Kushiro Marsh is, of course, a well-known breeding ground for Japanese cranes.
Every winter, this place is famous for allowing visitors to see the beautiful red-crowned cranes in full flight up close.

So, this time, I'd like to introduce the appeal of rafting and canoeing, experiences that have recently been gaining attention as a way to enjoy the Kushiro Marsh in winter.

I've also included articles on other highlights, such as places to see Japanese cranes and the Winter Marshland Train, so please immerse yourself in its charm.

Table of contents
1. Enjoy it casually! Winter river rafting by canoe.
2. For those who want to fully enjoy the winter wetlands! Canoeing & Outdoors in One Day
3. Introduction to the highlights of the Japanese Crane
4. SL Winter Marshland Train
Final thoughts

Many companies offer tours that allow you to enjoy the Kushiro Marsh, but this time I would like to introduce the raft boat river descent course B (60 minutes) organized by "Higashi Hokkaido Outdoor Center".

First of all, one of the things that makes it easy for first-timers to enjoy is that you can go down the river in a raft boat.
Generally speaking, canoes have a tool called a paddle, which is used to propel the boat by hand.

Paddles with blades on both sides (called double-bladed paddles) require you to paddle to the right, then to the left, and so on. However, raft boats only have a blade on one side (called a single-bladed paddle), which has the advantage of making them relatively easy to paddle even for those who are not confident in their paddling abilities.

Furthermore, while many tours are based at JR Senmo Main Line stations such as Hosooka Station, this tour starts from around Toro Station, allowing you to delve deeper into the area's attractions rather than taking a broad, superficial approach.

While there are places where you can see many Japanese cranes, you might also spot other animals such as Hokkaido deer and chipmunks.

One of the great things about the tour is that the guides, who know every corner of the Kushiro Marsh, have a keen eye for detail, so they'll immediately point out anything they find.
They approach each participant with the desire to show them as many creatures as possible.

In addition to the courses mentioned above, this tour company also offers a variety of other tours, such as a "Wildlife Photo Tour" where you can observe and photograph the lives of wild animals and plants that inhabit wetlands, and canoe trips down wetland rivers.

Why not contact us and discuss your options to find the tour that best suits you?

<Tour organizer: Higashi Hokkaido Outdoor Center>
Address:7-51-91 Toro Kita, Shibecha-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 015-487-3111
Course: Rafting Course B (60 minutes)
Price: From 6,480 yen (tax included) per adult
From ¥3,780 (tax included) per child
*Course B is only for elementary school students and older.

There are many ways to combine fun activities that are unique to winter.

Since I have the opportunity, I'd like to make the most of the whole day and enjoy it...
Of course, there are plenty of tours that you can enjoy for a full day.

Therefore, I would like to introduce "Kushiro Marsh & River" as an example from among the many organizing companies.

The "Kushiro Marshland One-Day Plan: Canoe Course" that we're introducing today involves traveling through the snow-covered Kushiro Marshland by canoe, a popular mode of transportation for touring.
After that, the tour shifts to snowshoeing for a nature experience, making it a dream plan where you can experience the best of both canoeing and snowshoeing in a single tour.

The canoe trip covers approximately 6 kilometers, from the Kottaro Canoe Port on the Kushiro River to the Arekinai River and then to Lake Toro. The guides, who regularly work with the wetlands, pour all their experience and knowledge into the tour.

Kushiro Marsh is Japan's largest wetland, accounting for 6% of the country's total wetland area.
It was the first Ramsar Convention-registered wetland in Japan and has also been designated a national park.

While there are numerous viewpoints scattered throughout the area, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature in every season, that's a story for humans.

Animals that inhabit wetlands survive in harsh environments.
Because wetlands are unique, it's true that some rare species can be found there.

I believe the best way for humans to venture into such a place is to have a guide who knows the area inside and out.
Our highly experienced guides will show you every nook and cranny of the wetlands, so you're sure to have unexpected encounters everywhere you go.

For example, they'll show you the breathtaking views from a hill overlooking the wetlands while wearing snowshoes, or guide you to places where you can see the burrows of Ural owls and the feeding grounds of Japanese cranes.
You can spend a whole day exploring things you wouldn't normally get to experience.

Even those who prefer staying indoors because of the cold winter weather may find their perspective changed by encountering the snow-covered wetlands and the wildlife, becoming more active and returning every winter.

