Canoe &
Bird-Watching
Slow down on the Kushiro River. Discover the birds, wildlife and wide-open landscapes of the wetlands on a guided canoe journey.
A quieter view of the wetlands
Birdwatching, photography and gentle time on the river.
Explore Kushiro Marsh by canoe, observing and photographing birds and other wildlife along one of the longest routes on the Kushiro River. The approximately 17 km journey takes around 3 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours at a relaxed pace.
We stop for a toilet break after approximately 9 km before continuing for the remaining 8 km. The tour also includes a visit to Hosooka Observatory, with panoramic views of Kushiro Marsh. Hotel pick-up within Kushiro City is free.
Along the way, we pass areas where red-crowned cranes and white-tailed eagles may be seen. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but the landscape is memorable in its own right.
Tour photo gallery
Gallery appears here on WordPress
A glimpse of the journey
Watch a canoe tour video before your visit.
Grace field appears at the beginning of the video. You can also explore the Kushiro / Lake Akan tourism website ↗.
Tour details & prices
Season: March 16 – November 30
hours
Approximately 5 hours in total, including preparation and travel.
For reservation questions, contact Grace field ↗
| Number of participants | Listed price |
|---|---|
| 2 people | ¥50,000 |
| 3 people | ¥72,000 |
| 4 people | ¥92,000 |
| 5 people | ¥100,000 |
| 6 people | ¥115,000 |
| 7 people | ¥126,000 |
| 8 people | ¥140,000 |
| 9 people | ¥153,000 |
All listed amounts are taken from the current tour page. Please confirm final pricing when reserving.
Choose your meeting time
Two proposed plans, with a tour duration of approximately 5 hours including travel.
Early departure
Late-morning departure
Times shown are approximate. Actual travel and route arrangements may change according to weather and other conditions.
Routes shaped by the weather
The guide selects an appropriate course based on wind conditions.
Downstream wetland course
Sheltered upper-marsh course
In strong winds, the guide may use a course in the upper marshland, which is less affected by wind. Reaching Iwabokke watergate may not be possible; in that case an alternative course is offered at the same price and for the same duration. You may also be asked to help paddle.
Relax and enjoy the journey
A guided canoe experience through a protected wetland landscape.
- Travel through Kushiro Wetland National Park and Ramsar-listed wetlands.
- The Kushiro River section used for the tour has no rapids.
- Guides accompany the tour, including for guests without canoe experience.
- You can enjoy the scenery without paddling, or paddle if you wish.
- If strong winds develop, the guide may ask you to paddle.
- View the Kushiro River’s meanders and scenery from Hosooka Observatory.
From your canoe, the broad sky and open wetlands create a very different view of Kushiro Marsh. At Hosooka Observatory, you can appreciate the river’s winding course from above. The Iwabokke watergate also tells part of the area’s flood-control history.
The aim is a comfortable and memorable experience in nature, with route choices made according to conditions on the day.
Ready to explore the wetlands?
Tell us your preferred date, number of guests and participants’ weights. We will review your inquiry and get back to you.