22 Highlights of Kushiroshitsugen National Park｜Features｜HOKKAIDO LOVE! -Hokkaido Official Tourism Site

22 Highlights of Kushiroshitsugen National Park

Kushiroshitsugen National Park, located in eastern Hokkaido, encompasses the largest wetland in Japan, surrounding the Kushiro River and its tributaries. The untouched, expansive horizontal landscape is the park's greatest charm. It is also a treasure trove of diverse flora and fauna, including the Red-crowned crane, a national special natural monument. To enjoy the wetland scenery, observatories, boardwalks, and canoeing are recommended.

Publication date : 2025.04.18

* Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park: Kushiro Marsh is a national park consisting of Japan's largest marshland, the Kushiro River and its tributaries, and the hil…; View more

Kushiro Marsh Observatory: The observation and exhibition facility, whose building is designed in the motif of the "yachibozu" found in the marsh…; View more

Hokuto Observation Area: Located about 500 meters north of the Kushiro Marsh Observatory, this spot offers expansive views, particularly from autumn to spring when the foreground trees are less dense. It’s an ideal location to enjoy the sunrise over the Kushiro Marsh.; Official site (Japanese)

Onnenai Boardwalk: The 2-kilometer universal-design boardwalk offers scenic views, seasonal flowers, wetland vegetation, and birdwatching. It connects to Kushiro Marsh Observatory trails and allows cross-country skiing in winter.; Official site (Japanese)

Onnenai Visitor Center: The Onnenai Visitor Center, located on the border between the Kushiro Wetlands and the forest, is an information station that ex…; View more

Hosooka Observatory: Kushiro Marsh offers a panoramic view of the magnificent scale of the endless expanse of Kushiro Marsh! Also known as "Daik…; View more

Red-crowned crane: The devoted affection of the red-crowned crane, along with its beautiful appearance, captivates people. Anecdotes of them not leaving their partner's side even after death tell a story of their deep loyalty.; Official site (Japanese)

Canoe tour: A guided canoe tour in the Kushiro Marsh allows you to see the marsh scenery and wildlife up close. Canoe tours are available on routes such as the Kushiro River, its tributary the Alekinai River, and Lake Toro.; Official site (Japanese)

Yachibozu: These are clumps of grass formed by sedge plants growing densely over old roots in the same spot each year. They absorb moisture and nutrients from the wetlands, growing to about 1 meter in height and 2 meters in diameter.; Official site (Japanese)

JR Kushiro-Shitsugen Station: This station on the JR Senmo Main Line serves as the gateway to a national park. The station building features a retro-style log house made of larch wood, with a roof designed to resemble a red-crowned crane spreading its wings.; Kushiro - LakeAkan Travel Guide[Official]

Lake Takkobu: Located in Kushiro Town, this freshwater lake is a coastal lagoon formed by the retreat of the sea. It spans an area of about 1.3 square km with a maximum depth of about 3 meters. Visitors can enjoy activities such as canoeing and smelt fishing in winter.; Official site (Japanese)

Yumegaoka Observatory: Accessible via a 2.3-kilometer walking trail from the Takkobu Auto Campground, this observatory offers breathtaking views. Along the way, visitors can enjoy natural springs, clusters of Yachibouzu grass, and Mizubasho flowers in spring. It's a hidden gem known for its stunning scenery.; Official site (Japanese)

Shima-enaga: Shima-enaga, a subspecies of long-tailed tit, inhabits the entirety of Hokkaido. Known for its fluffy white appearance, it is best observed during the winter months from December to February. With a body length of about 10–14 cm and a weight of around 10 g, it is smaller than a sparrow.; Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau (Japanese)

Nitay-To Shibecha Museum: Located on the shore of Lake Toro, the Nitay To (“Forest Lake” in the Ainu language) Shibecha Museum chronicles the …; View more

Smelt Ice-fishing: One of the winter traditions involves drilling a hole through the thick ice covering the lake, dropping a fishing line through it, and enjoying the freshly caught smelt as tempura right on the spot.; View more

Lake Toro: With its abundant nature, stunning scenery, and appeal as a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, it's a great place for birdwatching and nature walks. To fully enjoy these, there are even canoe tours that go down the Kushiro Marsh from Lake Toro.; Official site (Japanese)

Sarubo Observatory: Sarubo Observatory offers views of five lakes, including Tōro Lake, the largest in Kushiro Shitsugen, as well as Sarurun Lake, P…; View more

Horse Trekking: Enjoy the natural beauty of the Kushiro Wetland while being soothed by the gentle Hokkaido native horse, "Dosanko." This activity allows participants to experience the tranquility of the wetland on horseback. Suitable for beginners to advanced riders.; Official site (Japanese)

Kottaro Marsh Observatory: This area, known as the "sample of Kushiro Marsh," features primitive rivers, ponds, and low-lying Marshs. It is desig…; View more

Cape Kirakotan: Located in the deepest part of the Kushiro Wetland, Cape Kirakotan is renowned for its stunning natural scenery formed by spring water and wetlands. The cape's tip is a national natural monument, requiring permission and a guide for access.; Official site (Japanese)

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train: The sightseeing train “Norokko-go” runs leisurely through Kushiro Marshland between Kushiro Station and Tangro Stati…; View more

SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train: The SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train is a popular winter event in Kushiro, running powerfully through the silvery white Kushiro Shitsu…; View more

View Kushiroshitsugen National Park on a map

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
Hokuto Observation Area
Kushiro Marsh Observatory
Onnenai Boardwalk
Onnenai Visitor Center
Hosooka Observatory
Red-crowned crane
Canoe tour
Yachibozu
JR Kushiro-Shitsugen Station
Lake Takkobu
Yumegaoka Observatory
Shima-enaga
Nitay-To Shibecha Museum
Smelt Ice-fishing
Lake Toro
Sarubo Observatory
Horse Trekking
Kottaro Marsh Observatory
Cape Kirakotan
Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train
SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train

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