Mysterious Japan and its Wondrous Wetlands - Japan
4th - 19th June 2010
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Japan almost defies description - a land of opposites and at times tantalisingly inscrutable. BTCV's holidays in Japan have proved some of our most memorable allowing us access to the heart and soul of this fascinating culture and country, and the friendliest people you'll meet.
One previous participant said: This was a truly magnificent holiday. It encompassed everything that a BTCV international project should: interesting and satisfying work, an opportunity to meet many Japanese people, a discovery of Hokkaido wildlife and a brisk but fascinating immersion into Japanese culture, traditional and modern. A package that is possibly unique amongst holiday operators.
Who we're working with
We're working with the Kinashibetsu Wetland Trust, a part of the Association of National Trusts in Japan, comprised of a group of landowners whose land encompasses the Kinashibetsu Wetland. These landowners have committed themselves to promoting conservation in the area. Genshi Sakakibara is our host and his enthusiasm and dedication are infectious. As well as working hard for this project, he pulls out all the stops every year to show us the real Japan.
Where we're working
The project is taking place on the South-Eastern Pacific coast of Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four islands. Hokkaido represents about 20% of the land area of Japan but is relatively sparsely populated with only 5% of the population. There are some important National Parks and wilderness areas on the island and even bears, although you are unlikely to see them!
Kinashibetsu Nature Conservation Area is within the small village of Chokubetsu facing the Pacific Ocean and 50km from Kushiro City. Typical of the scenery along the Pacific coastline, the area contains virgin forest, sand dunes, alpine plant areas, wetlands and farmland. Close to the most important wetland site in Japan, the area is home to many rare species of birds (over 83 species), including Japanese crane, white tailed sea eagle, grey heron and Japanese snipe. There are more than 344 plant species, and about 200ha of virgin forest. Nearby is Kushiro Wetland National Park, Akam National Park, Mt. Taisetsu National Park and Atukeshi prefecture park. Our base is at the Shakubetsu Railway Station some distance to the heart of the Conservation Area.
What we'll be doing
We're helping with the creation of a demonstration nature reserve designed to show a sample of the wetland species in the main Kinashibetsu Wetland Reserve. This will including the construction of a bridge over the pond and a boardwalk around it. The reserve is at the entrance to the Shakubetsu railway station and aims to attract people into find out more.
Further to this, for once we've got them hooked, we'll also be designing and starting the construction of a footpath and 4 mile walk leading from Shakubetsu station, to the waterside at the Kinashibetsu wetland and on to Chokubetsu Railway station.
The project is also designed to build local and regional interest in volunteering and as in previous years we'll be involved in a range of activities and with volunteers recruited from elsewhere in Japan.
Benefits of our work
Our work will contribute to restoring and protecting the original habitat, which years ago was characterised by various species of aquatic insects and birds before invasive reed began to cover the water surface and led to progressive drying.
This year, an important underlying aim of the project is to create a demonstration nature reserve designed to give a sample of the wetland species in the main Kinashibetsu Wetland Reserve and encourage local people to take an active interest in the nature and conservation of their area. Having an international group working alongside them encourages Japanese participants to see the true value of their own natural resources - and the fun involved in their conservation!
Where we'll be staying
We'll be staying in the very comfortable Japanese National Trust volunteer house on the farm where much of the work is taking place. The house contains two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, living space, and an office room.
Catering will be a mix of eating out in a range of Japanese restaurants and self-catering using as far as possible, produce from a neighbouring organic farm.
What else is there
Our Japanese hosts are keen to show us as much as possible of Japan's culture, such as the tea ceremony, Kimono wearing or flower arrangement - the history and traditions of Hokkaido.
A real highlight of the holiday is a day trip to Shiretoko National Park, Akan Lake and Sulpher Mountain. Shiretoko is a peninsula of snow capped mountains designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005 - end the day with a dip in the hot springs and fantastic Japanese sushi.
There's also plenty of opportunity in afternoons to visit the myriad local temples and find out more about the native Ainu people of the region.
