Mt.Apoi Unesco Global Geopark - English

24/09/2026

Training Program with Mikasa Geopark

The Mt. Apoi Geopark recently welcomed members of the Mikasa Geopark for an on-site training and knowledge-exchange session! Through deep discussions and hands-on observations, this event gave both teams a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another about conveying regional appeal and exploring innovative management strategies.

On Day 1, we explored various local geosites to examine terrain formation and geology firsthand. Observing the outcrops and coastal landforms in person allowed participants to truly experience the scale, grandeur, and value of these resources as local assets—dynamic aspects that are simply impossible to convey through written materials alone!

On Day 2, we introduced the exhibits at the Mt. Apoy Visitor Center. We shared the key messages the exhibits aim to convey, as well as creative approaches to interpretation. In addition, we introduced and exchanged views on each other’s Geopark activities, including educational programs, guided tours, community partnerships, and communication strategies. Through this exchange among Geoparks, we gained new perspectives and insights for future activities.

This cross-geopark exchange brought us fresh perspectives and invaluable insights for our future activities.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone from the Mikasa Geopark who participated. Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize collaboration and mutual learning to further promote our regions' unique appeal and enhance our local initiatives!

11/09/2026

HIDAKA TRAIL DAYS (Sept 26-27)

The highly anticipated HIDAKA TRAIL DAYS outdoor event is back, celebrating the great outdoors with a vibrant marketplace of local shops and food booths showcasing the region's hidden gems. Take part in immersive experiences, such as e-mountain bike test rides, and enjoy the surrounding nature to its fullest. This two-day event is the perfect opportunity to merge adventure with sustainability, tap into the trail community, and ignite a lifelong passion for the outdoors!

Location: Mt. Apoi Foothills Family Campground
Entrance Fee: 1000 JPY (500 JPY event coupon included)
*Free for children 18 years old and younger & free for Samani Town residents
The admission fee will be used for environmental conservation efforts throughout the Hidaka Mountains.

Hope to see you there!

02/09/2026

Noda Village and Samani Town jointly hosted the '2026 Climb Mt. Apoi Club'! ✨

This event brought together 17 participants from Noda Village in Iwate Prefecture for a three-day event. The program commenced with a climb up Mt. Apoi, followed by a stroll along the Samani Footpath, allowing participants to appreciate the natural wonders of Samani Town and the Mt. Apoi Geopark. Fortuitously, the weather conditions were ideal for both activities, enabling everyone to fully immerse themselves in Samani's lush surroundings. 🍀

The exchange party featured a delectable meal prepared by Manma-no-Kai using locally sourced ingredients, as participants engaged in lively conversations. Furthermore, the Samani Town Youth Association presented a captivating picture slideshow, 'Noda's Nadebeko,' which thoroughly entertained the audience. 🐮

Huge thanks to our friends from Noda Village for bringing the fun!

25/08/2026

Recruiting Participants for Hidakasanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park Kids’ Park Ranger 2026

Calling all young explorers! Get ready for an epic, hands-on day of discovering, feeling, and learning all about the breathtaking nature of the newly designated Hidakasanmyaku-Erimo-Tokachi National Park.

■ Date/Time: Sept 12, 2026 (Sat), 10 AM – 2:30 PM (Reception opens at 9:30 AM)
■ Location: Horoman Community Center
■ For elementary 4th – 6th graders (parents are welcome)
■ Limit of 30 participants
■ Participation is free, and lunch is included.

- Program Outline
Morning Field Exploration
> Tour of Horomankyo Gorge
> Survey the rocks and sand along the riverbed
Afternoon Workshop
> Introduction to national parks and the park rangers
> Make rock specimens and rock polishing

- Lunch
Geo-Bentos will be provided (Certified Mt. Apoi Geopark Product)
*We are unable to make exceptions for participants with food allergies. If anyone has a food allergy, please bring your own lunch.

■Please RSVP Sept 9 (Thurs) by calling or through the online form by scanning the code on the flyer. GeoLab (Mt. Apoi Geological Research Lab) 0146-36-2120

Important Event Notices:
Dress Code: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities.
Safety First: Our support team includes members with basic first aid certification and helpful university student volunteers.
Weather: The program schedule may change due to weather conditions or other unexpected factors.
Our Hosts: This event is proudly co-hosted by the Hokkaido Environmental Bureau and the Mt. Apoi Geopark Promotion Council.
Organizers: Organized by GeoLab (Mt. Apoi Geological Research Lab) in cooperation with GROUND (Hokkaido University of Earth Sciences Club).

