AKKESHI-KIRITAPPU-KONBUMORI QUASI-NATIONAL PARKDestinations

Kiritappu Marsh

The central part of the marshland is designated as a national natural monument for its Kiritappu peat-forming plant communities.

Two brackish lakes in the main and western parts of the marsh are registered under the Ramsar Convention,with land designated as special protection areas for national birds and as animal sanctuaries.

Covering an area of 3,168hectares,the marsh stretches along the Pacific coastline of Biwase Bay and Hamanaka Bay in eastern Hokkaido.

The Ramsar site designation covers 2,504hectares,with the central part holding the peat-forming plant community designation.

The marshland includes fens,bogs and various other forms of terrain,and is home to a variety of birds and large mammals such as Hokkaido sika deer.

Bekanbeushi Marsh

Lake Akkeshi and Bekanbeushi Marsh are respectively designated as national bird and animal sanctuaries,and the special protection area incorporating the whole Akkeshi Bay area is registered under the Ramsar Convention.

It covers an area of around 8,300hectares,most of which are wetlands covered with reeds and sedges,and retains a wholly unspoiled appearance.

Its varied environments,including brackish waters and forest land,provide habitats for an estimated 240bird species.

The area serves as a stopover and a wintering ground for migratory waterfowl,such as whooper swans,goosanders and other ducks,and as a breeding site for endangered species such as white-tailed eagles and red-crowned cranes.