Be moved by prehistoric nature its fauna!
Kushiro nature activity trip Arrive at and depart from Kushiro Airport

On the first day, you will lose yourself in the wilderness of the Kushiro Marsh, Japan's first Ramsar Convention site. After arriving at Kushiro Airport on an early flight, you will be transferred to the JR Kushiro Station. Take a ride on the Kushiro Marsh Norokko train, a sightseeing train that runs only from spring to autumn, to enjoy a leisurely ride through the Kushiro Marsh, which is inaccessible by car. The train will slow down when wild animals like red-crowned cranes or Ezo deer can be seen nearby while offering explanations of the sights. You can get off at any of the stations along the way to take a stroll or to trek or join the Kushiro River Canoe Tour from the final station, Toro Station.

Canoeing down the river while listening to the sound of the wind, water, and birds chirping will give you a sense of oneness with nature that will bring you peace. At night, stay at a local inn. Try some of the fresh seafood, which is all caught locally.

*The "SL Winter Marshland" train usually operates from January-March. It allows passengers to enjoy the unique winter scenery of found in the Kushiro Marshland. For more information, please refer to the JR Hokkaido website.
https://www.jrhokkaido.co.jp/

On the second day, leave the inn early and drive east for about two hours. Try bird-watching at Shunkunitai, which is a long, narrow island at the base of the Nemuro Peninsula. This mysterious island has a diverse natural environment, and is one of Nemuro's most notable bird sanctuaries. You will find observation trails where you can see a variety of wild birds such as cranes, white-tailed eagles, and small and migratory birds.

In the afternoon, head north around Lake Furen and go trekking on horseback at Mutsu Farm in Nakashibetsu Town. To finish the day, go to the Kaiyodai Observatory, which is known by locals as "the hill where the earth looks round.” The crimson sky and sunset over the 330-degree view will most definitely be an unforgettable sight. Spend the night at a hot spring in Nakashibetsu and get a good night's rest.

*If you visit Mutsu Farm from overseas, we recommend hiring an interpreter guide, as the facility has no English service. Also, there are various tours other than horseback riding, so please make a visit.

On the third day, go on a nature tour of the Notsuke Peninsula, one of the largest sandy peninsulas in Japan. The Notsuke Peninsula is a 26-kilometer peninsula shaped like a thin hook, and Todowara, where Abies tries to remain after being worn down by seawater. The Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center offers a 3-kilometer round trip walking trail to Todowara with commentary from a local guide. There are many other wonders of nature you can encounter on the peninsula, such as white-tailed eagles flying in the sky, herds of Ezo deer, and foxes.

In the afternoon, have some barbecue at the Odaito Fureai Camping Grounds, with the Notsuke Bay stretching out in front of you. At the grocery stores and supermarkets in Betsukai Town and the port town of Odaito (*1) by the campground, buy some delicious milk and cheese produced in this dairy kingdom of a town along with fresh produce like the famous Hokkai shrimp. You can then proceed to check in at the campgrounds. Tents, sleeping bags, and other necessary camping equipment can be rented here, making it great for first-time campers. Enjoy the excellent local food surrounded by the magnificent natural environment, and fall asleep under a star-filled sky.

(*1) You can find the Odaito Seico Mart about five minutes away from the Odaito Fureai Camping Grounds, as well as stores that handle seafood around the Odaito fishing port.

For your final day, wake up early to see the dynamic sunrise over Notsuke Bay and take in the incredible scenery of the sky, sea, and sun. After a relaxed breakfast, leave the campsite to embark on the final activity of the trip, a cruise on the Betsukai Town sightseeing boat.

The basic course takes you to Todwara and back, and others courses can take you around the inland sea in a small boat, or out into the open sea in the Notsuke Peninsula for a closer look at Kunashiri Island, or even a course (limited to July and August) that takes you to see wild spotted seals that appear on the bay around June. After the cruise, it is about a two-hour drive to the Kushiro Airport. Buy some souvenirs at the airport and get on the plane, and let yourself doze, content and fulfilled from your trip. You will likely see your trip continue into your dreams.