Kushiro essentials

Kushiro is defined by the Kushiro-shitsugen National Park, Japan's largest wetland habitat and a primary sanctuary for the endangered Red-crowned Crane. The region encompasses the volcanic landscapes of Akan-Mashu National Park, including the active Mt. Me-Akan and Lake Akan, famous for its rare marimo moss balls. This area also serves as a vital cultural center for the indigenous Ainu people, particularly at the Akanko Ainu Kotan. These locations provide access to Hokkaido’s unique biodiversity, volcanic geology, and coastal heritage.

Kushiro Essentials — Map

Batholith / Public domain

A

Lake Akan

Lake Akan is a lake in Kushiro, Hokkaidō, Japan. It is located in Akan National Park and is a Ramsar Site.

B

釧路市湿原展望台

This facility offers panoramic views of the Kushiro Marsh and features exhibits on the wetland’s ecosystem. It serves as the entrance to a 2.5-kilometer boardwalk loop through the marshland.

Tzu-hsun, Hsu / CC BY-SA 4.0

C

釧路市丹頂鶴自然公園

A conservation center established to protect the endangered Red-crowned Crane. Visitors can observe the cranes year-round in naturalized enclosures that mimic their native wetland environment.

Batholith / Public domain

D

Mt. Me-Akan

An active volcano standing 1,499 meters tall within Akan-Mashu National Park. The peak features multiple volcanic craters, active steam vents, and unique alpine flora.

E

Lake Akan Ainu Theater Ikor

Located in the Akanko Ainu Kotan, this is Japan's first theater dedicated to Ainu folk dance. It showcases UNESCO-recognized traditional performances and contemporary Ainu cultural productions.

F

北斗展望台園地

A viewpoint on the western side of the Kushiro Marsh. It offers an expansive perspective of the wetlands and is connected to the Hokuto forest walking trails.

Highten31 / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Panketo

A secluded freshwater lake located north of Lake Akan. It is part of the Akan River system and remains largely inaccessible to the public to preserve its pristine state.

H

ペンケトー

A freshwater lake known for its distinctive shape, which resembles the map of Hokkaido. It is visible from the Sokudai viewpoint along National Route 241.

I

KUSHIRO ZOO

Japan's easternmost zoo, focusing on Hokkaido’s native species. It is one of the few places to see the rare Blakiston’s fish owl and other local wildlife like the Ezo brown bear.

J

Micho observatory

A hilltop observation deck near Kushiro Port. It provides views of the city skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and the distant peaks of the Akan volcanic range.