Geoparks—Promoting Conservation and Sustainable Development
There are many sites of significant geological importance throughout Japan that tell the story of the Japanese archipelago and provide insights into the evolution of the planet. Geoparks conserve the unique geological, natural, and cultural heritage of such areas. They also help visitors understand our intimate relationship with Earth and the current environmental challenges the planet faces.
Tokachi Shikaoi Geopark makes up part of Daisetsuzan National Park and covers the town of Shikaoi. It includes clusters of lava domes, areas of permafrost, and vast plains, as well as rare species of plants and animals such as a subspecies of the northern pika. The park is one of several geoparks in Hokkaido, which also include the UNESCO Global Geoparks of Toya-Usu and Mt. Apoi.