Kushiro Marshland, Japan's largest wetland, consists of the Kushiro River and the surrounding hilly terrain.

Many rare plants and animals inhabit the area, including the Japanese crane and the northern salamander, both of which are designated as special natural monuments.
　　　　　
Kushiro Marshland is a representative tourist spot in Kushiro where you can enjoy untouched nature reminiscent of the African savanna.

This time, we'll introduce observation decks and walking trails where you can experience the wetlands up close.

<Table of Contents>
1. What is the Kushiro Marsh?
2. Kushiro Marshland Observation Deck
3. Wetland Observation Deck Walking Trail
4. Onnenai boardwalk
5.Hosooka Observation Deck
6.Yumegaoka Observation Deck
7. Kottaro Marshland Observation Deck
8. Saruvo Observatory
9. Sarurun Observatory
Final thoughts

What kind of place is the Kushiro Marsh?
Before introducing the observation decks and viewpoints, let me tell you about the characteristics and attractions of the Kushiro Marshland.

1-1 The size of the Kushiro Marsh

Kushiro Marsh is a wetland located in eastern Hokkaido.

Its area is 28,788 hectares.
It spans four municipalities: Kushiro City, Kushiro Town, Shibetsu Town, and Tsurui Village.

It's equivalent to about 6,000 Tokyo Domes, and is large enough to completely encompass the heart of Tokyo.

1-2 The Formation of the Kushiro Marsh

The Kushiro Marsh was once a sea in ancient times.
Approximately 4,000 to 6,000 years ago, the sea receded, and sediment and peat accumulated, giving rise to the Kushiro Marsh.

Approximately 3,000 years ago, the area took its current form, leaving behind coastal lakes such as Lake Tōro, Lake Shirarutoro, and Lake Takkobu on the eastern side of the wetland.

The Kushiro Marshland's international value was recognized, and in 1980 it became Japan's first Ramsar Convention-registered wetland. Subsequently, it was designated as Hokkaido's sixth national park.

1-3 What's it like inside the Kushiro Marsh?

The Kushiro Marsh is composed of reed and sedge marshes, sphagnum moss marshes, and intermediate marshes, with the majority being reed and sedge marshes.

While you cannot directly enter the Kushiro Marsh, the views from the observation decks surrounding the marsh and the walking trails that allow you to stroll through the marsh are magnificent.

You can also enjoy the wetland scenery from canoes, the sightseeing trains "Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko" and "SL Fuyu no Shitsugen-go".

1-4 Plants and animals inhabiting the Kushiro Marsh

The Kushiro Marsh is home to a truly diverse array of plants and animals.

The animals include approximately 39 species of mammals, 5 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibians, 38 species of fish, 200 species of birds, and 1,100 species of insects.

Typical examples include the Hokkaido deer, the Japanese crane, and the red fox. Rare species include the white-tailed eagle, a large bird of prey; the Sakhalin taimen, Japan's largest freshwater fish; and the endangered northern salamander.

More than 700 species of plants, including crowberry and cotton grass, grow in and around the wetland.

From here, we will introduce observation decks and viewpoints in the Kushiro Marshland.

The Kushiro Marshland Observation Deck is a building that resembles an old European castle, inspired by the "yachibozu" (a type of marshland plant) that grows in clusters in the wetlands.
It opened in January 1984.

The "Exhibition Room" on the second floor of the Marshland Observation Deck features exhibits including a marshland restoration booth, reconstructed marshland flora and fauna, and panels about the past, present, and history of the Kushiro Marshland.

From the observation room on the 3rd floor and the rooftop, you can enjoy the changing scenery of the wetlands throughout the seasons.

The marshland observation deck is connected to a boardwalk that makes up most of the approximately 2.5km loop leading to the satellite observation deck. Visitors can freely move between the two areas free of charge.

It is possible to complete a circuit in about an hour, and the barrier-free wooden walkway leading to the satellite observation deck is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.

Information boards are placed at various points along the walking trail, so you can learn about the wetlands as you stroll along.

From the satellite observation deck located along the approximately 2.5km walking trail, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the vast landscape of the Kushiro Marsh.
This is recommended for those who want to experience the scale of a wetland.

