SL Winter Marsh Train: Speed Through the Snow & Enjoy Grilled Squid Along the Way

Kushiro Marshland National Park, crisscrossed by the Kushiro River, is a natural ecological treasure trove of Hokkaido. Spanning an area 5,635 times the size of Tokyo Dome, the park is home to around 2,000 species of flora and fauna, including especially designated Natural Monuments such as the red-crowned crane, along with several other rare animals. In winter, the marshland possesses a magical vitality. Watching Ezo deer, Arctic foxes, and even red-crowned cranes strolling through the snowy wetlands is nothing short of astonishing—proof that such captivating ecological wonders exist in this snow-covered corner of the world.

For those wishing to observe the natural ecology of the north and soak in the romance of winter snow, riding the Kushiro Marshland Train is the easiest and most delightful way to explore the marsh. The SL Winter Marsh Train, speeding through the wetlands, features a vintage steam locomotive and knowledgeable guides onboard who are familiar with the local landscape. In addition to explaining the sights of the winter marsh, they also diligently help passengers spot wildlife tracks in the snow outside the windows, often treating everyone to delightful glimpses of cute animals.

Aside from enjoying the beautiful winter marsh scenery, passengers on the SL Winter Marsh Train can also grill squid in the train cars. Dried squid can be purchased from the onboard concession stand and roasted on a daruma heater. The presence of these retro heaters on a steam train not only evokes a sense of nostalgia for many older Japanese passengers but also fulfills the dream of travelers from subtropical regions to experience a taste of northern winter life.

The daruma heater is a signature feature of the SL Winter Marsh Train, named for its resemblance to a daruma doll. In the past, some railway lines had low passenger volumes and were often shared between freight and passenger cars. Since freight cars didn’t have built-in heating pipes like regular passenger cars, daruma heaters were used to provide warmth. Their high heat also made cooking food on them another fun aspect of train travel.

Kushiro Marshland is one of the few habitats in the world for red-crowned cranes, thanks to its unfrozen springs even in winter. Every winter, these iconic birds—with their striking red crowns and black-and-white plumage—fly to the marsh to forage and survive the cold season. Visiting during this time offers the chance to witness the graceful sight of red-crowned cranes dancing across the snow. Be sure to take advantage of the SL Winter Marsh Train’s schedule to enjoy the snow, grilled squid, and a rich array of precious flora and fauna along the way.

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