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Rishiri Rebun Sarobetsu NP, Hokkaido
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On 23 October 2016, a horned lark—a rare winter visitor to Japan and never before recorded on Rishiri—was spotted feeding on Numaura Beach. It was seen in the same spot through 30 October.
Numaura is Rishiri’s largest sandy beach, a rarity on this volcanic island. The surrounding area’s Ainu name, ヲタトマリ, means “cove with a sandy beach”—a remarkably apt old description.
A 1932 excavation account described remains of 5 or 6 square pit dwellings on the gentle slope inland from Numaura’s dunes, plus 2 shell mounds on the dunes. This beach landscape was also a place to live.
Excavations at Numaura’s beachside site have uncovered pottery and bone tools, plus remains of fish, shellfish, sea lions and pigs. One pig thighbone bears cut marks—a vivid trace of past life here.
