Kushiro Marsh

Kushiro Marsh is located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, with a total area of 183 square kilometers (71 square miles), making it Japan's largest marsh and a paradise for wildlife. This vast wetland was formed by the Pacific Ocean flowing inland and spans three towns, including Kushiro, Shibecha, and Tsurui Village. It boasts rich natural resources and magnificent natural scenery, and is home to over 2,000 species of plants and animals, including Hokkaido deer and red-crowned cranes. It is also the only place in the world where red-crowned cranes can be seen all year round.

Surrounding the Kushiro Marsh, several observation decks are available for tourists to relish the magnificent wetland scenery. Moreover, within the wetlands, there are boardwalks along which one can take a leisurely stroll and immerse oneself in the captivating scenery. Additionally, canoes and sightseeing trains are provided, offering splendid views of the wetlands.

Rafting in Kushiro Marsh

What to Do & Where to Go in Kushiro Marsh

1. Hosooka Observatory

Hosooka Observatory, located on the eastern side of the Kushiro Marsh, is the best place to view the wetlands. You can get a close look at the winding Kushiro River and gaze at the peaks of the mountains of Akan from here. In the evening, it is also the best spot to enjoy the sunset, with the sun's rays casting a beautiful glow on the vast Kushiro Wetlands. Additionally, a walking path has been built on the observatory, where visitors can take a leisurely stroll.

Tickets: Free of charge
Opening time: All day

2. Kushiro Marsh Observatory

Located on the west side of the marsh, Kushiro Marsh Observatory is a three-story building. The ground floor is open to the public for free, with a shop and a restaurant. The second floor is an exhibition hall, mainly showcasing the specimens and documents of the flora and fauna of the marsh. From the observatory room on the third floor and the rooftop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Kushiro Marsh and Kushiro City.

Tickets: Adults: 180 yen; 
Children aged 12 or below: 120 yen
Opening time: May - October: 8:30-18:00
November - April: 9:00-17:00

3. On’nenai Mokudō Boardwalk

A boardwolk in Kushiro Marsh

The On’nenai Mokudō Boardwalk is located approximately 3 kilometers from the On’nenai Visitor Center and takes approximately 1 hour to tour around. The boardwalk is situated in the middle of a reed and moss marsh, offering expansive views of the wetland landscape and providing an opportunity to get up close and personal with adorable and charming flowers.

4. Watch Red-crowned Cranes

Kushiro Marsh is the best place for bird watchers to see the rare red-crowned cranes. Red-crowned cranes usually live deep in the wetland, but because it is difficult to find food in winter, they gather at the dedicated feeding ground set up on the west side of the wetland. Because of this, the chance of seeing red-crowned cranes in winter is very high.

5. Tour by Sightseeing Train

There are two unmissable sightseeing trains in different time in Kushiro Marsh.

A train travels through the Kushiro Marsh

●Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train: 
Travels between Kushiro and Toro, following the Kushiro River in the Kushiro Marsh, allowing passengers to enjoy the magnificent wetland scenery.

Operating period: April to October

●SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train:
Travels between Kushiro and Shibecha, where the train passes through the silver Kushiro Marsh and offers stunning views of the wetlands along the way. Occasionally, you may encounter a few red-crowned cranes, deer, or foxes.

Operating period: January to February

6. Rafting

In the summer and autumn, the river flow between the Lake Toro in the Kushiro River and the Hosooka area flows at a slower pace, allowing you to take a canoe ride and experience the pristine beauty of the Kushiro River basin up close. You may also have the chance to encounter wild animals such as rabbits and deer along the riverbanks. The journey is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) and takes about 1.5 hours.

Price: 18,000 yen per boat, which can accommodate up to three people.

Local cuisine in Kushiro Marsh

7. Savor the Local Cuisine - Robatayaki

When you visit Kushiro, don't miss out on the local specialty, robatayaki. This dish involves grilling various fresh seafood, meats, and pork on charcoal, accompanied by Japanese sake. The tender and juicy meat and the fragrance of the wine are a feast for the tongue.

Best time to Visit Kushiro Marsh

The best time to visit Kushiro Marsh is from June to July, when you can see lush greenery and flowers, and from January to March, when the chance of seeing red-crowned cranes is the greatest.

How to Get to Kushiro Marsh

1. From Kushiro Station

From Kushiro Station, take the Semmo Line train and get off at Kushiroshitsugen Station, which takes about 20 minutes.

2. From Kushiro Airport

From Kushiro Airport, take the Kushiro-Airport Limousine Bus, which takes 45 minutes to Kushiro Station, and then transfer to the train to Kushiroshitsugen Station.

Recommended tour time: 1 - 2 days

Opening time: All day

Admission fee: Free