Years ago Ichinose Meadow had another name. Norikura Kogen and Ichinose Meadow are known for being naturally cool and a great place to pasture cows. I have heard that Japan’s typically hot and humid weather does not produce good mild during the summer months and that is why Hokkaido is famous for dairy products.

There are currently some local talks going on about how to care for Ichinose Meadow and many locals here want to restore the more open feel that has become overgrown by trees and underbrush in the past 10-20 years since the dairy cows were removed.

I went out to take some photos of the mountain and happened upon a group of locals out doing some maintenance in the area. They explained that they are working with the Japanese Ministry of the Environment to remove unwanted trees and brush and maintain the area.

©Seth McAllister