Hosooka Observatory

A Majestic Panorama Where the Shimmering River Meets the Akan Peaks

Experience the vast scale of Kushiro Marsh from its most iconic viewpoint.


Known as “Daikanbo” (the Grand Vista), Hosooka Observatory offers a breathtaking view of Japan’s largest wetland. From the plateau, a lush green expanse stretches to the horizon. Below, the Kushiro River carves a silver S-shaped path through the reeds, glinting like a ribbon. To the north, Mt. Me-Akan and Mt. O-Akan stand as silent sentinels over the landscape.


The air is filled with the fresh, earthy scent of the marsh and the gentle rustle of swaying grasses. If you’re lucky, you may spot a red-crowned crane or Ezo deer. From the parking area, a pleasant walk past the Hosooka Visitors Lounge leads to the observation plaza. Continue along the trail to reach the main viewpoint known as “Daikanbo.”


At dusk, the landscape transforms. The sky glows in crimson and orange, casting a golden light across the marsh. As sky and land merge into a shimmering canvas, the view becomes unforgettable. Breathe in the crisp air, listen to the wind, and experience the wild beauty of Hokkaido.

  • * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
Nearest airports
New Chitose Airport Sapporo Okadama Airport Hakodate Airport Okushiri Airport Asahikawa Airport Wakkanai Airport Rishiri Airport Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport Memanbetsu Airport Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport Tancho Kushiro Airport Tokachi Obihiro Airport

General Information

Postal code
〒088-2141 
Address
北海道釧路郡釧路町字達古武22-9
Telephone Number
0154-40-4455(Hosooka Visitors Lounge)
Open
Hosooka Visitors Lounge
9:00-18:00 (April-September)
10:00-16:00 (October-March)
Closed
Year-end and New Year holidays
Car Park
70 spaces, free
Directions
●On foot: About 10 minutes from JR Kushiro Shitsugen Station
●By car: About 60 minutes from Tancho Kushiro Airport
Website

Official site (Japanese)

* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.

This attraction on sample itineraries

[Memanbetsu Airport IN → Kushiro Airport OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] World Natural Heritage Site Shiretoko, Lake Mashu, Lake Akan, and Kushiro Marshland! Eastern Hokkaido Greedy Course to Fully Enjoy Nature
[Memanbetsu Airport IN → Kushiro Airport OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] World Natural Heritage Site Shiretoko, Lake Mashu, Lake Akan, and Kushiro Marshland! Eastern Hokkaido Greedy Course to Fully Enjoy Nature
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_24.html
[Memanbetsu Airport IN → Kushiro Airport OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] Kushiro Marshland, Lake Akan, Lake Mashu... A Trip to Experience the Majestic Nature and Ainu Culture of Eastern Hokkaido
[Memanbetsu Airport IN → Kushiro Airport OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] Kushiro Marshland, Lake Akan, Lake Mashu... A Trip to Experience the Majestic Nature and Ainu Culture of Eastern Hokkaido
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_63.html
[Kushiro Airport IN → Obihiro Airport OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] Kushiro Marshland and Nusamai Bridge, Banei Tokachi and Hokkaido Garden Highway! A Trip to Fully Enjoy the Charms of Eastern Hokkaido
[Kushiro Airport IN → Obihiro Airport OUT / 2 Nights 3 Days] Kushiro Marshland and Nusamai Bridge, Banei Tokachi and Hokkaido Garden Highway! A Trip to Fully Enjoy the Charms of Eastern Hokkaido
https://www.visit-hokkaido.jp/en/plan/detail_69.html

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