
The largest spanning area of wetlands in Japan. What kind of nature can be found? What experiences can you have? Introducing everything you need to know about Kushiro Marsh!
1. How large is Kushiro Marsh?

The wetlands of Kushiro Marsh 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, equivalent in size to the 23 wards of Tokyo.
2. Nature and Wildlife

About 700 species of plants and 1,300 species of wildlife inhabit the Kushiro Marsh. This precious nature was designated as Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, and was the first wetland registered under Japan's Ramsar Convention in 1980. It is 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 marshlands, these cranes are more likely to be seen in the wintertime gathered at the feeding station on the west side of the marsh. Other species found 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.
3. What Makes Up the Marsh?

The land that makes up the Kushiro Marsh today was actually once completely under sea. 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 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.
4. Inside the Marsh

The majority of the 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.
5. Best Season for Viewing
The most popular season 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, day lilies, 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.
6. How Many Days are recommended for Sightseeing?
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.
7. Access
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.
8. Fun Activities in Kushiro Marsh
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.
1) Visiting the Observatory
■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
-
-
Address
6-11, Hokuto, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido, 084-0922
View Map -
Nearest Station
Kushiro Station (Nemuro Main Line / Hanasaki Line)
35 minutes by bus
- Phone Number 0154-56-2424
-
Address
6-11, Hokuto, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido, 084-0922
■Hosooka Observatory
This is the representative observation deck which 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
-
-
Address
Takkobu, Kushiro-cho, Kushiro-gun, Hokkaido, 088-2141
View Map -
Nearest Station
Kushiroshitsugen Station (Senmo Main Line)
10 minutes on foot
- Phone Number 0154-40-4455
-
Address
Takkobu, Kushiro-cho, Kushiro-gun, Hokkaido, 088-2141
2) Walking Along the Promenade
■Wetland 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.

-
Kushiro Marsh Observatory Promenade湿原展望台遊歩道
- Address 〒084-0922 北海道釧路市北斗6-11/6-11, Hokuto, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 084-0922
- Phone Number 0154-56-2424
Fee: Walkway - Free
Hours of Operation: Always open
■Onnenai Wood Road
About 3 km from the Onnenai Visitor Center is a 1 hour walking trail which goes straight through the reeds and sedge of the wetlands, so you can appreciate the lovely flowers and expansive view of the marsh.

-
ONNENAI WOODEN PATH温根内木道
- Address 〒085-1145 北海道阿寒郡鶴居村温根内/Onnenai, Tsurui-mura Akan-gun, Hokkaido 085-1145
Fee: Free
Hours of Operation: 9:00AM-5:00PM(November-March: 9:00AM-4:00PM)
Holidays: Tuesdays
3) Canoeing
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.

-
MOTOMURA HOUSE PAL LAKE-SIDE-TORO元村ハウスぱるレイクサイドとうろ
- Address 〒088-2300 北海道川上郡標茶町塘路原野北8線73番地/No.73, Toro-Genya-Kita8,Sibecha-cho, Kamikawa-gun, Hokkaido
Fee: \7000〜
Hours of Operation: 9:00AM-5:00PM(Winter hours: 9:00AM-4:00PM)
Holidays: N/A
4) Riding the Scenic Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train
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.
-
-
Address
Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido JR Senmo Main Line Kushiro Station, 085-0000
View Map -
Nearest Station
Kushiro Station (Nemuro Main Line / Hanasaki Line)
- Phone Number 011-222-7111
-
Address
Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido JR Senmo Main Line Kushiro Station, 085-0000
- Area
- Category
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
-
These Are The 3 Must-Try Shio (Salt) Ramen Shops That'll Make You Never Want To Leave Japan
-
Niseko Access: Getting from Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport to Japan's Premier Ski Resorts!
-
3 hotels with amazing views and perfect locations in Otaru, Hokkaido
-
Fine Food and...Steam Locomotives!? 3 Quirky Rest Areas in Japan
-
Get Your Hokkaido Souvenirs Here! 5 Choice Sapporo Shopping Spots
-
Visiting Hokkaido in Spring/Summer 2020: The Ultimate Guide to Hokkaido Weather and the Clothes You Need!
-
5 great places in Noboribetsu Onsen within walking distance of your hotel!
-
8 Essential Things You’ll Want To Bring on Your Japan Trip
-
Hokkaido's Breathtaking Farm Tomita: The Lavender Fields You Must See At Least Once In Your Life!
-
Autumn in Japan 2019: Autumn Leaves & Fall Foliage Forecast
-
Hokkaido Japan Road Trip: Rental car advice and planning tips you want to know
-
Japan Domestic Flights: After Visiting Hokkaido, Continue Your Adventure Across Japan!
- #best sushi hokkaido
- #things to do hokkaido
- #best ramen sapporo
- #what to bring to japan
- #new years in tokyo
- #what to buy in ameyoko
- #japanese nail trends
- #what to do in odaiba
- #onsen tattoo friendly tokyo
- #daiso
- #best sweets otaru
- #japanese fashion culture
- #best nature furano
- #japanese convenience store snacks
- #best japanese soft drinks