Furano-Ashibetsu Prefectural Natural Park, Prefectural natural park in central Hokkaido, Japan.
Furano-Ashibetsu Prefectural Natural Park spans five municipalities across central Hokkaido, featuring the Yubari mountain range and several lakes including Katsurazawa, Shuparo, and Nokanaminami. The terrain includes forested areas, alpine zones, and open landscapes that transform dramatically through the seasons.
The park was established by the Japanese government in 1955 and redesignated as a prefectural nature park three years later to protect Hokkaido's landscapes. This shift allowed for more focused protection of regional ecological features.
The surrounding villages are shaped by lavender fields and farming traditions that have been maintained for generations. These farming practices are deeply woven into local identity and continue to define the landscape today.
The area is best explored by car since public transit does not reach the natural areas directly. Road connections link various entry points and trailheads throughout the park.
The higher elevations of Mount Yubari host specialized plant communities adapted to harsh northern mountain conditions. These rare ecosystems are challenging to reach but valued by visitors with botanical interests.
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