Winter Satellite Observation Deck

The Onnenai Boardwalk, starting from the Onnenai Visitor Center, is a walking trail that can be completed in about an hour.

You can see wetlands with various appearances, such as reed and sedge marshes and alder forests, and depending on the season, you can also see flowers such as cotton grass and dwarf rhododendron.

Various wild birds visit throughout the year, and you can even spot Japanese cranes. From July to August, you can enjoy watching fireflies in the natural surroundings of the Onnenai boardwalk, and in winter, you can enjoy snowshoeing.

Located on the western side of the Kushiro Marsh, the Onnenai Visitor Center is an information station that serves as a place for gathering information, interacting with others, and taking a break.

Image provided by: Kushiro Town Hall
Located on the eastern side of the Kushiro Marsh, the Hosooka Observatory offers a panoramic view of the entire marshland.

This is one of Kushiro Town's most representative scenic spots, offering views of the Kushiro River meandering through a vast wetland. On clear days, you can also see Mount Meakan, Mount Oakan, Mount Mashu, and Mount Shari in the distance.

The sunset over the wetlands is beautiful and breathtaking.
Hosooka Observatory is a popular spot for watching the sunset, and photographers gather there in the evenings.

Image provided by: Kushiro Town Hall
Located next to the Hosooka Observatory, the "Hosooka Visitors' Lounge" is a facility where you can relax and unwind.

The building is decorated with photographs of the wetland landscape and flowers, and includes a snack and coffee corner, a shop selling goods related to the Kushiro Wetlands, and a rest area with a fireplace.

Image provided by: Kushiro Town Hall
Yumegaoka Observatory is located at the end of the Takkobu Boardwalk, which is approximately 2.3 km long, starting from Takkobu Auto Campground in Kushiro Town.

Along the way, you can observe wetland plants such as *Yachibozu* (a type of marsh marigold) up close.

From "Yumegaoka Observatory," the magnificent Kushiro Marshland stretches out below, and you can enjoy a 270-degree panoramic view to the southwest, including the Kushiro River, the marshland, and Lake Takkobu.

Image provided by: Shibecha Town Hall
The Kottaro Wetlands are designated as a special protected area within the national park.
At the top of the sloping stairs is the "Kottaro Marshland Observation Deck."

From the Kottaro Marshland Observation Deck, you can enjoy a panoramic view of a landscape reminiscent of the dinosaur age, complete with reeds, sedges, and green grasses.

You can admire the meandering Kottaro River and the surrounding swamps, and occasionally spot red-crowned cranes or grey herons.
Telescopes are also available, so you can enjoy birdwatching.

The road near the Kottaro Marshland Observatory is a narrow, unpaved gravel road, so caution is advised when traveling by car or other vehicle.

Image provided by: Shibecha Town Hall
The Sarubo Observatory offers panoramic views of Lake Toro, the largest lake in the Kushiro Marsh, as well as other lakes and marshes such as Sarurun Marsh, Pon Marsh, Eoruto Marsh, and Mankuto.

Image provided by: Shibecha Town Hall
It takes about 15 minutes to climb to the Sarubo Observatory from the entrance along National Route 391, where you can enjoy panoramic views of not only the lakes but also mountains such as Mt. Oakan, Mt. Meakan, Mt. Mashu, and Mt. Shari.

If you continue another 800 meters from Sarubo Observatory, you will reach Sarurun Observatory.

Image provided by: Shibecha Town Hall
Further beyond the Sarubo Observatory is the Sarurun Observatory.
Sarurun Observatory offers a wider view than Sarubo Observatory, providing a better view of the lakes and marshes.

If the timing is right, you can watch the trains running through the lakes and marshes, and it's a famous spot for photographing the "Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko" and "SL Fuyu no Shitsugen" trains.
This observation deck is popular among railway enthusiasts.

If you continue from the Sarurun Observatory towards the summit, you'll find a viewpoint called the triangulation point where you can enjoy a dynamic view.

We've introduced all the observation decks and viewpoints throughout the Kushiro Marshland.

Visiting the observation decks in different seasons will allow you to enjoy the varied and different views of the Kushiro Marshland.

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