Kushiro Wetland Hosooka Observatory
細岡展望台
The most classic viewpoint on the eastern edge of the Kushiro Wetland. The winding Kushiro River and the boundless wetland are laid out below, and the sunset here is especially spectacular.
Hosooka Observatory stands on a high point on the eastern edge of the Kushiro Wetland. Before you stretches an endless sea of reeds, with the Kushiro River winding through it. In the distance you can see Mount Oakan and Mount Me-Akan. In the evening, the setting sun turns the wetland red, a view known as the “Grand Overlook.” The observatory is free to visit, and next to it is the Hosooka Visitor Rest House, which has shorter hours in winter. From JR Kushiro-Shitsugen Station, it is about a 10-minute walk. In summer, taking the Shitsugen Slow Train is the most convenient way to get here. Driving from central Kushiro takes about 30 minutes.
Opening hours
All day; lounge approx. 09:00–18:00 (shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Kushiro Wetland Sightseeing Trains
- Lake Toro & Kushiro River Canoeing
- Onnenai Boardwalk
- Washo Market
- Kushiro Marsh Observatory
- Nusamai Bridge
- Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO
- Otowa Bridge