Konotori no Sato Park

Konotori no Sato Park (コウノトリの郷公園, Kōnotori no Sato Kōen), located just 10 kilometers south of Kinosaki, is a unique sanctuary dedicated to the reintroduction of the endangered Japanese stork. The park, using storks from Russia, has become a successful breeding and conservation hub, symbolizing the Tajima region. These majestic birds are so iconic that they even lend their name to the local Konotori Tajima Airport. Serving as both an educational museum and sanctuary, the park allows visitors to learn about the storks' history and the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at restoring the species to the wild.

The park's breeding program has been highly successful, with local farmers adopting wetland preservation practices to support the storks' natural habitat. A significant milestone was reached in May 2007 when a stork chick hatched in the wild for the first time since 1964, marking a major step in the species' recovery. The chick's parents were bred at the sanctuary, highlighting the park's success in wildlife restoration. For nature enthusiasts, Konotori no Sato Park offers an immersive experience in bird conservation and a chance to witness these graceful creatures up close.