Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park (釧路湿原国立公園) protects Japan's largest wetland, a vast 269 km² expanse of marshland, open water, and peat bogs in eastern Hokkaido. Designated as a national park in 1987 and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1980, it accounts for approximately 60% of Japan's total wetland area. The park is most famous as the year-round home of the endangered Japanese crane (tancho), whose graceful presence draws birdwatchers and nature photographers from around the world.

The wetlands were formed over thousands of years by the meandering Kushiro River, which deposits sediment across the floodplain. The park features a mix of reed beds, sedge marshes, open lagoons, and patches of alder forest, creating a unique and fragile ecosystem that supports diverse flora and fauna.

The climate is cool and humid, with summers averaging around 20°C and cold winters with temperatures well below freezing. The best time to visit for birdwatching is winter (December-February) when cranes congregate at feeding stations. Spring (April-May) brings migrating birds, while summer offers lush green scenery and the best weather for walking the boardwalks. Autumn (September-October) provides mild weather and golden marsh grasses.

By Plane

Kushiro Airport (KUH) is the nearest airport, about 30 minutes from the park. Direct flights arrive from Tokyo (Haneda and Narita), Osaka, and Sapporo.

By Train

Kushiro Station on the JR Nemuro Main Line is the main rail gateway, about 20 minutes by bus from the park entrance. The Limited Express Ozora connects Sapporo to Kushiro (4 hours).

By Car / Road

The park is easily accessible by car from Kushiro city (about 20-30 minutes). National Route 44 and local roads provide access to the various observation points and trailheads. Parking is available at the main entrances.

The best way to experience the wetlands is via the network of wooden boardwalks and observation decks. A rental car is the most convenient way to reach the different access points around the perimeter. Taxis from Kushiro are expensive but possible. Some local buses serve the main wetland viewing areas during peak season.

• Kushiro City Marsh Observatory (釧路市湿原展望台) — The park's premier viewing platform offering panoramic vistas across the sprawling wetlands, with an observation tower, interpretive centre, and a replicated Ainu settlement. Open 08:30-18:00, ¥400.

• Hosooka Observation Platform — Another excellent viewpoint on the eastern side of the wetlands with a 360-degree panorama. Free access.

• Kushiro Shitsugen Observatory (Kottaro Wetland Centre) — Located on the western edge of the park, with a modern visitor centre and viewing platform.

• Kushiro River — The meandering river that created and sustains the wetlands, best viewed from the various observation points.

• Lake Toro (塘路湖) — A shallow lake within the wetland complex, popular for canoeing and birdwatching.

• Birdwatching — Japanese cranes year-round; whooper swans, eagles, and migratory ducks in winter; songbirds and waterfowl in summer.

• Canoeing and kayaking on the Kushiro River and Lake Toro — a serene way to explore the wetlands up close. Guided tours available from Kushiro.

• Walking the boardwalks — several well-maintained trails of varying lengths from 30 minutes to 3 hours.

• Photography — the wetlands are spectacular at sunrise and during the winter crane-feeding season.

• Crane feeding observation at designated sites (winter only, December-March).

• Visit the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary — a crane sanctuary in nearby Tsurui village.

There are no restaurants within the park itself. The nearby city of Kushiro and the village of Tsurui have restaurants serving local specialities. The Kottaro Wetland Centre has a small café. It is recommended to bring food and water for a full day of exploration.

There are no drinking establishments within the park. Bring your own water.

• Budget: Accommodation is available in Kushiro city, about 20-30 minutes away, with business hotel rooms from ¥5,000.
• Mid-range: Hotels and guesthouses in the Kushiro and Tsurui area. The Tsurui village has minshuku (guesthouses) closer to the park.
• Upscale: Luxury ryokan near Lake Akan or other nearby hot spring resorts offer premium accommodation.

The visitor centre and nearby shops sell crane-themed souvenirs, wetland-related books and guides, local crafts including Ainu carvings, and Hokkaido food products. The Kushiro area is known for its seafood and dairy products, available at roadside stations.

• Kushiro (15 minutes by car) — The largest city in eastern Hokkaido, with excellent seafood, Fisherman's Wharf MOO, and the Kushiro City Museum.
• Akan-Mashu National Park (1 hour by car) — Volcanic crater lakes including Lake Akan, Lake Mashu, and Lake Kussharo, with hot springs and the famous marimo algae.
• Tsurui Village — Home to the Tancho Crane Sanctuary and winter crane feeding grounds.
• Nemuro (2 hours by train) — Japan's easternmost city with wild coastal scenery and seafood.
• Abashiri (3 hours by car) — The drift ice coast with the Abashiri Prison Museum.