Winter Canoe Tour in Kushiro Marsh National Park

This winter-only plan includes free transportation. The canoeing will take place on the ice-free Arekinai River in the Toro district. This river has a stable water temperature, and when the temperature drops in the early morning, you can see winter-specific phenomena such as frost tree, steam fog, and diamond dust. We provide free rental equipment, including warm clothing (top and bottom), shoes, and gloves. After your canoeing experience, you will travel to Tsurui Village to see the red-crowned cranes. This is a recommended plan that can be completed in the morning.

Canoe + Birdwatching Canoe Only

Canoe + Birdwatching Tour

The tour lasts about 5 hours (6:30–11:30), including travel by car. Pickup and drop-off service is available at hotels near Kushiro Station.

Price List (Canoe + Birdwatching)

1 person¥25,000
2 people¥30,000
3 people¥38,000
4–6 people¥10,000 per person
7–15 people¥9,000 per person

※The insurance fee is ¥500 per person, in addition to the tour fee.

Tour Itinerary

The canoeing and birdwatching tour takes approximately 5 hours (6:30 AM – 11:30 AM), including travel time by car. We will provide transportation to and from the meeting and departure points.

1
06:30 Pick up at your hotel in the city
2
07:15 Arrive at the Toro area of the Kushiro Wetlands / Use the restroom at Toro Station / Get ready and head to the canoe port
3
07:30 Canoe tour begins
4
08:40 Canoe finish → Clean up and enjoy complimentary hot coffee
5
09:00 Use the restroom at Toro Station and move on
6
09:00 – 10:30 Birdwatching begins → Search for red-crowned cranes, Steller’s sea eagles, white-tailed eagles, and long-tailed tits
*Free binoculars rental
7
11:30 End → Disband in Kushiro city
*Wild bird sightings are not guaranteed.

Canoe Only Tour

The tour takes about 60–70 minutes round trip on the Alekina River in the Toro area of Kushiro Marsh National Park. Transportation to and from JR Toro Station is available.

Price List (Canoe Only)

1 person¥16,000
2–3 people¥9,000 per person
4–9 people¥8,000 per person
10 or more¥7,000 per person

※The insurance fee is ¥500 per person, in addition to the tour fee.

Tour Itinerary

1
09:30 Meet in front of JR Toro Station
*If traveling by train, board the Shiretokomashu-go train from Kushiro Station bound for Abashiri at 8:52 AM and disembark at JR Toro Station at 9:25 AM.
2
10:00 AM Canoe tour begins
3
11:10 AM Canoe tour ends → Have a meal in Toro
4
Return Options A: 11:58 AM – Take the steam locomotive from Toro bound for Shibecha to Shibecha Town, then return to Kushiro.
B: 1:01 PM – Return to Kushiro on the Shiretokomashu-go train from Toro bound for Kushiro.
5
Arrival at Kushiro A: 15:42 Arrive at Kushiro Station
B: 13:33 Arrive at Kushiro Station
*Please purchase your own steam locomotive ticket. *The steam locomotive does not run every day. Please check the schedule.

Rental of Cold Weather Gear

Cold weather gear (shoes, pants, jackets, gloves, etc.) is available free of charge for all participants.

Precautions for Winter Canoe Tours

Starting from the outlet of Lake Toro, we travel for about 60 minutes along the Arekinai River connecting to the Kushiro River.

  • 1000 yen discount for children aged 3 to 15 years old.
  • For children under 3 years old, please inquire.
  • Experience occurs in temperatures below –20℃.
  • Free rental winter clothing available if needed.
  • Pregnant women cannot participate.
  • Smoking and alcohol prohibited in Ramsar site.
  • Guides accompany every tour. No experience required.
  • Respect nature and wildlife of Kushiro Marsh.

Contact & Reservation