Eastern Hokkaido

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Eastern Hokkaido is home to one of Japan’s largest fishing fleets, the huge Kushiro Marshland, the World Heritage Listed Shiretoko National Park and the beautiful Akan National Park area. This area is not only known for it’s incredible scenery and well preserved forests, but is also home to two of Hokkaido’s most famous hot spring areas called Akan and Kawayu. The area is also characterized by huge 2000 plus meter mountains and wide open plains for farming. This area produces huge amounts of farmed goods including vegetables, dairy products, flowers and flower related products. It is home to Hokkaido’s second largest city of Asahikawa as well as the famous Sounkyo Hot Spring area.

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EASTERN HOKKAIDO CITIES
- Abashiri- Kushiro
- Asahikawa

TOP SPOTS
  • 釧路湿原
    Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
    The Kushiro Shitsugen National park (better known as the Kushiro Marshland) is a national park, located to the north of Kushiro on the eastern side of Hokkaido. The park is known for its wetlands ecosystems. 'Shitsugen' translates to wetlands in English. It was designated as a national park on 31 July 1987. The massive park covers an area of 268.61 square kilometres on the Kushiro plain and is well known for its wildlife and vegetation.
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  • ふれあい広場
    Friendship Square
    Friendship Square can be found overlooking Kushiro River. Kushiro River starts from Lake Asshan and runs for 154 kilometers. It finally makes its way down to Kushiro. At the mouth of the river you can find Friendship Square. The square runs for about four hundred meters by the river.
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  • 幣舞橋
    Nusamai Bridge
    Located not far from Fisherman’s Wharf (MOO), the Nusamai Bridge measures 124 m in length and was completed in 1976. The current bridge is the fifth after others were destroyed by floods or replaced due to age. The bridge has sculptures representing the four seasons adorning its handrails along the way and is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido.
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  • 釧路市立博物館
    Kushiro City Museum
    The history of the Kushiro City Museum dates far back to 1936. Originally, an exhibition room was set up as the "Kushiro City Folk Museum" on the second floor of the Kushiro City Hall Waterworks Construction Office. Over the decades, the location changed and finally on November 3rd, 1983, the "Kushiro City Museum" was born.
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SIGHTSEEING GENERAL
  • Urahoro Shrine
    During the Meiji Era, as the town of Urahoro (on the south east coast of Hokkaido) was being developed, the pioneers called for the construction of a shrine to serve as a spiritual centre. On August 15, 1896, a small shrine was erected, enshrining Amaterasu (goddess of the sun and the universe).
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  • Onnenai Visitor Center
    温根内ビジターセンター
    The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, also known as the Kushiro Marshland is a sprawling national park to the north of Kushiro. There are half a dozen observation decks, museums, and walking paths that surround the park. The Onnenai Visitor Center is one of these museums and can be found on the western side of the marshland.
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  • Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
    釧路湿原
    The Kushiro Shitsugen National park (better known as the Kushiro Marshland) is a national park, located to the north of Kushiro on the eastern side of Hokkaido. The park is known for its wetlands ecosystems. 'Shitsugen' translates to wetlands in English. It was designated as a national park on 31 July 1987. The massive park covers an area of 268.61 square kilometres on the Kushiro plain and is well known for its wildlife and vegetation.
    Read more...
  • Kushiro Marsh Observatory
    釧路市湿原展望台
    Perched at the top of a large hill, overlooking Kushiro Marsh, you can find the Kushiro Marsh Observatory. This is one of the most interesting buildings in Hokkaido. The exterior, and especially the interior, has a strange and unique design and is reminiscent of a cool sci-fi movie. The central hall of the museum is definitely a place to get some photos.
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  • Kushiro City Museum
    釧路市立博物館
    The history of the Kushiro City Museum dates far back to 1936. Originally, an exhibition room was set up as the "Kushiro City Folk Museum" on the second floor of the Kushiro City Hall Waterworks Construction Office. Over the decades, the location changed and finally on November 3rd, 1983, the "Kushiro City Museum" was born.
    Read more...
  • Sakaemachiheiwa Park
    栄町平和公園
    Sakaemachiheiwa Park is located in the center of Kushiro. There are very few green spaces in Kushiro and this park is often used for festivals during the summer and winter and many locals use this park. There is a bit of interesting history behind the park and the area.
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  • Nusamai Park
    幣舞公園
    This park in Kushiro can be found overlooking the city and is a quiet and peaceful spot to enjoy. In this small park, among the flowers and trees, you can also find the Takeshirō Matsuura Ezo Expedition Statue. Takeshirō Matsuura was a Japanese explorer, cartographer, writer, painter, priest, and antiquarian.
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  • Friendship Square
    ふれあい広場
    Friendship Square can be found overlooking Kushiro River. Kushiro River starts from Lake Asshan and runs for 154 kilometers. It finally makes its way down to Kushiro. At the mouth of the river you can find Friendship Square. The square runs for about four hundred meters by the river.
    Read more...
  • Kobunkan
    港文館
    In Kushiro, along the promenade that follows Kushiro River, you can find the Kobunkan. It is across the wide river from the Fisherman's Wharf MOO. Kobunkan serves as a museum and as a historical spot. It is a restoration of the former Kushiro Shibun Newspaper Company. This office building was originally built in 1908.
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  • Nusamai Bridge
    幣舞橋
    Located not far from Fisherman’s Wharf (MOO), the Nusamai Bridge measures 124 m in length and was completed in 1976. The current bridge is the fifth after others were destroyed by floods or replaced due to age. The bridge has sculptures representing the four seasons adorning its handrails along the way and is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido.
    Read more...

