Kushiro Shitsugen National Park 釧路湿原国立公園

The moorlands of Hokkaido

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is the largest undeveloped wetland in Japan. It was formed at the level of an ancient maritime area several millennia ago by the deposition of peat in the seabed, which became a wetland after the waters receded about 3,000 years ago, giving rise to the largest swamp in Japan . 80% of the site's vegetation consists of low moors, where reeds and sedges proliferate.

The Kushiro River, Hokkaido's fourth largest river at 157 kilometers, flows through the park, fed by the largest crater lake in Japan, Lake Kussharo, before finally emptying into the Pacific Ocean.

To read : The city of Kushiro

Great biodiversity

The national park creates the ideal conditions to accommodate great biodiversity. More than 600 species of plants can be found on site , as well as endangered animal species such as Danube salmon or Blakiston's eagle owl. The moors are above all the resting place of the red-crowned crane – called tanchô-zuru in Japanese – whose top of the skull is surmounted by a vermilion spot . There are only a little less than 3,000 representatives of this species left, including a thousand in Japan where traditional legends attribute to it the ability to lavish favors in exchange for acts of sacrifice. A

One park, several paths

You can take different routes to admire the beauty of this national park:

• The Norokko-go tourist line meanders through the moors, along the Kushiro River, and allows the visitor to pleasantly enjoy the local flora . You can even stop halfway for a short walk!
• The canoe option! The Kushino River and its slow flow allow you to descend quietly and enjoy a maritime stroll within the wetland.