Kushiro Wetlands National Park
Japan's largest wetland, a peat-bog wilderness of reeds, meandering rivers and oxbow lakes covering 183 km² — a primeval landscape unchanged since the ice age. The park is the last stronghold of the red-crowned crane (tancho), the rarest crane on Earth. In winter, dozens of cranes gather at feeding stations and perform elaborate courtship dances on the snow.
2–4 hours
Free (wetlands & observatories)
Hosooka Observatory: 8:30–18:00 (Apr–Oct), 9:00–17:00 (Nov–Mar); crane feeding grounds at Tsurui visible from the roadside year-round
January–February (crane dances on snow); June–October (canoeing & Norokko Train)
Hosooka Observatory: JR Senmo Line to Kushiro Shitsugen Station, then about 10 min on foot. For Kushiro Shitsugen Observatory (west side): Akan Bus from Kushiro Station approx. 40 min. Rental car recommended for full access.
Location
Why Visit
- 1
About 1,000 red-crowned cranes (tancho) live in Hokkaido — the entire wild population of the subspecies
- 2
Winter feeding grounds at Tsurui village draw dozens of cranes daily; courtship dances happen January–February
- 3
The Norokko Train runs along the wetland edge in summer (June–October), with open-air observation cars
- 4
Canoe tours paddle the Kushiro River through a corridor of reeds where cranes, deer and foxes are commonly spotted
Local Tips
For crane photography, visit Tsurui Ito Tancho Sanctuary (Jan–Mar) at sunrise when cranes gather before flying out. The Norokko Train requires advance reservation — book through JR Hokkaido at least a few days ahead in summer.
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