Abashiri
Abashiri Prison Museum

Abashiri Prison Museum

Abashiri Prison Museum

In use from 1890 up until about 1984 and located on Mt Tento, this ex-prison  was moved from it’s previous location and reconstructed here. It has been preserved in almost it’s original form. It has been converted into a museum, the only one of it’s kind in Japan. It is possible to see how the prisoners lived and worked in the prison confines. The actual detainee housing areas are also still intact and can be seen. The museum has various displays to show aspects of daily prison life, has wax dummies to give a better picture of the prisoners themselves and also displays some of the shackles and chains that were used.Top

AdmissionAdults – ¥1080
H.S students – ¥730 Children – ¥520
Opening Hours8:00 – 18:00
April to October

9:00 – 17:00 November to March
Closed-
Contact0152-45-2411
Getting There*Buses operate from Abashiri Bus Terminal via Abashiri Station to the museum once every 1-2 hours (10 minutes, ¥240 one way from Abashiri Station)


Abashiri
Ice Breaking Ships

During the cold winter, fresh water from the China-Russia border area freezes when it hits the chilly ocean. This ice then moves south toward Japan eventually reaching Hokkaido. There are various boats to take when wanting to view the ice floes but two of the more well known boats are the “Garinko” in Monbetsu and “Aurora” in Abashiri. The Garinko is fully equipped with an ice crusher on the bow and thus can make trips through the whole ice season the Aurora however sometimes cannot break the ice during the peak season but operates most of the time. There are also sea eagles and seals that follow the ice and they can sometimes be spotted from the boat. Cruises usually last for about an hour. These cruises are very popular and thus it is usually essential to make bookings in advance. Top

AURORA
AdmissionAdults ¥ 3000
Children ¥ 1500
Opening HoursJanuary 20th to first Sunday of April

Boat Departs January 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm
February & March 9:30 am, 11 am, 12:30 pm, 2 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm
(Special Sunset Cruise – Can be irregular)
Closed-
Contact0152-43-6000 for Reservations & Information
Getting There-

Abashiri
Shiretoko National Park

Taking up most of Shiretoko Peninsula, Shiretoko National Park was World Heritage Listed in July 2005. The area is comprised of pristine, almost untouched, wilderness with steep mountains, small lakes and a wide variety of animals, including bears, foxes and other mammals and many birds including sea eagles. The area is also well known for its beautiful waterfalls, some of which flow directly into the sea of Okhotsk and can be viewed from sightseeing boat which departs from the port of Utoro. One of the famous waterfalls is called “Maiden’s Tears”. This waterfall is produced from warm water and thus steams as it falls. The lake area has a walking track and can be finished in about one (1) to two (2) hours. There is also cave Makkausu which was formed by seawater erosion. Inside the cave is a special type of luminous moss. The winter also often sees the area surrounded by floating ice. Top