The total travel time, including transportation, is approximately 6.5 hours. They also offer free pick-up and drop-off within Kushiro city, which is a great help.

Lunch at Pension Michihira, which incorporates the bounty of the north, is also included, so you can simply immerse yourself in the wetlands without having to think about anything else.
*Of course, don't forget your warm clothing and camera...

Furthermore, this tour company also offers a wide variety of tours.
Examples include a half-day tour of the Kushiro Marsh, nature-focused activities such as ice walking and snowshoeing on hills overlooking the marsh, and nature watching on the Arekinai River by canoe.
Since it's a vast wetland, there are many ways to enjoy it.

A drysuit is required, so safety is assured. I highly recommend you try this unique winter experience.

Address4-79 Kawabata, Kushiro-cho, Kushiro-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone number: 0154-23-7116
Course: One-Day Plan to Enjoy the Winter Kushiro Marshland - Canoe Course [Free Shuttle Service Included]
Price: For bookings of 2 or more adults
18,000 yen per adult (private rental only)
*If participating alone, an additional 5,000 yen will be added to the above price.
*Accident insurance is an additional 500 yen per person.
*For junior high school students and older.
URL:http://www.946river.com/　

Winter is the mating season for red-crowned cranes.
"Tancho" refers to the red-crowned crane, a species of crane belonging to the genus Grus in the family Gruidae.

The Japanese crane, which is designated as a special natural monument, is famously associated with the Kushiro Marsh, where it gathers during the winter months.
The reason is said to be that the conditions necessary for the breeding season are all met.

While their beautiful flight into the sky is magnificent, if you're lucky, you can also witness the "courtship dance" performed by the red-crowned cranes, a sight that is truly breathtaking.

As the name suggests, this is a relationship where the male shows affection to the female, and if she accepts, the relationship is established.
Red-crowned cranes live their entire lives as monogamous, and their earnest efforts to move using their whole bodies are truly moving.

If you're lucky enough to witness the process of a female bird spreading her wings wide as she accepts a suitable partner, you're truly fortunate.
Some people have visited for many years without ever seeing it, while others have visited for the first time and been able to witness it. If the timing and luck are right, you may be able to witness a miracle unfolding before your eyes.

And organizations like the Tsurui-Ito Crane Sanctuary and the Akan International Crane Center are protecting the habitats and other areas so that the red-crowned cranes can live in peace.

The sanctuary is dedicated to protecting the red-crowned cranes, doing everything it can, including conducting patrols.
Furthermore, in Akan, where artificial feeding of red-crowned cranes was first successfully achieved, the Akan International Center was opened as a research and educational institution, where specialist researchers study the ecology and behavior of red-crowned cranes.
It is thanks to these efforts that we are able to maintain the current state of the wetlands.

You can actually see the results of their work inside the museum, so if you'd like to learn more, why not stop by?

One of the must-try winter activities is the "SL Winter Marshland Train." The steam locomotive puffs out smoke as it travels through and alongside the marshland, which is painted entirely white with snow.

In recent years, it has become extremely popular, and many people now use it in conjunction with tours to see Japanese cranes.
However, given its popularity, it's best to make reservations or inquiries in advance (reservations for reserved seats can be made at any Midori-no-Madoguchi ticket office nationwide from 10:00 AM one month prior).

Some companies that offer local nature experiences may also offer packages that include steam locomotive rides, so if you want to enjoy steam locomotive rides as well, there are also package deals available.
This is a precious time that you don't get to experience many times a year, so I hope you'll make the most of it and have no regrets.

Final thoughts

Winter in the Kushiro Marsh is harsh.
However, it is precisely because of these harsh conditions that rare species can exist.

The Ainu people refer to the red-crowned crane as the "God of the Wetlands (Sarurun Kamuy)." Why is it called that...? You'll understand as soon as you see one.

Despite their elegant appearance and seemingly delicate appearance, the red-crowned crane is at the top of the bird hierarchy in the wetlands.
They are stronger than red foxes and goshawks, and their sharp beaks give them the strength to protect their newborn chicks.

Add to that the breathtaking scenery of the Kushiro Marshland as a backdrop, and you'll find there's no better combination than this.
I highly recommend experiencing its charm through a tour or similar experience.

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