Shishiganabi Marsh

Overview

Shishiganabi Marsh, located on the northwestern foothills of Mount Chokai, is a vast wetland designated as a national natural monument. It's believed to have formed over a long period, transforming from a mudflow deposit created after the collapse of Mount Chokai approximately 2,500 years ago. Towering beech and mizunara trees stand throughout the marsh, and well-maintained walking trails make it easily accessible to everyone. A stroll along these paths will reveal diverse plants and birds, with the scenery changing dramatically with the seasons. Spring offers vibrant greenery, summer lush foliage, autumn stunning autumn leaves, and winter a breathtaking snowscape – a place to enjoy year-round change. The marsh is also home to rare plants, most notably the "Chokai Marimo," a type of moss that forms into ball shapes. Some specimens grow over a meter in diameter, appearing to cling to rocks, although they actually grow in this round shape independently. Many tourists visit specifically to see these unique Chokai Marimo. Shishiganabi Marsh is truly a treasure trove of nature, boasting abundant wildlife and precious plants.