Admission-
Opening Hours-
Closed-
Contact-
Getting There-

Akan National Park

Located in Eastern Hokkaido, almost in the center between Kushiro City and Abashiri City, Akan National Park is an amazingly beautiful mountainous area typified by plentiful forest, crystal clear lakes and relaxing onsen areas. Akan is an extremely popular tourist area and is a stepping stone to the World Heritage Listed Shiretoko National Park. The Akan National Park is some 90 481 hectares in area and has a huge range of wildlife and also a Japanese Special National Natural Monument listed algae called “Marimo”. This very unusual type of algae forms itself into almost perfect balls and if left undisturbed long enough will grow to be the size of footballs.

Major areas of attraction in the Akan Park Area are:
Iozan, Lake Akan & Lake Akan Village (Akankohan), Lake Kussharo and Lake Masshu.

Transportation
By Car :

Renting a car to travel around the Akan National Park area can be a good option, especially in the summer when the roads are in good condition. The Park itself has three highways running through it which service the towns and observation points and give access to Abashiri and Kushiro which are about one or two hours away. The winter however, will see these roads covered in snow and ice and therefore driving will be more hazardous. Also the national park has many wild animals and especially deer can be a hazard when driving at night. Take all caution and obey speed limits.

For a list of rental car agencies and contact info – Click Here.
By Bus :
The Akan Bus Service provides a variety of sightseeing buses that tour around the Akan area and make stops at various tourist destinations. There are also regularly scheduled buses running between the towns of Akankohan, Kawayu, Abashiri and Kushiro with stops at Lake Masshu. These buses however are relatively infrequent with only between 2 to 5 buses per day. Be sure to book ahead.

By Train :
The only train line through the Akan National Park is the JR Senmo Line which runs from Kushiro to Abashiri. The stop in the park is the Kawayu Train Station just outside the small onsen town of Kawayu. The ride from Kushiro takes approximately 1.5 hours and costs ¥1 790. From Abashiri it takes approximately 2 hours and costs ¥1600. There are about 4 to 6 trains per day running from these locations. Top

Iozan

Iozan is an active volcanic mountain located just outside of the small onsen town of Kawayu. This area vents large amounts of sulphur and gasses and can be viewed up close. There are also several walking tracks in the area of differing lengths and difficulty. Around the mountain area it is also possible to buy eggs cooked by the natural steam of the volcano. There is also a rest house with bathrooms, small restaurant and souvenir store.

*Please remember that this area is an active volcanic area. If using the walking trails do not enter areas which have been fenced off as they will be unsafe. Top

Admission Parking Fee is ¥410
(Keep your ticket and you can also use it at the Lake Masshu parking area)
Opening Hours
Closed
Getting There Approximately 5 min drive from Kawayu Onsen Station
Phone

Lake Akan & Lake Akan Village (Akankohan)

Situated in the south-east area of Akan National Park, lake Akan is home to the Special Natural National Monument algae called “Marimo”. This highly unusual and highlyendangered species of algae forms itself into green balls and can grow to the size of a soccer ball. The largest confirmed example was about 30 cm in diameter. While the algae appears in several lakes in Japan, Lake Akan is the only lake with the right combination of environmental factors for the algae to form itself into balls.

The only town situated around the lake is the small onsen town of Akankohan. This pretty town has a variety of hotels, many of which have natural onsen baths. The hotels range in price from approximately ¥4000 pp/pn to ¥30000 + pp/pn. More expensive hotels are usually located on the lake shore with beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding area. If you choose stay at a hotel which does not have an onsen, it is usually possible to use the onsens in other hotels for a charge of about ¥500 to ¥1000 pp. Within the town is also a small Ainu (Native Hokkaido People) Village. The village consists of a small street lined with craft shops of Ainu products. At the end of the street is also a small Museum exhibiting various Ainu artifacts and there is also a hall where some traditional Ainu performances are held.