24/08/2026

September’s Kan × Kan Lecture Series Presents: Learn about Japanese Mugwort

This informative workshop will delve into the various types and health benefits of mugwort, a herb renowned for its use in traditional Japanese cuisine and medicine. A mugword arrow even appears in the Ainu legends surrounding Samani Town. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own mugwort bath salts and warm compresses, said to invigorate the liver, kidneys, and spleen.

Date: September 5, 2026 (Sat), 10 AM – 11:30 AM
Location: Samani Community Center, Auxiliary Hall (2F)
Number of Participants: 10
Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Please RSVP by Sept 3 (Thurs) by calling the Department of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (0146-36-2120)

The Kan × Kan Lecture Series is a collaborative initiative among the Samani Public Library, the Samani Folk Museum, and the Mt. Apoi Geopark Visitor Center, hosting monthly events.

22/08/2026

Announcing the 3rd Samani Disaster Prevention Seminar, “The Possible Return of a Megathrust Earthquake”

Since the year before last, Samani has been hosting the “Samani Disaster Prevention Seminars,” a series of lectures designed to provide an engaging way to learn about natural disasters and disaster preparedness through the relationship between disasters and the local natural environment.
As the third session of this year, we will hold a lecture titled “The Possible Return of a Megathrust Earthquake— A Report on Seafloor Observation Results Along the Kuril Trench Conducted by Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.”

🔸Date/Time: Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6:30 PM – 8:15 PM
🔸Location: Samani Community Center, Culture Hall
- Lecture 1: Strain Accumulation Along the Kuril Trench Confirmed by Seafloor Observations—The Possibility of an Imminent Recurrence of a Megathrust Earthquake Like Those in the 17th Century
▪️Speaker: Hiroaki Takahashi, Professor, Hokkaido University Earthquake and Volcano Research and Observation Center
- Lecture 2: Is Your Home Safe? Seismic Retrofitting of Buildings and Measures to Prevent Furniture from Toppling
▪️Speaker: Takashi Imai, Hokkaido Prefectural Research Organization, Northern Architecture Research Institute Chief Researcher (Regional Disaster Prevention)

This Disaster Prevention Seminar consists of a two-part lecture series. Part 1 features a report on “Seafloor observation results suggesting the imminent possibility of a mega-earthquake—the largest since the 17th century—off the coast of Hokkaido,” published this past February by Tohoku University, Hokkaido University, and the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC). Part 2 uses models and other materials to explain seismic retrofitting for buildings and measures to prevent furniture from toppling over, key concerns in the event of a major earthquake.

Both the recent Kumamoto Earthquake, which recorded a maximum seismic intensity of 7, and the Great East Japan Earthquake caused extensive damage, including the collapse of many homes. Please join us in thinking about how to prepare mentally and practically for a major earthquake.
Admission is free, and no registration is required.

21/08/2026

Reminder: Crowdfunding Campaign for Mt. Apoi Geopark
It has been one month since the Mt. Apoi Geopark crowdfunding campaign began, and we have received 1,072,000 yen (as of August 21) toward our goal of 2 million yen. Thank you so much for your warm support!!! However, we still need your continued help to reach our goal. We would like to once again ask for your support and help in spreading the word.

At Mt. Apoi Geopark, we are committed to providing opportunities for visitors to explore, learn about, and experience the unique topography, geology, and natural environment of the area, as well as its rich history and culture. Our mission is to preserve and pass on these regional treasures to future generations through initiatives that support children's education, local guidance, and information sharing, as well as events and hands-on programs. Your contribution will be instrumental in enhancing public awareness and educational opportunities, as well as strengthening our information outreach efforts.

The crowdfunding campaign will be open until October 19 (Sun).
Campaign homepage: https://readyfor.jp/projects/apoi302

In addition to your generous donations, your encouragement through likes, saves, and shares is a huge help! We also welcome any encouraging comments on our page, even if it’s just a few words. Your messages give us the motivation to keep our activities going. We appreciate your continued support!!

