Notsuke Peninsula, Ramsar wetland site in eastern Hokkaido, Japan
Notsuke Peninsula is a sand spit extending about 28 kilometers into the Sea of Okhotsk, enclosing the shallow waters of Notsuke Bay. The landform developed through sediment deposits and created a distinctive coastal environment with wetlands and specialized wildlife.
During the Edo period, the peninsula hosted a military checkpoint where samurai monitored maritime traffic between mainland Japan and Kunashiri Island. This strategic role shaped the area's importance in regional history.
The name Notsuke comes from the Ainu language, where notkeu describes the landform's resemblance to a whale's jawbone. This connection to indigenous heritage remains visible in how locals and visitors understand the landscape's shape and character.
The Nature Center offers visitor facilities including museum exhibits about local wildlife and dining options. Well-maintained wooden walkways throughout the site allow safe exploration while protecting the sensitive habitats.
The Todowara field displays hundreds of dead fir trees damaged by seawater infiltration, creating an unusual natural landscape. These lifeless trees are accessible via wooden walkways and show the visible effects of environmental shifts in the area.
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