Sarobetsu Wetland Center - Hokkaido

Sarobetsu Wetland Center (サロベツ湿原センター) is a visitor center that serves as the gateway to the Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden (サロベツ原生花園). It is located at 8662 Kamisarobetsu in the town of Toyotomi in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan

Sarobetsu Wetland Center (サロベツ湿原センター)
Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Sarobetsu Wetland Center Details

Opened to the public in April 2011, the Sarobetsu Wetland Center serves as an informative hub managed by the Sarobetsu Eco Network, an accredited NPO dedicated to fostering harmony between humanity and nature. Embracing the ethos of sustainable coexistence, the center operates as an eco-friendly facility, harnessing natural energy sources such as solar power generation and heat pump heating, thereby minimizing its environmental footprint.

Sarobetsu Wetland Center - Toyotomi town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Sarobetsu Wetland Center - Toyotomi Town, Hokkaido Prefecture

Sarobetsu Wetland Center as seen from Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden
Sarobetsu Wetland Center as seen from Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden

Within the center, a wealth of exhibits awaits, offering insights into the wetland's origins, its diverse inhabitants, and the intertwined lives of local communities. Through captivating displays featuring photographs, panels, and immersive video materials, visitors embark on a journey of discovery, unraveling the intricate tapestry of this remarkable ecosystem.

サロベツ湿原センター
サロベツ湿原センター

Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden Area Map

Welcome to Sarobetsu Wetland Center
Welcome to Sarobetsu Wetland Center

In December 2011, the Sarobetsu Wetland Center gained cinematic acclaim as the filming location for Toei's commemorative 60th-anniversary film, "Canaries of the North." Renowned actors such as Sayuri Yoshinaga and Hikari Mitsushima graced the site, further highlighting its allure and cultural significance.

Inside the Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Photos inside the Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Photos inside the Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Exhibits inside Sarobetsu Wetland Center:*

Exhibits inside Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Exhibits inside Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Exhibits inside Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Exhibits inside Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Exhibits inside Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Exhibits inside Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Exhibits inside Sarobetsu Wetland Center

Exhibits inside Sarobetsu Wetland Center

I posted only a handful of photos of the exhibits and I purposely didn't label them so that you would only get a glimpse of what the Sarobetsu Wetland Center has to offer. Please visit it and enjoy it with your own eyes.

For those seeking a memento of their experience, the museum shop offers an array of exclusive souvenirs and locally sourced treasures, providing a tangible connection to the essence of Sarobetsu's natural splendor.

Things to see outside Sarobetsu Wetland Center

The wooden walking path in Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden
The wooden walking path in Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden

The peat mining machine and the dredger ship
The peat mining machine and the dredger ship

After a day of exploration, visitors can indulge in culinary delights at Rest House Sarobetsu, a charming ramen restaurant adjacent to the Sarobetsu Wetland Center. Here, tantalizing dishes such as the renowned "Sarobetsu Ramen," featuring succulent surf clams from Wakkasauchai, beckon discerning palates. Don't miss the opportunity to savor Hokkaido's beloved culinary classics, including the nostalgic flavors of "ageimo" and "imomochi," alongside delectable Toyotomi Milk soft-serve ice cream and dairy-fresh Toyotomi Milk.

Sarobetsu Wetland Center with the Tomamae Gang

We checked out what Sarobetsu Wetland Center has to offer
We checked out what Sarobetsu Wetland Center has to offer

Sarobetsu Wetland Center with the Tomamae Gang
We also explored the Sarobetsu Primeval Flower Garden

I visited Sarobetsu Wetland Center with my friends from Tomamae Commercial High School for the first time last October 30, 2022, during our “Tomamae Gang Goes to Wakkanai” Road Trip. It was my 363rd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Sarobetsu Wetland Center was just a side trip that’s not even on our itinerary. We learned a lot about the ecosystem in the wetland and also about its history. 


Sarobetsu Wetland Center Fees

It’s FREE to park, enter, and explore Sarobetsu Wetland Center and the Primeval Flower Garden. 


Sarobetsu Wetland Center Operating Hours

Sarobetsu Wetland Center Operating Hours

Sarobetsu Wetland Center is open to the public every;

9 AM to 5 PM [May to October] 

10 AM to 4 PM [November to April]

Sarobetsu Wetland Center is closed on Mondays (November – April only) 

It is also closed on year-end and New Year holidays.

Rest House Sarobetsu Operating Hours

Rest House Sarobetsu is open from 10 AM – 3 PM only from May to late October. It is closed in winter. 


Why visit Sarobetsu Wetland Center?

Whether embarking on a tranquil nature walk, delving into the wetland's ecological wonders, or savoring local delicacies, a visit to the Sarobetsu Wetland Center promises an unforgettable journey of discovery and enchantment amidst the pristine beauty of Hokkaido's wilderness.


Getting to Sarobetsu Wetland Center

 

Public transportation does not serve the Sarobetsu Wetland Center, making rental cars the preferred mode of transportation. Alternatively, if driving isn't an option, taking a train to JR Toyotomi Station is recommended.

From Sapporo via Limited Express, the journey takes approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. From Asahikawa via Limited Express, it takes about 3 hours. The Wakkanai Local train takes approximately 40 minutes.

Upon arrival at JR Toyotomi Station, there's a 7-kilometer walk to reach the Sarobetsu Wetland Center. Additionally, bikes can be rented at the Toyotomicho Kankojoho Center near JR Toyotomi Station for 300 yen per hour. However, bike rental is only available from 9 AM to 5 PM.

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