*Please note that donations are also being accepted by the Geopark Promotion Council (located within the Commerce, Industry, and Tourism Division of the Samani Town Hall).

アポイ岳の地質・⾃然の価値を全国に発信し、地域を未来に導く教育と地域振興に取り組みます。 - クラウドファンディング READYFOR

09/08/2026

Aug 9th is the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples 2026
Discover the Living Heritage of Samani’s Ainu Culture!
The Samani Town teamed up with the Samani Ainu Association and the Samani Indigenous Culture Preservation Society to create a special video series introducing the vibrant traditions, stories, and place names rooted in our local Ainu culture. All four short videos are now live on Samani’s official YouTube channel, “SamaChan TV.”

In honor of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we invite you to take a few moments to explore the enduring legacy and living traditions of the Ainu people in Samani.
Watch the videos and connect with the history, language, and cultural spirit that make our community unique.　

Samani Ainu Culture: Introduction Video 2 “Traditions and Dissemination”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6RoYFsNpw8
This is a 30-minute video that closely follows the activities of the Samani Ainu Association and the Samani Indigenous Culture Preservation Society. You can see the performance of “Icharpa” (Ancestral Memorial Service), traditional dance, promotional activities, Ainu cuisine, Mt. Kannon Kamuichashi Ritual, and the National Ainu Museum performances.

28/07/2026

Celebrate Mountain Day at Mt. Apoi!

Join us for our annual Mt. Apoi Geopark Stamp Rally from August 8-11. Commence your adventure by collecting your stamp card at the Mt. Apoi trailhead (Forest Entry Registry). Follow the clues to locate the stamp stations along the hiking route, and exchange your completed card for a prize at the finish. This fun, interactive experience is suitable for individuals, families, and friends alike, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate Mt. Apoi's natural beauty and alpine flora.
We look forward to seeing you there!

28/07/2026

JAPANESE GEOPARKS NETWORK

The GGN is working with it's National Networks to promote the Geoparks brand within the country and raise awareness among local communities, stakeholders, local regional and national authorities, media and the society at large.

The Global Geoparks Network proudly presents its members : 11 UNESCO Global Geoparks in the Japan.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are single, unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed with a holistic concept of protection, education and sustainable development. Geoparks are areas of exceptional geological significance.

Japan is home to 11UNESCO Global Geoparks, celebrated for their unique geological formations, rich biodiversity, and cultural heritage
These Geoparks are vital for scientific research, conservation, and sustainable tourism.
The officially recognized UNESCO Global Geoparks across the Japaneese archipelago include:
· Aso (Kumamoto Prefecture) – features one of the largest active volcanic calderas in the world.
· Itoigawa (Niigata Prefecture) – famous for ancient jade-working culture and tectonic fault lines.
· Izu Peninsula (Shizuoka Prefecture) – where an island arc collided with Honshu, creating unique volcanic landforms.
· Mt. Apoi (Hokkaido) – rare peridotite rocks lifted from the earth's mantle, covered in unique alpine plants.
· Muroto (Kochi Prefecture) – rising marine terraces shaped by ongoing tectonic plate movements.
· Oki Islands (Shimane Prefecture) – isolated volcanic islands with distinct ecosystems and deep historical exile traditions.
· San'in Kaigan (Kyoto, Hyogo, and Tottori Prefectures) – dramatic coastal cliffs, rias, and sand dunes facing the Sea of Japan.
· Toya-Usu (Hokkaido) – active volcanoes, post-caldera lakes, and frequent thermal seismic activity.
· Unzen Volcanic Area (Nagasaki Prefecture) – dynamic volcanic peaks and thermal spring legacies.
· Miné-Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau (Yamaguchi Prefecture) – vast white limestone plateaus and ancient fossil-rich caves.
· Hakusan Tedorigawa (Ishikawa Prefecture) – steep river valleys preserving 300 million years of history and dinosaur fossils

All of the IJapaneese UNESCO Global Geoparks have internationally significant geology!
Japaneese UNESCO Global Geoparks are quality tourism destinations that promote an appreciation of natural and cultural heritage while supporting the sustainable economic development of the area, primarily through geological and eco-tourism.