See Japan’s largest wetland, designated as a national park

Japan's largest wetland, encompassing the Kushiro River and its tributaries. Its ecosystem is said to include around 700 species of plants, 39 species of mammals, 4 species of amphibians, 5 species of reptiles, 38 species of fish, 200 species of birds and 1,150 species of insects. It is a valuable habitat for water birds such as the red-crowned crane, designated as a Special Natural Monument, and a wide variety of other wildlife. There are 5 viewpoints (Hosooka Observatory, Hokuto Viewpoint, Kushiro City Wetland Observatory, Kottaro Wetland Observatory and Sarubo-Sarurun Observatory), each offering a different panoramic view of the wetland and 6 walking tracks (the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory walking track, the Onnenai boardwalk, the Lake Shirarutoro walking track, the Hosooka Observatory walking track, the Tatsukobu Yumegaoka walking track and the Lake Toro Phytoncide lakeside walking track). You can also enjoy birdwatching and observing plants.

A Closer Look

Two-Pine Hill: A favorite spot with a view of the whole of Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland

You can see a spectacular panorama of the Kushiro River and Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland. You can also learn about little-known lookouts from a local guide who knows all about Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland. If you look out over the wetland with binoculars, you might see wildlife such as red-crowned cranes or Yezo deer.

Matsuo Saito, Marsh & River (no tours that only include the wetland, but there are canoeing plans that include wetland walking (and snowshoe trekking in the winter))