Kushiro Marshland

Kushiro Marshland, the largest marshland in Japan, is an extensive area that stretches 25 kilometers from east to west and 35 kilometers from north to south, with an overall area of 18,290 ha. It is about 60 % of the total area of marshland in Japan. There is a sightseeing walkway in the marshland to stroll around in the middle of the panoramic view of nature which still remains as it was 3,000 years ago. It is the first Japanese marshland registered under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands in 1988. Since then, it is protected with great care under national control as a national park. The magnificent nature and animals living there mesmerize many people.

(Source: wetland! wonderful world)

Hosooka Observation Deck with the View of Extensive Marshlands

Kushiro Marshland has some observation decks and each of them has different view of the marshland. The most famous one is Hosooka Observation Deck with the view of Kushiro River winding through the marshland and the mountain ridges in the background. The beautiful sunset from this observation deck is also stunning.

(Source: ひがし北海道で…今日は何すっかな？)

Animals and Plants Only in Marshlands

The huge marshland is a home of numerous animals and plants. It is said that there are as many as 600 kinds of plants and 1,350 kinds of animals. It is one of the privileges of visiting Kushiro Marshland to see the lives of rare kinds including Jacobs Ladder which is said to be a relic of the Ice Age, Ezo red fox, and Hokkaido deer.

(Source: KamoT / PIXTA(ピクスタ) )

Special Natural Monuments in Kushiro Marshland: Red-Crowned Crane

The original inhabitants of Hokkaido, the tribe named Ainu worshipped red-crowned cranes as “the God of Marshlands.” Red-crowned cranes can be viewed here all year round. Cranes are fed at feeding places of Kushiro City Red-crowned Crane Nature Park and Tsurumidai Crane Sanctuary in Tsurui only in winter when cranes cannot find much food.

(Source: Start Home)

Onnenai Trails to Stroll Around Marshlands

Onnenai is the only area you can stroll around inside the marsh on the wooden trails. This is a healing spot to see seasonal flowers, wild birds and wild flowers up close. It is also a very popular spot among camera fans.

(Source: トレッキング初心者が始めちゃったブログ)

Explore the Marshland in a Canoe

Toro Nature Center in Kushiro Marshland area and some other organizations offer the canoeing tour paddling down Kushiro River that winds along Kushiro Marshlands. The tours are available mainly during spring to autumn. There are various courses from the ones for beginners to serious ones that take a whole day.

(Source: 釧路湿原～カヌープロ)

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train Runs Through the Marshland

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train operates from around April to October every year. It is the only train that connects Toro station and Kawayu Onsen station passing through Kushiro Marshland on the way. It goes through the midst of nature and gives passengers the view of Kushiro River stretching just in front. It even slows down at popular viewpoints.