Other activities of interest are the ferries which do regular tours around the lake and stop off at some of the smaller islands and the Marimo Exhibition center and walking trails that wind there way through the lush forest to mud pools and observation spots. Trails start near the Akankohan Eco Museum a lovely and informative information center for the Akan National Park area. Admission is free and they have some English pamphlets and maps. Top

Admission Observation Deck One Parking ¥410
(Keep your ticket and you can also use it at the Iozan parking area)
Akankohan Eco Museum :
Free of Charge.
Onsen use for non-staying guests :
Approx. ¥500 to ¥1 000
Opening Hours
Closed
Getting There
Phone

Lake Kussharo & Lake Masshu

Lake Kussharo
With an area of approximately 80 square km, Lake Kussharo is the largest lake in the Akan National Park Area . Many outdoor enthusiasts come here during the summer months to enjoy camping, cycling, fishing, hiking and kayaking / canoeing on the lake. The lake is also well known for the natural hot springs that are dotted around the lake. These springs are outdoor and free to use. Also unlike most Japanese hot spring it is fine to enter these while wearing swim suits. There is also a sand beach near the small town of Kawayu which has natural hot spring water. It is possible to dig a little into the beach and create your very own “Feet Hot Spring” called ‘Ashi-yu’ in Japanese. (Be careful the water is quite hot.) There are also several walking trails around the lake and many camping spots in the area. Top

Lake Masshu
Considered to one of the most beautiful lakes in Japan this lake can also one of the most elusive. Known for its crystal clear and stunning blue water, the lake is often hidden by thick fog. The summer period especially often sees a lot of fog in the area. Those lucky enough to get a glimpse of this beautiful area can do so from two different observation areas overlooking the lake. Deck one has a large parking area and tourist facilities. Deck two is smaller, with a smaller parking area and no facilities but the parking is free. Lake Masshu is about one hour drive from Akankohan Village or about 15 minutes from Kawayu Village. Top

Admission
Opening Hours
Closed
Getting There
Phone

Asahikawa
Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo

Asahiyama Zoo is the most northern in Japan and houses a huge number of animals across a wide range of species. Some of the most popular exhibits are the polar bear house where it is possible to see the animals very close up through glass walls (This exhibit is particularly good at feeding time, but be sure to arrive early!). The penguin pool contains a 360° see through walk-way running through the middle of the pool. The seal house has a similar see through area. The large cat house allows visitors to see the animals close up through glass walls. Monkey mountain and the orangutan tower are also popular. There is a farm animal petting area for kids and also a small roller coaster. The zoo is open all year however many animals may be hibernating or closed indoors during the winter season. Top

AdmissionGeneral ¥580 Summer period
General ¥290 Winter period
Opening Hours9:30 am to 5:15 pm daily April 28th to October 20th
11 am to 2 pm November 3rd to March 30th
ClosedWinter period : Closed Wednesdays and Thursdays and December 30 to January 5th
Contact-
Getting There-

Asahikawa
Hokkaido Asahikawa Museum of Art

Located in the south west corner of Tokiwa Park, the museum has a permanent exhibition of woodwork created in the Asahikawa area. Other regularly changing exhibitions are also on display at various times of the year. Exhibitions included Japanese and foreign art works and various exhibitions of famous writers from the central Hokkaido region. Top

AdmissionGeneral admission is ¥100 however prices may vary for special exhibitions
Opening Hours10 am to 5 pm daily
ClosedMondays, new year holidays and periodically for rearrangement of exhibitions
Contact0166-25-2577
Getting ThereIn Asahikawa City Tokiwa Park (7 Jo Dori)

Asahikawa
International Dyeing & Weaving Art Museum

Displaying works from more than 80 countries around the world this museum was the first of it’s kind in Japan. The majority of exhibits are from the 18th and 19th centuries and include a variety of famous tapestries and textiles. Examples of such works include the “Gobelin Tapestry” which was commissioned by Louis XV as a gift to the French Royal family and red dyed textiles from the Tang Dynasty in China. Top

