Kushiro Shitsugen is the largest wetland in Japan. This marshland is famous as a habitat for the endangered Japanese Cranes and many other kinds of birds. It is also  the first Ramsar Site in Japan.
Since it's designation as a National Park in 1987, the Kushiro Shitsugen has been advertised as a fascinating wetland.

Area of Kushiro-Marsh               Area of Ramsar Site                      Area of National Park
       18,290ha                                  7,726ha                                        26,861ha          

Kushiro Marshland is located an easy drive from a number of the downtown centers in the neighboring municipalities, Kushiro-Town, Tsurui-Village, Shibecha-Town and Kushiro-City.
There are several viewpoints in the marsh.

Kushiro City Marsh Observatory
 Kushiro City Marsh Observatory was designed in a modern style with the motif gtussock grassh which is found in the marsh. The facility allows easy access to nature, and people are able to enjoy the beautiful landscape.
It is a 35 minute bus ride from  Kushiro JR Station.
Open: 8:30-18:00 (May1-Oct31)
         9:00-17:00 (Nov1-April30)
Closed: Dec31-Jan3        Fee: \360 / adult  
Contact: 0154-56-2424
         

Onnenai Visitor Centre
 		Onnenai Visitor Centre is where  all information about the Kushiro Marshland is available. A 3.1 Km  wooden walkway extends from this centre, which is connected to other walkways from the Kushiro City Marsh Observatory.
If you walk on this walkway, you may have an opportrunity to meet a lot of wildlife such as Japanese Cranes, Asiatic Chipmunks, Marsh Tits etc.
It takes 40 minutes by bus from Kushiro JR Station.
Open: 10:00-17:00 (April-Oct)      10:00-16:00 (Nov-March)
Closed: Tuesdays, Dec29-Jan3
Contac‚”: 0154-65-2323

Hokuto Viewpoint
 Hokuto Viewpoint is about 500m from the Kushiro City Marsh Observatory, along Route 53.
You can feel the sheer size of the Kushiro Marsh from here with nothing to obstruct your view.

Hosooka Viewpoint
 Hosooka Viewpoint offers a spectacular view of the Kushiro River meandering through the marshland, with Mt. Oakan and Mt. Meakan in the distance. 
Hosooka Visitor's Lounge is nearby. It has a coffee shop and an exhibition of the marshland.
It takes 20 minutes by train (Sennmo-Line) from Kushiro JR Station. Get off at Kushiro Shitsugen Station.
Contact: 0154-40-4455 (Hosooka Visitor's Lounge)

Kottaro Marsh Viewpoints
 The Kottaro Marsh Viewpoints are three marsh observation points.
The first viewpoint offers a 270 degree panoramic view of the winding Kottaro River and nearby ponds can also be seen. A complete view of the wetland can be seen from the second viewpoint.
The beautiful sunrise and a spectacular view of the marsh can be seen from the third viewpoint.

Sarubo Viewpoint

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 The Sarubo Viewpoint rises between Lake Toro and Lake Shirarutoro and offers a 360 degree grand view of the marsh. It is 72m above sea level and located along Route 391. In Ainu, gSarubohmeans gthe cliff in the small reed fieldh.
You can explore this beautiful area in approximately 40 minutes.