UPCOMING CRUISE SHARE TOUR
Join fellow cruise passengers on these pre-scheduled departures and enjoy a cost-effective, sociable shore experience.
| Cruise | Date | Group Size (Pax) | Price |
HAL - ms Westerdam | April 28 2026 (09:00 - 15:00) | 20 | $185 USD |
*Note: For other dates, please fill out the INQUIRY FORM BELOW to receive detailed information.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty and unique indigenous culture of eastern Hokkaido on this Akan Ainu Village & Kushiro Wetlands Excursion. This full-day Kushiro shore excursions takes you through the spectacular Kushiro Wetlands - Japan’s largest marshland and a vital wildlife sanctuary. Also, travel to the Akan International Crane Center, where you’ll encounter Japan’s beloved red-crowned cranes, a symbol of longevity and grace.
Travel in comfort with your private English-speaking guide and vehicle as you glide peacefully down quiet rivers by traditional canoe, observe rare wildlife in their natural habitat, and gain insight into the conservation efforts that protect these precious ecosystems. This journey offers a perfect balance of nature, culture, and tranquility as an authentic Hokkaido experience unlike any other.
Who This Tour Is For:
- Nature lovers and photographers seeking to capture the tranquil beauty of Hokkaido’s wilderness.
- Cruise travelers who want an immersive, eco-friendly experience in a world-class wetland habitat.
- Visitors interested in wildlife conservation and Japan’s indigenous cultural heritage.
FULL INITERARY
Depart from Kushiro port
Your English-speaking guide will be waiting at the port with a personalized welcome board. After meeting your guide, you will begin your private tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned car or coach, heading into the scenic heart of Hokkaido.
Canoeing Experience in the Kushiro Wetlands
Begin your tour with a scenic drive to JR Hosooka Station, a popular meeting point for exploring the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park. Here, you’ll embark on a peaceful canoe trip through the waterways of the Kushiro Wetlands.
As you gently paddle along the calm river, you’ll be surrounded by vast open landscapes of reeds, waterways, and distant forested hills. This unspoiled habitat is home to a rich variety of wildlife, including white-tailed eagles, deer, foxes, and, with a bit of luck, the iconic red-crowned crane. The slow pace of the canoe allows you to fully appreciate the serenity and natural harmony of the wetlands - a rare chance to experience Japan’s wilderness at its most untouched.
Visit the Akan International Crane Center & Tancho Observation Center
After returning to JR Hosooka Station, continue by private vehicle to the Akan International Crane Center and Tancho Observation Center. These facilities are dedicated to the research, conservation, and observation of the Japanese red-crowned crane (Tancho) that is one of the world’s most endangered bird species and a beloved symbol of Hokkaido. Learn about the cranes’ ecology, behavior, and the local efforts that helped bring them back from near extinction.
Depending on the season, you may see dozens of these majestic birds gathering gracefully in the snow-covered fields or dancing elegantly across the wetlands. The experience is both educational and deeply moving - a true highlight for nature enthusiasts.
Scenic Drive Back to Port
Conclude your excursion with a scenic drive through Hokkaido’s open landscapes and forested countryside. Relax and enjoy the peaceful views as your guide shares stories about the region’s natural environment, traditional culture, and wildlife preservation.
Arrive back at the port in good time for your ship’s departure.
Note: The order of visits may vary depending on traffic and opening hours to ensure the smoothest experience possible.
Book tour now with Japan Shore Excursions – Your local experts in unforgettable journeys!
