2025年10月7日

Life on Rokkosan

Discover the Wildlife Wonders of Rokkosan: Birds, Beasts & Botanicals

 

Rokkosan isn’t just home to sweeping views and thrilling attractions, it’s also a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. From soaring birds and elusive mammals to curious plants and nuts underfoot, “Life on Rokkosan” is all around you if you know where to look.

 

Whether you’re a curious kid, a nature enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a peaceful mountain walk, both the Visitor Center and Guide House offer amazing educational displays that showcase the region’s natural wonders.

🐾 Mammals of the Mountain

Did you know that wild boar, foxes, and raccoon dogs roam the forests of Rokkosan? Inside the Guide House and Visitor Center, you’ll find impressive displays of real specimens — including inoshishi (wild boar), kitsune (fox), anaguma (badger), and the adorable ten (Japanese marten). These animals represent just a fraction of the 23+ mammal species known to live in the Rokko mountain range.

🐦 A Paradise for Birdwatchers

The skies and trees of Rokkosan are full of color and song. Displays show off the feathers and flight profiles of native birds such as:

 

• Yamagara (Varied Tit)
• Kawasemi (Kingfisher)
• Kibitaki (Narcissus Flycatcher)
• Fukurou (Owls)
• Akagera (Japanese Woodpecker)

 

If you look closely while walking the trails, you may spot some of these feathered friends in real life! The bird feather boards make it fun and easy to identify what you’ve found.

🌲 Plants, Seeds, and Autumn Treasures

Ever wonder what kind of trees produce the nuts and pods you step over? The exhibits let you touch and explore dozens of real samples, from acorns and pinecones to mysterious pods like the exotic-looking Taiwanboku or the sharp Kibushi. Everything is labeled in Japanese, but with help from staff or a pamphlet, you can match items to their names and learn more about the surrounding flora.

 

In fall, it’s especially beautiful, the forest floor becomes a living museum of colorful leaves and textured seeds.

📚 Free Nature Pamphlets

Before heading out onto the trails, stop by and pick up a free nature guide pamphlet from the Visitor Center or Guide House. These illustrated papers help you identify local birds, flowers, mushrooms, and animals. There are also seasonal displays and rotating exhibitions to keep every visit fresh and informative.

🌿 Plan Your Visit

So stop by the Mt. Rokko Visitor Center and Guide house before you head out to explore. Both locations are staffed and offer rest areas, toilets, nature maps, and English/Japanese materials.

 

When you head out to walk, don’t just rush through the views. Slow down. Peer into the trees. Watch for movement on the forest floor. Life on Rokkosan is rich, diverse, and waiting to be discovered.

 

Bring your curiosity, and a camera!

 

See you on Rokkosan!