Konotori no Sato Park

Konotori no Sato Park (コウノトリの郷公園 , Kōnotori no Sato Kōen), located 10 kilometers south of Kinosaki, is dedicated to reintroducing storks to Japan using birds from Russia. These majestic birds, now a protected species, symbolize the Tajima region, even lending their name to the local Konotori Tajima Airport. The park is both a museum and breeding habitat, where visitors can learn about conservation efforts and observe the storks in their sanctuary.

The program's success is evident as local farmers adjust practices to preserve wetlands, supporting the storks' return to the wild. A milestone was reached in May 2007 when a stork chick hatched in nature for the first time since 1964. Its parents, bred at the sanctuary, highlight the park’s achievements in wildlife restoration, making Konotori no Sato Park a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.