Ride a steam train, enjoy an ice winter festival, and explore the northland charm of Kushiro in Hokkaido

Article by MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network, reported by Chen Guanxin

 

 

Located at 43 degrees north latitude, Kushiro in Hokkaido is famous for its rich plant and animal ecology in the Kushiro Wetland, which is also home to Japan’s largest wetland national park, covering a total area of over 27,000 hectares — about two-thirds the size of Taipei City. The park is not only home to 2,000 species of flora and fauna but also the native habitat of the red-crowned crane, a national treasure of Japan. After the red-crowned crane population sharply declined following the Meiji era, a dozen or so were discovered in the Kushiro Wetland in 1924. Local residents worked hard to promote conservation efforts, and in 1952, the red-crowned crane was designated as a nationally protected animal. The Kushiro City Red-Crowned Crane Natural Park was established at that time and has been in operation for 60 years. Currently, around 10 red-crowned cranes reside here and are raised through artificial means, allowing visitors to view them up close.

 

The Kushiro Wetland National Park is off-limits to entry, but there are 8–9 observation points around the park, such as the Taushubetsu, Numazawa, and Tsurui observation decks, which are popular among tourists. Every winter, from late December to early March, a limited number of Winter Marsh Steam Trains run. From the train, you can admire characteristic wetland plants and animals such as Japanese yezo spruce, deer, and Ezo red foxes. In winter, the steam train also travels through snowy forests and past frozen lakes, offering a chance to experience the distinct northern landscape that differs greatly from Japan’s urban areas.