Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

Introducing Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

Japan’s largest expanse of undeveloped marshland (269 sq km), this wetland is nearly the size of Tokyo and provides shelter for thousands of different species of wildlife. Among them is the tanchō-zuru (red-crested white cranes), a traditional symbol of both longevity and Japan. They’re also just plain cool, and several viewing areas let you watch these enormous birds in relative comfort as they land, feed, tend their young or do their mating dance. The peak crane season is winter to early spring, but even in August a few stragglers may be around if you’re lucky. Binoculars are a must for any serious bird-watchers. If you’re staying at the Kushiro Shitsugen Tōro Youth Hostel, you can use their spotting scope for free.

The park has a slow scenic train (with wood-finished cars) that runs along the eastern edge and provides good views of the marsh; the futsū train also follows the same tracks. Sit on the left for unhindered glimpses of the marsh.

Deer are so common in this area that the trains have a special shika-bue (deer whistle) to scare them off. To see even more wildlife, take a night train and stand in the front to look straight out at the tracks. You’re sure to see deer; foxes are common and you could see other animals as well. It’s an unorthodox but effective way to see wildlife and (usually) the beasts have the sense to stay off the tracks as the train passes by.

The park is best reached by train or car from Kushiro, the nearest large city, about 20 minutes away. You can take either a scenic train or a regular train to Hosooka Observatory (; 40-4455; admission free; 9am-7pm summer, 9am-5pm winter) on the eastern side, or a bus (¥660, 40 minutes) to the Kushiro Observatory (; 56-2424; admission ¥360; 8.30am-6pm summer, 9am-5pm winter) on the west. The former is atop an overlook where one can appreciate the grand scale of this wetland preserve. Kushiro station also has an information booth (22-8294; 9am-noon & 1pm-5.30pm) and a Postal ATM (9am-7pm Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm Sat & Sun).

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009