What to know
Kushiro Marshland (Kushiro Shitsugen) in Hokkaido became a national park in 1987 to protect Japan's largest wetland and marsh habitat, which is home to the only known population of endangered Japanese cranes in the country.
Located between Kushiro and Akan National Park, the area is a convenient stop when traveling between the two. The park receives little snow even in winter, making it ideal for birdwatching, nature walks, and hiking. Cranes can be seen year-round, attracting many photographers.
Japanese cranes (Tancho, meaning 'red head') were thought extinct in Japan due to overhunting and habitat loss. In 1926, about 20 birds were rediscovered in the Kushiro marshes. Thanks to conservation, their numbers have rebounded to over 1,000.
The cranes are most spectacular when they dance, often in pairs, with graceful dips and jumps. They are best viewed in winter at feeding sites, which are easiest to reach by car but also accessible by public transport.