The Kushiro Wetlands, located in eastern Hokkaido, is the largest wetland in Japan. It is a rare natural environment that has remained largely untouched, offering breathtaking scenery that changes with the seasons. The area features five major viewpoints and walking routes that allow visitors to fully appreciate its vast landscape. Whether you enjoy panoramic views from observation decks, leisurely strolls along wooden boardwalks, or scenic train rides, the Kushiro Wetlands provide a variety of ways to experience the beauty of Hokkaido’s great outdoors.
Kushiro Wetlands covers a vast area and does not have a single “main entrance.” Instead, it features several viewpoints and walking trails located in different areas. Because these viewpoints are far apart, it’s most efficient to travel by a combination of train, bus, and on foot.
This article introduces five key routes to explore the wetlands, which are detailed in the “Five Viewing Routes” section below.
The Kushiro Wetlands, located in eastern Hokkaido, is the largest wetland in Japan, covering an area of approximately 28,000 hectares. It is a rare natural environment that has remained largely untouched by human development, preserving a unique ecosystem of marshes, rivers, and forests.
One of the highlights of the wetlands is the opportunity to observe red-crowned cranes (tancho), a nationally designated special natural monument of Japan. These elegant birds inhabit the wetlands year-round, but the best season to see them is winter (November to February), when they gather in the snowy landscape — a scene that attracts photographers and nature lovers from around the world.
The origins of the Kushiro Wetlands date back approximately 6,000 years, to the post–Ice Age period when sea levels stabilized and vast marshes began to form. Over thousands of years, sediment from surrounding rivers gradually accumulated, creating the unique landscape of wetlands, meandering rivers, and forests that we see today.
Unlike many other regions of Japan, the Kushiro Wetlands remained largely undeveloped for centuries due to the harsh climate and the difficulty of reclaiming the land. This lack of large-scale development helped preserve its natural environment into the modern era.
In 1987, the area was designated as Japan’s first national park focused on wetlands, recognizing its ecological importance. Today, the wetlands are protected under both national legislation and the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands.
The Kushiro Wetlands are not a place where visitors can walk freely anywhere they like. Most areas are protected, and exploration is centered around viewpoints and boardwalks that are carefully maintained to minimize environmental impact.
Here are five recommended routes that allow you to experience the wetlands from different perspectives — whether by walking through the marsh, climbing to a panoramic lookout, or riding a slow sightseeing train.
Location: Onnenai, Tsurui Village, Akan District, Hokkaido (View on Google Maps)
Access: From the Kushiro Station Bus Terminal, take Bus No. 20 from Platform 15, and get off at “Onnenai Visitor Center” (approx. 49 min / ¥730). From the bus stop, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the center. Payment is by IC card or cash only (credit cards are not accepted).
The visitor center is surrounded by a wooden boardwalk that extends into the marsh, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the wetland environment at ground level. This route does not feature elevated viewpoints, but instead focuses on the up-close experience of walking through the marshland.
Inside the Onnenai Visitor Center, there are exhibits introducing the Kushiro Wetlands and the plants and animals that inhabit the area.
(Website in Japanese only: https://www.kushiro-shitsugen-np.jp/kansatu/onnenaiv/)
Location: Tōro, Shibecha Town, Kawakami District, Hokkaido (View on Google Maps)
Access: Take the JR Senmō Line from Kushiro Station to Tōro Station (approx. 32 min / ¥680). From the station, walk about 25 minutes to the trailhead. The entrance can be a little hard to spot, but a red flag serves as a landmark.
From there, the path splits toward the Sarubo and Sarurun viewpoints. The entire round-trip walk takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, including time for photos and breaks. As train services are infrequent, be sure to check the return train schedule in advance.
Location: 22-24 Takkobu, Kushiro Town, Kushiro District, Hokkaido (View on Google Maps)
Access: Take the JR Senmō Line from Kushiro Station to Kushiro Shitsugen Station (approx. 19 min / ¥470). From the station, follow the signs and walk up the hill for about 15 minutes.
Hosooka Observatory offers one of the most iconic panoramic views of the Kushiro Wetlands, including the meandering Kushiro River. On a clear day, you can see the vast marsh stretching to the horizon — a sight that leaves a lasting impression on many visitors.
Location: 6-11 Hokuto, Kushiro City, Hokkaido (View on Google Maps)
Access: Take Bus No. 20 from Platform 15 at Kushiro Station and get off at “Shitsugen Observatory” (approx. 39 min / ¥690). The bus stop is right in front of the observatory.
The building features indoor exhibits on the formation and ecology of the wetlands, as well as an observation deck on the roof and a circular boardwalk trail that begins behind the facility (warning signs about bears are posted at the entrance).
Admission is required (Adults ¥480 / High school students ¥250 / Elementary & junior high ¥120) and is cash only.
The Norokko Train is a slow sightseeing train that runs through the Kushiro Wetlands, offering a relaxing way to enjoy the landscape from your seat. It’s a nostalgic, open-air style train that passes by some of the best views in the area.
Official site: JR Hokkaido Kushiro Norokko
Note: The Norokko Train is scheduled to end service in 2026, to be replaced by a new sightseeing train. Check the official website for the latest timetable before your trip.
Onnenai Visitor Center
Hours: Apr–Oct 9:00–17:00 / Nov–Mar 9:00–16:00
Closed: Tuesdays; Year-end & New Year holidays (Dec 29–Jan 3)
Admission: Free
Boardwalks: Free and open 24 hours. However, trails are unlit—avoid walking at night for safety.
Sarurun & Sarubo Viewpoints／Hosooka Observatory
Hours: Open 24 hours (outdoor lookout)
Admission: Free
Note: The area is unlit at night—avoid visiting after dark.
Kushiro City Marsh Observatory
Hours: May–Oct 8:30–18:00 / Nov–Apr 9:00–17:00
Closed: Year-end & New Year holidays (Dec 31–Jan 3)
Admission: Adults ¥480 / High school students ¥250 / Elementary & junior high ¥120 (cash only)
Note: This article is based on information as of August 12, 2025.
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