Plants & Animals

This national park covers an area from the coast to the inland. With significant differences in elevation and running a great distance from north to south, it provides an environment rich in biodiversity. Alpine vegetation grows along the main ridgeline, and it has meadows filled with a diversity of alpine plants, especially around its cirque terrain. The ancient origins of the range and its unique topography and geology have influenced its natural environment, with alpine plant species such as Hidaka genge (Oxytropis kudoana) and Hidaka kinbaiso (Trollius riederianus var.citrinus), which are endemic to these mountains. Apart from these, a little bit away from the main ridge, Mount Apoi (elevation 810 m) has endemic and rare, isolated species that bear its name.

There is also a diversity of fauna, with many large mammals such as brown bears and Ezo deer that live mainly at the foot of the mountain. The Ezo pika, said to be an Ice Age relict species, is also present at low elevations in the southern part of the range. The Cape Erimo coast is home to marine mammals such as harbor seals, demonstrating the richness of the sea there.

Plants

Northern Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora var. pentaphylla)

Japanese white pine (Pinus parviflora) has five needle-like leaves protruding from a single sheath. Northern Japanese white pine is a variant found from central Honshu northward to southern Hokkaido. The area around Mount Apoi is the northern limit of its distribution, and has been designated a National Natural Monument.

©Samani Town（様似町）

Hidaka-so

This alpine plant only grows in the peridotite soil of Mount Apoi and the surrounding mountains. In the past, it was the target of over-collecting due to its high value and rarity and is now on the verge of extinction. Current preservation initiatives include monitoring programs, patrols to prevent illegal collection, and off-site conservation efforts.

©Samani Town（様似町）

Animals

Harbor seals

With a distribution from the eastern coast of Hokkaido to Cape Erimo, these seals are highly resident, using the same reefs year-round. In Japan, their mottling is thought to be shaped like coins.

Brown bears (Ursus arctos)

This bear is only found on Hokkaido and is the largest land mammal in Japan. Their habitat covers almost the entirety of the Hidaka Mountains and may be encountered while hiking there. These wild animals speak to the abundance of the natural environment. However, surprise encounters can have unfortunate consequences. The safest approach is to make sure you don’t run into them in the first place. Be sure to have a bell or something else that makes noise with you as you walk.

Hidakasanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park