Guide
The Shibetya no Mizunara is a colossal Mizunara (Japanese Oak) tree located near the border of Shibetya Town and Kushiro Town in Hokkaido. Standing approximately 24m tall with a circumference of 6m, its sheer scale creates an overwhelming presence that showcases the wonders of the natural world. It has been officially recognized by the Forestry Agency as one of the '100 Great Trees of the Forest,' a prestigious distinction highlighting its significance among Japan's forest resources. Within the vast wilderness of Hokkaido, the sight of this single, massive tree harmonizing with its surroundings offers visitors a profound sense of nature's grandeur.
This Mizunara tree is more than just a botanical specimen; it is a symbol of Japan's rich forest culture and natural preservation efforts. Its selection for the '100 Great Trees of the Forest' underscores its importance in the context of forest management and conservation. While its exact age is not recorded, the tree stands as a living testament to the long history of the local environment. Its location near the boundary of Shibetya and Kushiro further embeds it as a natural heritage site deeply rooted in the local landscape.
The primary draw is the sheer scale of the trunk and the height of the canopy reaching toward the sky. Seeing a 6m circumference in person provides a sense of awe that numbers alone cannot convey. Beyond the tree itself, the surrounding forest creates a complete landscape experience. Visitors can enjoy the shifting beauty of the scenery, from the changing colors of the foliage to the dramatic contrasts of light and shadow cast by the giant tree throughout the day.
The landscape evolves beautifully with each season. From spring to summer, the forest is filled with vibrant green leaves and lush life, sometimes accompanied by local flora like Lilium lepidum. In summer, the ecosystem is teeming with life, including dragonflies. Autumn brings a stunning display of colorful foliage as the surrounding trees turn red and gold. Even in winter, the sight of the giant tree standing in the silent, snow-covered forest is a captivating experience for nature enthusiasts. For the best views of the tree's texture and the surrounding greenery, visiting during bright daylight hours is recommended.
Visitors can experience a sense of 'silence and confrontation with nature' that is rarely found in urban areas. Standing at the foot of the giant tree, you can practice forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) and feel the immense scale of the wood. It is also an excellent spot for nature photography, allowing you to capture the textures of the bark and the interplay between the tree and the sky. As this is a national forest, visitors are expected to maintain a respectful, observational stance toward the environment.
The Shibetya no Mizunara is located near the Kushiro Shitsugen (Kushiro Wetland), making it a perfect addition to a wider Hokkaido itinerary. The surrounding Shibetya area offers numerous opportunities for forest walks and nature observation. A scenic drive through the local roads and forest paths is also highly recommended to enjoy the expansive, quintessential Hokkaido landscapes.
As this is located within a national forest, there are no nearby shops or facilities. Please ensure you carry enough cash (Japanese Yen) for any necessary travel expenses, such as fuel or snacks, before heading into the area.
English language support is limited. There are no permanent staff on-site, and signage is primarily in Japanese. It is recommended to research basic natural terms or directions in advance.
No prior reservation is required to visit. However, access may be restricted depending on weather conditions or local forest management, so please check local updates before traveling.
Since you will be walking through a forest, sturdy footwear such as trekking shoes is essential. Depending on the season, please prepare warm clothing, insect repellent, and waterproof gear for rain.
Landscape photography is free and encouraged. However, to protect the environment, please do not touch or damage any plants or the tree itself.
As a natural forest environment, the terrain is unpaved and may have uneven surfaces. Please be aware that accessibility for wheelchairs is limited.
Strictly no fires, no collecting of plants, and no climbing or touching the trees. Please follow the 'Leave No Trace' principle to preserve this natural treasure.