolize the unique fusion of nature and culture, shaped by volcanic activity, rooted in mountain worship, and changing with the seasons. My own experiences climbing mountains like Mt.Fuji last year brought fresh surprises in scenery, plants, culture, and customs. The retreat experience in mountain huts, achieved only by climbing and spending quiet time there, is precious. This year, I aim to stay in a mountain hut, taking time to climb and experience a different side of Japan’s nature.

This beautiful nature we enjoy is a treasure that must be carefully preserved by our efforts and passed on to future generations. When you visit the mountains next time, why not take your time to climb and experience the different aspects of Japan’s nature? For your next trip to Japan, Contact us for your travel plan,ning or Follow us on our Instagram and Linkedin!

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