Kushiro-Shitsugen Overview
Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park, or Kushiro Shitsugen Kokuritsu Kōen in Japanese, is a pristine wetland sanctuary located in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Encompassing an area of 68 square miles (177 square kilometers), it is Japan’s largest wetland and designated as a Ramsar Site, underscoring its global ecological importance. The park is situated near the city of Kushiro, offering a unique landscape characterized by vast marshes, meandering rivers, and diverse ecosystems that sustain a rich array of flora and fauna.
The terrain of Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park is defined by its expansive marshlands, which are fed by rivers like the Kushiro River, the park’s lifeblood. This wetland is framed by rolling hills and dotted with groves of alder and willow trees, as well as patches of sedges and reeds that sway in the wind. The seasonal variations in the landscape are striking, from the vibrant green of summer to the snow-blanketed serenity of winter, making the park an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty. The mist that often cloaks the wetlands adds a mystical quality to the landscape, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
The park is a haven for wildlife, with its most iconic resident being the red-crowned crane (Grus japonensis), a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture. These cranes, once nearly extinct, are now a conservation success story and can often be seen dancing gracefully in the wetlands, especially during winter. Other notable species include the Hokkaido sika deer, red foxes, and a variety of waterfowl and migratory birds. The park’s rivers and streams are home to fish like salmon and trout, which contribute to the ecological balance of this delicate environment.
Popular highlights of Kushiro-Shitsugen National Park include the numerous observation points and boardwalks that allow visitors to experience the wetlands without disturbing their fragile ecosystems. The Hosooka Observatory and the Kushiro Marsh Observatory provide panoramic views of the marshes, offering perfect opportunities for photography and birdwatching. Canoeing along the Kushiro River is a favored activity, allowing visitors to explore the wetlands quietly and up close. Winter visitors are treated to breathtaking views of the cranes in snow-covered settings, especially around feeding sites like Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary.
The park encourages exploration through various means, such as well-maintained walking trails and eco-tours guided by local experts who share insights into the area’s unique ecology and cultural significance. Canoe trips and cycling routes offer active ways to engage with the park’s tranquil beauty, while educational centers provide resources on its flora, fauna, and conservation efforts.
Kushiro-Shitsugen faces conservation challenges such as invasive species, water pollution, and the impacts of development around its periphery. However, dedicated efforts by local communities, government agencies, and environmental organizations have achieved significant successes, including habitat restoration and the reintroduction of red-crowned cranes. Strict regulations ensure that tourism remains sustainable, balancing human enjoyment with the protection of this irreplaceable ecosystem.