Hitsuhara Nature Reserve



Hitsuhara Nature Reserve (坤有保缶; hitsuhara-hokan) is located across the foothills and lower summit of Hitsuhara, in north-west Kanton. The area was designated as a nature reserve in 2009 due to a lack of population and abundance of habitat for native wildlife.

The reserve is mostly covered by coniferous trees, wildflowers and thick bushes. A number of animals have been introduced to the area, such as red deer, red squirrels, grouse and Himalayan tahr. During the winter, the land is usually covered by a thick layer of snow; in summer meltwater from the mountains creates small waterfalls and streams on the steeper slopes.

The reserve is often used for recreational purposes, with activities such as hiking, hillwalking, wild camping and mountain biking. A visitor centre located at the entrance to the reserve offers insight into the native flora and fauna, along with historical information.