Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Mt. Apoi Geopark is a rare landscape where fragments of the Earth’s mantle are exposed at the surface. Here, alpine plants and Ainu cultural traditions coexist in southern Hokkaido.

Located in Samani Town, the geopark was formed about 13 million years ago when tectonic forces pushed mantle rock to the surface. Its defining feature is Horoman peridotite, an olive-colored rock that offers a rare glimpse into the Earth’s interior. Walking across these ancient stones reveals the immense scale of geological time.

At just 810 meters above sea level, Mt. Apoi is shaped by cool Pacific sea fog and unusual geological conditions, creating an environment similar to high alpine zones. More than 80 endemic plant species grow here, including Samani-yukiwari and Apoi-kinbai, found nowhere else on Earth. The call of the Ezo pika may echo among the rocky slopes.

Along the coast, striking formations such as the Parent and Child Rocks are tied to Ainu legends that speak of the long relationship between people and nature. These stories remain part of the region’s living identity.

Begin your visit at the Visitor Center or join a guided tour to deepen your understanding. Mt. Apoi Geopark is more than a destination—it is a journey through deep time, where Earth’s history is still unfolding beneath your feet.