Ikegahara Marshland

Overview

Ikegahara Marshland is a low-lying bog located within the Okuhida Sugawa Ryuyo Prefectural Park and designated as a Gifu Prefectural Natural Monument. Situated in the center of a plateau (Nikohi Highland) at an altitude of 960-980 meters, it boasts a breathtaking spectacle in spring: 300,000 to 400,000 skunk cabbage plants blooming across the approximately 6-hectare marshland. The white hood-like part of the skunk cabbage flower isn't actually a flower, but a spathe called a 'butsuenpou'. It's said to be named after its resemblance to the 'kouhai' (halo) behind a Buddha's head. The actual flowers are the small, pale yellow clusters at the center of the spathe, and each tiny flower has four petals, four stamens, and one pistil. You can see this detail clearly with a magnifying glass. Besides skunk cabbage, Ikegahara Marshland is home to various alpine plants such as Japanese globeflower and monk's hood. The streams running through the marshland are also inhabited by fish such as char (Iwna) and masu salmon (Yamame). A boardwalk has been built almost in the center of the marshland, allowing for safe and easy exploration. As you stroll along, the occasional green of the trees amidst the skunk cabbage creates a striking contrast, highlighting the brilliant white of the flowers. Ikegahara Marshland is a wonderful place to experience the beauty of nature. Be sure to visit!