Wakasakanai Park
Wakasakanai Park, part of the Sarobetsu Wetlands, lies within the boundaries of the Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park, which encompasses the islands of Rishiri and Rebun and the coastal area of Sarobetsu on Hokkaido. The wetlands are one of the country’s largest marshland areas, covering nearly 70 square kilometers. They are a habitat of wildflowers and bird species such as red-crowned cranes (tanchozuru; Grus japonensis) and white-tailed eagles (ojirowashi; Haliaeetus albicilla).
The boardwalk affords views of the wetlands and Mt. Rishiri, a composite volcano on the nearby island of Rishiri. The mountain is home to distinctive wildlife and rare alpine flowers that bloom near the summit.
Several species of wildflowers bloom around the boardwalk in the warmer months from May to the end of August. A yellow-flowering species of cinquefoil (kijimushiro; Potentilla fragarioides var. major.) is the earliest to bloom in May, with a variety of fringed pink (Ezo kawara nadeshiko; Dianthus superbus L. var. superbus) the latest to bloom between mid-July and late August. Mid- to late July is peak blooming season and the best time to enjoy the flowers at Wakasakanai Park.