Sudanese RSF militia kills hundreds at el-Fasher hospital, WHO and doctors say
Hundreds of civilians were reportedly killed by the Rapid Support Forces at the main hospital in el-Fasher, days after the militia captured the Sudane...
Explore the stunning San'in Kaigan Geopark on Hokkaido Island, where dramatic frozen landscapes, rare wildlife, and unique geological features come together to create a winter wonderland. From ice-covered beaches to breathtaking wildlife sightings.
A Geological Wonder: San'in Kaigan Geopark
Nestled along the western edge of Japan’s Hokkaido Island, the San'in Kaigan Geopark is a treasure trove of natural beauty and geological diversity. Declared a Japanese Geopark in 2008 and a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2010, this region stretches from the eastern Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto to the western Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori. Its landscape is shaped by the formation of the Sea of Japan, offering visitors a stunning array of geological features.
From volcanic landscapes to sand dunes, pine forests, and ria-type coasts, the geopark is a living testament to the forces of natur
e. However, what makes this destination even more remarkable is the arrival of unique frozen features during winter, adding an element of magic to an already extraordinary location.
Frozen Beauty: Drift Ice on the Shore
During the coldest months, particularly from late January to early February, the San'in Kaigan Geopark undergoes a dramatic transformation. The punishing winds that blow drift ice from the far-off Amur River carry frozen chunks of freshwater to the shores of Hokkaido. The result? A beach overtaken by mini icebergs, creating a breathtaking frozen landscape that is unlike anything else in the world.
This mesmerizing phenomenon can be admired from the shore or experienced up close from an icebreaker ship. Cruises depart from Monbetsu, Abashiri, and Rausu, allowing visitors to enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of a vessel as it cuts through the frozen sea. For the more adventurous travelers, there's the opportunity to walk on the ice itself. Guided ice walks are available from Shiretoko, providing a rare chance to set foot on this icy world and witness the winter wilderness firsthand. These walks also offer an exciting opportunity to spot local wildlife, such as white-tailed eagles and sea eagles, who flock to the area in search of fish amid the frozen landscape.
Wildlife and Rare Flora in a Unique Ecosystem
The San'in Kaigan Geopark is not just about ice and snow—it's also home to a rich variety of wildlife and rare plant species. The area boasts an impressive collection of rare flora, including Ranunculus nipponicus, Pseudolysimachion ornatum, and Ciconia boyciana, which thrive in this unique ecosystem. Hokkaido itself is renowned for its biodiversity, with its marine life and avian species attracting nature lovers from across the globe.
In winter, the frozen coastlines offer the perfect environment for seals, Steller sea lions, and sea eagles. The Steller sea lions, typically found in the Kuril Islands, are pushed south by the drift ice and can be seen congregating along Hokkaido’s shores. Birdwatchers will delight in the rare sightings of the Blakiston’s fish owl, the largest living owl species, and the iconic red-crowned crane. Once feared extinct, the local population of red-crowned cranes has rebounded, with over 1,000 birds now inhabiting the wetlands of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park.
For those interested in exploring the region’s incredible biodiversity further, the Shiretoko Peninsula offers plenty to discover. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to an incredible range of wildlife, including Ezo silka deer, Ussuri brown bears, and Ezo red foxes. In winter, the Furepe Waterfall
Trail on the Shiretoko Peninsula offers snowshoeing adventures through scenic forests that open up to a meadow beneath the towering peaks of Mount Tenchosan, Mount Rausu, and Mount Io. The view of Furepe Waterfall, especially when frozen into tendrils of blue ice, is simply breathtaking.
A Birdwatching Paradise
Hokkaido is a birdwatcher's paradise, particularly on the Notsuke Peninsula, which is home to a wide variety of avian species. The region’s wetlands provide a stunning backdrop for observing the majestic red-crowned crane, and visitors can also spot other rare bird species that mak
e this area their home. The peninsula’s landscape offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and tranquility, making it a must-see for anyone passionate about wildlife and nature photography.
For nature lovers and adventure seekers, the San'in Kaigan Geopark in Hokkaido offers a unique blend of geological wonders, wildlife, and stunning winter landscapes. Whether you’re marveling at the frozen icebergs along the coast, spotting elusive wildlife, or exploring the tranquil beauty of the Shiretoko Peninsula, there’s no shortage of awe-inspiring sights in this remarkable corner of Japan.
So, if you’re seeking an unforgettable winter getaway, make sure to add the San'in Kaigan Geopark to your travel bucket list. Its icy beauty, diverse wildlife, and serene landscapes provide an unparalleled escape into nature’s winter wonderland.
A small, silent object from another star is cutting through the Solar System. It’s real, not a film, and one scientist thinks it might be sending a message.
At least 69 people have died and almost 150 injured following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cebu City in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, officials said, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters this year.
A tsunami threat was issued in Chile after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage on Friday. The epicenter was located 135 miles south of Puerto Williams on the north coast of Navarino Island.
The war in Ukraine has reached a strategic impasse, and it seems that the conflict will not be solved by military means. This creates a path toward one of two alternatives: either a “frozen” phase that can last indefinitely or a quest for a durable political regulation.
A shooting in Nice, southeastern France, left two people dead and five injured on Friday, authorities said.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, warned on Tuesday that humanity has failed to limit global warming to 1.5°C and must take urgent action.
Hurricane Melissa has made landfall in south-western Jamaica as a category five storm, unleashing violent winds, torrential rain and life-threatening floods across the island.
Billionaire investor and philanthropist Bill Gates called on world leaders on Tuesday to adapt to extreme weather and focus on improving health outcomes rather than temperature reduction targets ahead of the COP30 climate talks in Brazil.
Three people have died in Jamaica as Hurricane Melissa, possibly the island’s strongest storm ever, approaches with “catastrophic” conditions, warn U.S. meteorologists.
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck the Sındırgı district in western Türkiye’s Balıkesir province late on Monday, according to the country’s Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment