Kushiro Shitsugen National Park & Red-Crowned Crane Sanctuary

Category: Vast Wetland & Wildlife Sanctuary | Location: Tsurui-mura, Shibecha-cho & Kushiro-cho, Eastern Hokkaido

Spanning more than 28,000 hectares across the Doto region of Eastern Hokkaido, Kushiro Shitsugen National Park represents the largest and most pristine wetland and peatland ecosystem in Japan. Designated as Japan’s very first Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1980, this vast expanse of wild sedge marshes and serpentine meanders of the Kushiro River has evolved continuously since the retreat of Ice Age glaciers 10,000 years ago, remaining untouched by modern industrial development. The untamed wetland serves as the critical global sanctuary for the endangered Japanese Red-Crowned Crane (*Tancho* / *Grus japonensis*)—a regal, snow-white crane crowned with a brilliant crimson crest, revered in indigenous Ainu cosmology as *Sarorun Kamuy* (The Deity of the Marshes). Once feared extinct due to hunting in the early 20th century, heroic grassroots protection by farmers in Tsurui Village rescued the species, which now thrives in healthy numbers. In deep winter (January through February), photographers gather before dawn at Otowa Bridge at -20°C to witness Tancho pairs performing their synchronized courtship leaps amidst ethereal river frost steam. Visitors can safely explore the delicate peat ecosystem via the 3-kilometer Onnenai Wooden Boardwalk, hovering above carnivorous sundew plants and wild iris fields. Breathtaking panoramic vantage points include the Kushiro Marsh Observatory and the legendary Hosooka Observatory, which frames sweeping sunset views across the looping silver ribbons of the Kushiro River against distant mountain ridges. Scenic options include paddling silent guided canoes downriver or boarding the vintage *Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train*, which meanders slowly through reed beds with open-air passenger cars. The park is just a 30-minute drive from Tancho Kushiro Airport or JR Kushiro Station.