Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train, Easy rail trip to Kushiro Marsh for everyone.

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko trainCruising train
KONICA MINOLTA DIGITAL CAMERA
Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train goes through Kushiro marsh. (C) 640px-Kushiro_shitugen_norokko_train / 欅
Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train goes through Kushiro marsh. (C) 640px-Kushiro_shitugen_norokko_train / 欅

Kushiro Shitsugen (Kushiro marsh) is national park and has the largest marsh wetland in Japan. It is well known as the home of endangered Japanese Cranes. JR Hokkaido’s Senmo line goes through this wetland and gives you a great scenery. Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train is operated on this line from late April to late September. This is the easiest way to enjoy a day excursion in Kushiro Shitsugen from Kushiro. And Kushiro can be reached by Limited Express Super Ozora from Sapporo easily. Both Super Ozora and Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train are fully covered by Japan Rail Pass.

Let’s see the detail about this train.

Route and schedule

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train is operated between Kushiro and Toro. This train usually start to run in late April and it runs until September. Please find the latest operation dates at Seasonal trains information.

All trains are connected with Limited Express Super Ozora at Kushiro. Even though it is super tight, a day trip from Sapporo to Kushiro marsh can be made.

Norokko is a combination word of “Noroi” and “Torokko” in Japanese. “Noroi” means very slow. Torokko originally means an openair car. This is very popular type of fleet for a cruising train during summer time. On the other hand, this train does not give you any luxury atmosphere. There are the wood bench seats only. But you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and the fresh air from the nature of Hokkaido.

StationsRemarks
Kushiro (釧路)Connect with Limited Express Super Ozora
Higashi-Kushiro (東釧路) 
Kushiro Shitsugen (釧路湿原)Access to Hosooka view point and visitors lounge
Hosooka (細岡) 
Toro (塘路)Access to Lake Toro
Hosooka view point is very accessible and you can watch the panoramic view of Kushiro marshland. © Y.Shimizu/© JNTO
Hosooka view point is very accessible and you can watch the panoramic view of Kushiro marshland. © Y.Shimizu/© JNTO

The train crew is on board. They guide about Kushiro marshland (in Japanese) and sell drinks, snacks and souvenirs. Hosooka view point is one of the best point to see Kushiro marshland. It is 20 minutes away from Kushiro Shitsugen station. Be careful that it is not from Hosooka station.

Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko train is extended to operate until October. And also the train goes to Kawayu Onsen from Kushiro via Kushiro marsh.

Operation dates

Please check the latest information at Seasonal trains Schedule.


View Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko in a larger map

Accommodation and train formation

This train is operated by open air observation car (=Torokko in Japanese). But this train has one regular seat car. There are reserved seat and non reserved. But the accommodations are completely same. There are the wood bench seat except one regular seat car (non reserved car).

Images

Interior of observation car (C) Rsa [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Interior of regular seat car (C) Rsa [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Exterior at Toro station (C) SElefant [CC-BY-SA-3.0 or GFDL], via Wikimedia Commons

Train formation

12345
NR(R)NRRRR

R=Reserved ordinary seat NR=Non reserved ordinary seat NR(R)=Non reserved ordinary seat (Regular seat car)

Comments

  1. Thomas Fehily says:

    I am arriving on a cruise ship on Sunday 10th May 2020, during a port visit to Kushiro. Arrival time is 1000 and departure is 1630. Is it possible to do this train trip in the limited time I will be in port? If it is possible, when can a make a booking. Thank you.

  2. Diane Tragoon says:

    I am coming from Shiretoko Shari by the express train (Senmo line forKushiro.
    Can I connect with this special train at Toro?
    Do I have to get to difference station for this train after I get off from the regular express train?

  3. Parinya says:

    I have a question. Can I use Hokkaido Rail Pass with this train? Because I am confusing between Japan Rail Pass and Hokkaido Rail Pass. Thank you for your answer.

  4. Linda says:

    When will September 2012 Norokko schedule be available?

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