AdmissionGeneral fee ¥550
Opening Hours9 am to 5:30 pm daily April to November
ClosedDecember to March
Contact0166-61-6161
Getting There3-chome, Minamigaoka, Asahikawa

Asahikawa
Sanroku Entertainment Area

Much like Sapporo’s Susukino entertainment area, this area is conveniently located next to the main down town area, less than 5 min. walk in a north-west direction from JR Asahikawa Station. Covering about 12 blocks and containing more than 1,300 bars, restaurants, clubs and cocktail bars Sanroku is definitely the center for nightlife in Asahikawa. Restaurants and entertainment facilities cater to any kind of budget ranging from the cheap to the extremely expensive. Specialties in this area are the sushi and crab shops however many other kinds of food can be found. There is a summer festival held in this area each year which brings out the Asahikawa residents for fun times and street parties. Top

Admission-
Opening Hours-
Closed-
Contact-
Getting There6-chome, 3-jyo (And nearby area), Asahikawa

Biei

Biei is a small town located south-west of Asahikawa. The town is mainly famous for it’s beautiful scenery. Surrounded by slowly rolling hills, the landscape lends itself well to farming and has been divided up and put to this use. Some areas are used to produce various types of flowers in the summer months and thus a large colorful carpet can be seen in the mid summer. While the winter sees few crops the area is still particularly beautiful and well worth viewing for some postcard winter Hokkaido shots. Top

Admission
Opening Hours
Closed
Getting There
Phone

Furano

Located approximately 30 min. drive south / south-west from Asahikawa Furano is well known for two main reasons, in winter skiing and in summer flowers. To find-out information about the Furano ski areas please visit our Winter Sports & Resorts page. While the winter offers large amounts of fresh snow and good ski areas the summer offers a colorful patchwork of beautiful flowers and scenery. There are several farm areas where beautiful flowers and plants can be viewed however the most famous of these flower farms is perhaps Tomita Farm. The farm consists of various fields planted with a variety of flowers in eye pleasing rows. The farm area is completely free of charge to look at. The farm earns it’s money by selling a variety of products directly to the consumer. Lavender is the main flower grown and many lavender products can be purchased including soap, perfumes and even lavender soda. There are several restaurant areas and lookouts. The flowers are at their peak from the end of July to the beginning of August. This area becomes particularly crowded on the weekend so if driving be aware it may take longer than usual and it is recommended to park your car before the farm area and walk as the car parking area often has up to 1 hour waits. Top

Admission Free
Opening Hours Best times for flowers are mid / late July to early / mid August.
Hanabito house, Dried flower house, Potpourri house, Perfume workshop are open until 4 / 5 pm.
Closed Some sections closed November to April.
Getting There
Phone

Kushiro
Akan International Crane Center

This center was recently opened to help in the study and conservation of the Japanese crane which is still an endangered species. The center providesvisitors with useful information about the cranes as well as close up views of the cranes. The farming area around the town of Akan has been an artificial feeding ground for many years and large numbers of cranes will come for the winter season. Top

Admission-
Opening Hours9 am to 5 pm daily
Closed-
Contact0154-66-4011
Getting ThereApproximately 1 hour, 30 min from Kushiro JR Station by Akan bus.

23-40 Akan, Hokkaido

Kushiro
Kushiro Marshland

The Kushiro marshland is home to more than 2000 species of precious plants and wildlife. It is a breeding ground for some of Japan’s endangered and rare species. The National Park Marshland area designated in 1987 covers some 26 861 ha. which accounts for approximately 60% of Japanese marsh area. The park was also the first in Japan to be designated under the special convention known as the Ramsar Convention for wetland protection. Types of animals living here include Hokkaido deer, Japan’s largest freshwater fish known as Hunchen, Siberian salamanders, white-tailed sea eagles andJapanese cranes. There have also been artifacts and items from the prehistoric age discovered here. There are several options for viewing the park including canoe rides, hot air balloon rides and even Japan’s slowest train which takes visitors for a ride around the park. For the more active there are also several wooden walkways which allow visitors to get close up views of many parts of the park.

