The official name is Hamatombetsu Lake Kutcharo Waterfowl Observatory, established by the Ministry of the Environment to raise awareness of the value of wetlands and to serve as a base for monitoring waterfowl and wetlands in a Ramsar Convention-listed wetland, It was established by the Ministry of the Environment of Japan.

The Waterfowl Observatory is a center for introducing waterfowl and wetlands that opened on the shores of Lake Kutcharo in May 1995. It mainly provides information on waterfowl that fly to Lake Kutcharo.

Visitors can take their time to observe the birds that come to the lake using the outdoor cameras and telescopes installed in the center. In spring and fall, whooper swans on their way to the lake can be seen, and in summer, blue herons and kingfishers can be seen. The museum also introduces the four seasons of Lake Kutcharo through photo panels and videos.