My first visit to Kushiro Shitsugen National Park was by train on Japan Rail’s service in Hokkaido along the Senmo Line. By taking the trip only 20 minutes north of the city of Kushiro, I was able to spend just over an hour hiking the easy to moderate trails. I arrived at the unmanned Kushiro Shitsugen Station, a diminutive yet delightful log cabin, and walked up the adjacent hillside to the visitors lounge before arriving at the Hosooka Viewpoint area. Along the way there was, of course, wildlife and great views of the expansive wetlands of Kushiro Shitsugen.
Kushiro Shitsugen by rail
Arriving at the national park with JR Hokkaido