*Strong recommendation : These walkways are through the marsh area so there are huge numbers of bugs and insects. YOU WILL NEED INSECT REPELANT TO ENJOY THE WALK. Also, although rare, bears do sometimes wander into this area. Stay alert and at times make a little noise by talking loudly to prevent problems.

Along the walkways there are several observation points :

Hokuto Viewpoint –

Hokuto view point is located along Route 53 and offers an unobstructed view of the expanse of the park. This view point is also about 5 min walk from Kushiro City Marsh Observatory. Top

Hosooka Viewpoint –

For a view of Kushiro river winding its way through the marshland head to Hosooka Viewpoint. There is also a nice view toward Mt. Oakan and Mt. Meakan in the background. If a little rest time is needed there is also a visitor’s lounge with a coffee shop and wetland display.Top

Kottaro Marsh Viewpoints –

The Kottaro Marsh Viewpoints consist of three points relatively close together. They offer views of different aspects of the marsh. The first has a 270°view of the Kottaro River and some nearby ponds. The second offers an overall view of the marsh and area. While the third is best known for beautiful sunrise views of the marshland. Top

Sarubo Viewpoint –

This view point is located near Route 391 and is approximately 72 m above sea level. It gives a 360° view of the marshland below and is bound by Lake Toro on one side and Lake Shirarutoro on the other. Top

Admission-
Opening Hours-
Closed-
ContactHosooka Visitors Lounge 0154 40 4455
Getting ThereBoard a Sennmo Line train at JR Kushiro Station. Get off at Kushiro Shitsugen Station. It takes about 20 min

Kushiro
Nusamai Bridge

Located not far from Fisherman’s Wharf (MOO), the Nusamai Bridge measures 124 m in length and was completed in 1976. The current bridge isthe fifth after others were destroyed by floods or replaced due to age. The bridge has sculptures representing the four seasons adorning it’s handrails along the way and is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido. The sculptures were produced by well known Japanese artists Shin Hongo and Churyo Sato. It is also lit by old style lamps which gives the bridge a romantic European feel at night. The bridge is particularly popular at sunrise and sunset when the lighting and mist combine to create the most romantic feel. Top

Admission-
Opening Hours-
Closed-
Contact-
Getting ThereApproximately 10 min walk from JR Kushiro Station

Kushiro
Tancho (Japanese Crane)

The Japanese cranes survival is nothing short incredible. During the Meiji Era the birds were hunted to the point of extinction by farmers and hunters fortheir meat and feathers. In the late 19th century it was thought that the birds, once quite common in Japan, were in fact extinct. However, about 70 years ago 10 cranes were discovered to be living deep in the Kushiro Marshland. During the harsh Hokkaido winter the birds could not find enough food to eat, so farmers began giving them corn. Since then the winter feedings have continued and conservation centers have been set up. The birds now number more than 600 and are slowly making a recovery. These elegant birds stand about 140 cm tall and have a wingspan of some 240 cm. They build large mounds for nests in the spring and lay only two eggs. Young birds can fly after about 3 months and become adults after 4 years. During the summer it is usually difficult to see the birds as they remain deep in the marshland raising their young. During the winter however they rely on the food from people to survive. There are several areas where the cranes can be observed during these feeding times. Birds gather at the Tsurumidai Plain, Tsurui / Itoh Japanese Crane Sanctuary and the Japanese Crane Observation Center. Top

Admission-
Opening Hours-
Closed-
Contact-
Getting There-

Kushiro
Tsurui / Itoh Japanese Crane Sanctuary

This sanctuary was established by the Wild Bird Society of Japan at what is known as the Itoh feeding station. In 1987 they built a small Nature Center for observing and studying the Japanese crane and this area then became known as the Ito Japanese Crane Sanctuary. On the first floor is an observation room and the second houses a study and information room. The winter season brings some 200 plus birds to the sanctuary. Top

Admission-
Opening Hours9 am to 4:30 pm October 1st to March 31st
ClosedTuesdays and Wednesdays, excluding national holidays
Contact-
Getting ThereApproximately 1 hour from JR Kushiro Station, then a 1 Km walk to the Sanctuary