Natural Wealth of the Marshland
The Tadewara Marsh is one of Kuju’s most important freshwater environments. Created by the upwelling of fresh spring water from the surrounding mountains, Tadewara is a valley rich with plant and animal life. The geographical location and geological structure of the Tadewara Marsh supports a thriving ecosystem of thick, marshy grasses, rare and beautiful plants, endemic aquatic insects, and wild birds.
The high altitude, around 1,000 m above sea level, and relatively cool climate of the marsh promote the growth of a variety of wildflowers. More than 100 different species bloom in the area from spring to autumn, including the globe thistle (Echinops setifer), Japanese water iris (Iris ensata), purple and yellow loosestrife (Lythrum anceps), star lily (Lilium concolor), and Japanese ligularia (Ligularia japonica), attracting many types of butterflies and other insects.
The abundance of insects also attracts small birds to the marshlands, such as the chestnut-eared bunting (Emberiza fucata). Many of these species are only found in the unique conditions of the Tadewara Marsh, resulting in the area being designated a Ramsar Site of International Importance in 2005.