"If winter is your game and you're looking for memorable experiences on their own or to add to a ski trip, you need to see the intricate dances of the red-crowned cranes in [this park] in eastern Hokkaido. In the winter, their marsh habitats are covered in snow, and it's a magical experience to see them at sunrise as the steam drifts up from the river." — Amy Tadehara, InsideJapan. The emphasis is on winter viewing of red-crowned cranes in snowy marshes at sunrise, a striking and atmospheric wildlife spectacle." - Elizabeth Cantrell
Elizabeth Cantrell
Elizabeth Cantrell is a senior editor at Travel + Leisure. She edits stories with a focus on outdoor and adventure travel, as well as Canada, Northern Europe, and the Southeastern U.S.
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I Saw Bears, Sperm Whales, and Red-crowned Cranes in Some of Japan’s Most Beautiful National Parks
"The park is famous for having Japan's largest marsh and the iconic red-crowned cranes. It features the Kushiro River and the Onnenai Wooden Path, which offers views of deer and rich biodiversity preserved due to the difficulty of developing the land. The park is home to numerous species including 39 mammals, 200 birds, and 38 fish." - Kristen Pope
Small walking trails on wooden walk ways. Easy walks and great views from the platform with possibility to see cranes and deer in the distance (bring your binoculars). And don't forget to buy an ice cream at the observatory!
Ginny W.
Google
It is definitely worth to visit. The view over wetland is magnificent 👍🏻 it is also good to spend around 2 hours to walk around the park as well. Don’t pay to go to the observatory tower, it is just a small area on top of the tower, not worth it.
IA R.
Google
Big park and good to visit in summer time
Sarah M
Google
Beautiful natural park. Loved the drive through the forest and enjoyed the footpaths. The visitor center is a cozy log building with a small display of photos of the area, and some nice souvenirs.
KK P.
Google
Need to walk for 40-50 minutes for a round trip. The lookout at the park is so beautiful. Very enjoyable.
Py C
Google
Summer is hot! Unless you like it. Too hot as very hard to find shade from trees. Nothing much to see except you are natural lovers!
Trevor W.
Google
We visited in early May. The first visitor centre we went to was closed, with no signage for self-guided walking. The second centre was not very appealing and the observatory was closed. All a bit of a let-down.
Al-Imran Ruhul I.
Google
Good tourist destination... the largest wetland in Japan...