Kushiro-shitsugen National Park

Welcome to Kushiro-shitsugen National Park, a vast expanse of primordial nature that stands as Japan's largest wetland. As we stand at the threshold of this watery kingdom, it is essential to understand the sheer scale and…

We begin our detailed exploration at the Onnenai Visitor Center, a facility dedicated to the scientific and historical understanding of the Kushiro Marsh. Inside, one can find exhibits detailing the complex web of life that…

Stepping onto the Onnenai Boardwalk is a transformative experience. This wooden path, meticulously maintained to ensure visitor safety and ecological protection, winds for several kilometers through the various zones of the marsh. …

The Hokuto area of the national park offers a different perspective, focusing on the intersection of human history and the natural environment. Archaeological excavations here have revealed that humans have been living on the…

Rising from the hillside on the western edge of the marsh is the Kushiro Marsh Observatory, a building whose architecture is as intriguing as the views it provides. Designed by the renowned architect Mozuna Kiko, the building is…

From the main observatory, a well-marked trail leads to the Satellite Viewpoint, offering an even more intimate connection with the marsh. This path takes us through a dense forest of oak and birch trees, providing a sense of the…

The Kushiro River is the lifeblood of the marsh, its slow-moving waters providing the moisture and nutrients that sustain this vast ecosystem. As the river enters the marsh, its velocity drops, and it begins to meander in a…

As we conclude our journey through Kushiro-shitsugen National Park, take a final moment to look out over the vast, green horizon. What you have seen today is more than just a beautiful landscape; it is a testament to the power of…