Located in Kushiro City, Kushiro Wetland is the largest wetland in Japan. It was designated as a national park in 1987. Its vastness is on an unimaginable scale, with a maximum width of 25 km from east to west and 36 km from north to south. So, where is the best place to view this untouched natural wonder and burn its image into your memory?

Here are our top 5 recommended observatories out of the many available.

1. Hosooka Observatory

(Photo courtesy of Kushiro Town)

Hosooka Observatory is located on the eastern side of the Kushiro Wetland. The view of the Kushiro River meandering through the wetland offers a dynamic sense of Hokkaido's great nature. Another recommended point is that the parking lot is right nearby.

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Hosooka Observatory & Visitor's Lounge

2. Yumegaoka Observatory

(Photo courtesy of Kushiro Town)

Yumegaoka Observatory is located at the end of a mountain path from the parking lot of Takkobu Auto Camping Ground. The approximately 2.3km mountain path requires some stamina, but along the way, you'll find highlights like plant colonies and spring water, which serve as a prelude to the magnificent view that awaits you at the end.

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Yumegaoka Observatory

3. Sarubo Observatory and Sarurun Observatory

(Photo courtesy of Toro-ko Eco Museum Center)

To get to Sarubo Observatory, you'll need to climb a mountain path for about 20 minutes. This is the only place where you can see a collaboration of large and small lakes, such as Lake Toro, and the wetland.

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Sarubo Observatory

(Photo courtesy of Shibecha Town)

Sarurun Observatory is another 15-minute walk from there. It offers a wider field of view than Sarubo Observatory, allowing you to see four marshes.

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Sarurun Observatory

4. Kottaro Wetland Observatory

(Photo courtesy of Shibecha Town)

The Kottaro Wetland is a part of the Kushiro Wetland that retains its pristine form and is designated as a special protection area. You can climb up to the high ground via stairs from the parking lot. With binoculars, you can spot wild birds like grey herons, and if you're lucky, you might even find a red-crowned crane.

▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Kottaro Wetland Observatory

5. Kushiro City Wetland Observatory

The Kushiro City Wetland Observatory has an exterior designed in the motif of Yachibozu (sedge tussocks) that grow in clusters in the wetland. From the rooftop, you can overlook not only the wetland but also the Kushiro city area. A walking path of about 2.5 km is maintained around the observatory, making it possible for even small children to easily reach the satellite observatory. Inside the observatory facility, there are paid exhibits, which are recommended for those who want to learn more about the Kushiro Wetland.

Interview Cooperation
Kushiro Shitsugen National Park Liaison Council Secretariat
Location: 7-5 Kurogane-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido (inside Kushiro City Hall)
Phone: 0154-31-4594
Official Website: https://www.kushiro-shitsugen-np.jp/