The Sarobetsu-genya in the watershed area of the Sarobetsu River is one of the largest wetlands in Japan. It is a part of Rishiri-Rebun-Sarobetsu National Park.

In the central part of this 23,000 ha moor lies Genseikaen Park, where as many as 100 species of swamp plants can be seen from early summer to fall. Those include very rare northern cranberry and bog rosemary, gentians (Gentiana triflora var. japonica) that produce cute purple flowers, and Yezo daylilies with bright yellow flowers. Being called “the symbol of the moor,” Yezo daylily is an extremely rare plant because it blooms for only two days during the summer. Chance it! You might be able to see it.

The Sarobetsu-genya Moor is the treasure trove of wild birds. East Siberian taigas and othe birds migrating for the south and red-crowned cranes can be seen in the late fall. In winter, white-tailed eagles come flying from Russia. It is a precious land which fosters flora and fauna as well as provides us, human beings, with relief and refreshment.

Otorikoshi Service and the Plant Fair are the events held at Sanjo Betsuin in Honcho, Sanjo City, Niigata Pref. from November 5-8 every year. Sanjo Betsuin was established as a Betsuin (a branch temple) of Higashi Honganji, the head temple of Jodo Shin-shu Otani School, in 1690 to supervise all the Shin-shu temples located to the north of Yoneyama town (presently Kashiwazaki City, Niigata Pref.). Since then it has been called “Gobo-sama (sacred monk)” and respected by the local people. Otorikoshi Service, or formally called “Ho-on-ko Ohikiage-e” Service is dedicated in memory of Shinran Shonin, the founder of Shin-shu. Otorikoshi service, which is held at every Shin-shu temple all over the country in advance of Shinran Shonin Memorial Day, is the most important service for the believers of Jodo Shin-shu. During this period, the Plant Fair is also held along the main approach and in the area near the temple. A lot of visitors from all over the prefecture come to buy young or potted flowering plants, young fruit trees, or garden plants. Otorikoshi Service and the Plant Fair are the events that are indispensable for the autumnal season in the city of Sanjo.

The Karikome Pond can be found in Hakusan National Park, which is located in the Hakusan Mountain Range spanning the four prefectures of Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui and Gifu. At the foot of Mt. Gankyouji, the highest mountain in Hakusan National Park with an elevation of more than 1000 meters, spread the virgin forests of Habagahara with Japanese beeches and oaks. Deep inside this forest lies Karikome Pond. There, the bustle that can be seen in the highlands does not exist, but instead, lies a quiet, simple kind of grace that makes you want to visit every season. Early spring and late autumn are especially magnificent. During the Golden Week period of May, the beeches begin to sprout, producing small buds that bear a red color and resemble blossoms. Mid-October is perfect for seeing a landscape of autumnal leaves. The picturesque scene of Mt. Sannomine and the trees just changing color mirrored in the water is definitely worth seeing. The Karikome Pond is currently designated as a Hakusan National Park Class 1 Special Region.