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 plays a vital role in the successful breeding and conservation of these majestic birds, using storks brought from Russia. It has become a key hub for the Tajima region, where the storks are an important cultural symbol. In fact, the local Konotori Tajima Airport takes its name from these iconic birds. As both an educational museum and sanctuary, the park provides visitors with the opportunity to learn about the storks' history and the ongoing conservation efforts aimed at reintroducing the species to the wild.

The park's breeding program has seen remarkable success, with local farmers adopting wetland preservation practices to help maintain the storks' natural habitat. A major milestone was reached in May 2007, when the first wild stork chick hatched since 1964, signaling a significant step in the species' recovery. The chick's parents were bred at the park, demonstrating the sanctuary's pivotal role in wildlife restoration. For nature lovers, Konotori no Sato Park offers a chance to get up close to these graceful creatures while gaining a deeper understanding of bird conservation efforts and the importance of protecting the environment.