The wetlands of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park extend from the Pacific Ocean to inland Hokkaido, spanning the four municipalities of Kushiro City, Shibecha, Tsurui, and Kushiro Town.

The designated area of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is approximately 28,000 hectares (around 100 square miles), equivalent in size to the 23 wards of Tokyo.

About 700 species of plants and 1,300 species of wildlife inhabit the Kushiro marsh area. This precious nature was designated as Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, and was the first wetland registered under Japan's Ramsar Convention in 1980.

The Kushiro wetlands are home to the tancho, or red-crowned crane, Japan’s iconic protected species. Once endangered, the red-crowned crane has now recovered to the thousands thanks to the preservation activities of the park.

Though they don’t make a common appearance as they live deep in the Kushiro marshlands, these cranes are more likely to be seen in the wintertime gathered at the feeding station on the west side of the Kushiro marsh.

Other species found in the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park include large birds of prey such as white-tailed eagle, mammals such as the deer and the Ezo red fox, and amphibians such as the rare Siberian salamander.

The land that makes up the Kushiro Marshland today was actually once completely under the ocean.

Since about 4000-6000 years ago until now, the water has gradually drained leaving mud and sand to accumulate into what has now become the wetlands.

On the east side of the Kushiro marsh sits Lake Toroko, Lake Shirarutoro, and Lake Takkobu, three remnant lakes from the many that existed long ago. Lake Toroko is a freshwater lake located in Shibecha, a town in Eastern Hokkaido, and is a part of the Kushiro National Park.

The majority of the Kushiro wetlands is made up of low-rise marshes, spread over with plants such as phragmites (common reeds) and sedges. There are also high-rise wetlands, slightly more elevated areas of land which include forests of Japanese alder trees, through which the water only flows when rising. The Kushiro River meanders through the marsh, supplying rich water to the plant life.

The most popular season to visit the Kushiro wetlands for tourists is from late April to September, but the best season for viewing the lush landscape of plants and flowers is from June to July. During this season the marsh is painted by a variety of plant life and flowers such as irises, Jacob's ladders, daylilies, and Japanese meadowsweets.

In the wintertime, from November to March, it is common for temperatures to drop below freezing, resulting in snow accumulation which makes it difficult to walk.

However, you can see the growth of cranberries near the feeding stations from January to March. Should you decide to visit around this time, please be sure to take proper measures against the cold weather.

Located at the base of Kushiro City, there is no accommodation in the Kushiro Wetlands itself. If you simply wish to view the wetlands via observation deck, then one day should suffice.

If you prefer to walk around and visit the multiple observation decks scattered throughout from east to west however, you may find two days to be best. Activities such as canoeing require reservations from half a day to a full day in advance.

From the Tancho Kushiro Airport, it is 30 minutes by car, or 45 minutes via Akan Bus. Please note that there is no bus or train service from the airport to the observatory, so a car is recommended. The Kushiro Marsh Observation Deck on the west side is approximately 15 km, or　30 minutes by car. To Hosooka Observatory on the east side, it is approximately 44 km, or 1 hour 30 minutes by car.

From JR Kushiro-Shitsugen Station, Hosooka Observatory is about 10 minutes on foot. JR Kushiro-Shitsugen Station is about 25 minutes from JR Kushiro Station. In the summertime you can also ride the scenic railway, the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train.

There are many observation decks in the marsh from which you can take in the magnificent view of the wetlands. There is also a promenade where you can enjoy a scenic stroll. Other activities include canoeing, the scenic railway, and more.

■Kushiro Marsh Observatory
On the west side of the marsh you will find facilities such as museums and restaurants. You can also enjoy a panoramic view of the wetlands from the observatory on the 3rd floor, as well as from the rooftop. Located at the base of the observatory promenade, you can stop by both before and after your walk. Please note that access to these facilities is only available during business hours of operation.

Entry Fee：\470
Hours of Operation：8:30AM〜6:00PM（April〜November: 9:00AM〜5:00PM）
Holidays：N/A

■Hosooka Observatory
This is the representative observation deck that overlooks the Kushiro Marsh, with two viewing spots accessible as you go up through the forest from the Hosooka Visitor Center. From the highest point, you can watch the Kushiro River as it meanders throughout the marshlands. It is also a famous spot to catch the sunset.

Fee：Free
Hours of Operation: Hosooka Visitor Center 9:00AM-6:00PM（April-May: 9:00AM-5:00PM, October-November: 9:00AM-4:00PM, December-March: 10:00AM-4:00PM）
Holidays：N/A

■Kushiro Marsh Observatory Promenade
At the base of Kushiro City Observation Deck sits the promenade, a scenic walking trail approximately 2.5 km and 1 hour in length. There are several observation decks along the way, including the Satellite Observatory from which you can see a beautiful panoramic view of the marsh.

■Onnenai Wooden Path
About 3 km from the Onnenai Visitor Center is a 1-hour walking trail that goes straight through the reeds and sedge of the wetlands, so you can appreciate the lovely flowers and expansive view of the marsh.

You can enjoy canoeing down from Lake Toroko to Hosooka along a gently flowing part of the Kushiro River. The course is about 9 km and takes about two hours total to complete. Reservations can be made in advance via their website (available in Japanese language only) and by phone.

The part of the Senmō Main Line that connects Kushiro Station and Abashiri Station runs through the wetlands along the Kushiro River. You can see the marshes through the windows of the local trains.

In the summertime, you can enjoy riding the scenic Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Railway between JR Kushiro Station and Toro Station.

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