Ichinoseki is full of natural charm. Kubokawa Ihatov World, which works on nature restoration and preserves Japan’s original satoyama scenery, is truly a treasure trove of nature.
Kubokawa Ihatov World is home to the “Kubokawa Ihatov Nature Restoration Institute,” which works on nature restoration, and “Chishoin,” the temple that performed Japan’s first tree burial.
This nature restoration effort was started by Chishoin’s first chief priest. Thanks to his activities, many creatures have been protected, and the land has begun sprouting new life again, becoming a beautiful landscape.
This time, we had the opportunity to see a part of Kubokawa Ihatov’s nature, so we’d like to introduce it through photos.
If You’re Staying in Ichinoseki, We Recommend Nature Sightseeing! Kubokawa Ihatov
Kubokawa Ihatov World lies at the foot of Mt. Kurikoma (called Mt. Sukawa in Ichinoseki), which is also famous for its autumn foliage.
The rivers, streams, and more than 600 irrigation ponds here are shaped and protected by Mt. Sukawa.
The mixed woodland alongside the terraced rice paddies nurtures a rich ecosystem.
The first thing that surprised us at Kubokawa Ihatov was this photo!
The star of this photo is the
“forest green tree frog” (moriao gaeru)
which lays its eggs up in trees.
It’s a species endemic to Japan, an endangered species, and also a nationally designated natural monument.
And what lies below where these eggs fall???
A pond, of course.
All kinds of creatures live in these wetland ponds.
Rare creatures, nostalgic creatures you might remember from long ago… so many of them!
You could watch just one pond for hours and never get bored.
We also found a tree like this~~~
We used to have one of these at my house long ago — around here it’s called
“shagomi”
a gummi-like fruit. You don’t see it much anymore. It brought back childhood memories of snacking on it on the way home from school, lol. A very nostalgic sight.
This is the “green roof.” Impressive trees are growing right on the roof of this gazebo.
You can really feel the resilience of nature.
Kubokawa Ihatov’s nature, wrapped in green and overflowing with life.
If You’re Staying in Ichinoseki, We Recommend Nature Sightseeing! What Is Kubokawa Ihatov’s Effort?
There is a small museum located within the grounds of the Kubokawa Ihatov Nature Restoration Institute and Chishoin temple.
With permission, we’d like to introduce some of the items on display inside.
These are all specimens of insects such as dragonflies and butterflies that live within Kubokawa Ihatov.
Here’s a look.
These are specimens of the dragonfly species that live here.
An impressive number.
These are butterfly specimens.
Also an impressive number.
Kubokawa Ihatov’s nature restoration effort protects Japan’s native species of animals and plants from invasive species.
Thanks to this effort, Japan’s original satoyama scenery is being revived.
Kubokawa Ihatov World’s original Japanese satoyama scenery, where people and nature coexist and which carries a nostalgic charm. We feel that part of the true pleasure of sightseeing is not only strolling through nature, but also paying attention to and supporting the efforts that preserve this kind of original Japanese scenery.
If You’re Staying in Ichinoseki, Experience Extraordinary Nature at Kubokawa Ihatov World!
The original satoyama scenery of Kubokawa Ihatov, restored through nature conservation efforts, is a rare and precious landscape even by Japan’s standards.
Surrounded by an environment you rarely see today, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped straight into a movie!
Above all, the highlight of satoyama nature is being able to enjoy its changes through all four seasons!
Kubokawa Ihatov World is located just a short distance from BELLINO HOTEL.
It’s 14km away, about a 20-minute drive.
Drive just a little way from the city center and you’ll encounter a nostalgic Japanese landscape.
If you’d like to learn more about satoyama nature, please take a look here.
A blog written by a researcher at Kubokawa Ihatov World.
We look forward to introducing the changing seasons here on the BELLINO blog as well!
