Another one for the "next time" list - Kushiro Marsh Observatory sounds like one of those perfect Japan nature experiences that most tourists miss. We're talking about Japan's largest marshland, complete with those iconic red-crowned cranes that show up on so many Japanese art pieces.

The whole setup sounds dreamy - panoramic views over endless wetlands, meandering rivers cutting through the landscape, and if you time it right, you can even catch a ride on this nostalgic steam train called the Winter Shitsugen that chugs through the marshes. How romantic is that?

For anyone who can make it out to Hokkaido (unlike us): this seems like one of those places that shows you a completely different side of Japan than the usual temples and cities. Would love to know if those red-crowned cranes are as majestic in person as they look in all the photos!