Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center
I like free so when I learned that I could visit the Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center for free, I went for it. The thing is that it required a bit of trekking, sidetracking and cautious crossing to get there. If you have a car, you can be there in a jiffy. If you’re going by the Yui Rail, it might take some time to get there, but it’s do-able, nonetheless.
I’m not going to lie that it took a bit of time from the park to get to the Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center. To be honest, it could have been my own fault for getting sidetracked along the way before finally heading over to the center, but I do feel that it would have taken a while to get there anyway. My advice, if you’re planning on walking there is to make this you’re first stop. Don’t get sidetracked because you can do that on your way back. (You’ll be less tired this way, I feel.)
If I remember correctly, I passed by more than one park just to get to the center and in the process, even passed “trails” that were for walkers and bikers. It was nice but it made me realize it was farther of a walk than I thought it’d be. That and the fact that I had to cross over to somewhere that was currently under construction made me have a moment of, “Did I just waste my time to walk all the way here only to not be able to get through to the center?” Alas, I found a way through it and made it there. Just be cautious when you’re about to enter the road to the center, though, as the road isn’t meant for pedestrians. It’s narrow and with it being narrow, incoming and outgoing cars might not see you. So, do be extra cautious right before you get to the Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center.
Upon reaching the center, I got a tad bit confused. I saw a map in front of the center’s building and thought this map was telling me that I needed to go through some route in order to see birds. So, I retraced my steps back a bit and went into some space to check it out only to learn that this was not what the map was talking about. While you can see stuff there, it probably isn’t what you want to see as there’s some trash around the area. (It was weird, so if you get confused like me, don’t. Just enter the building and exit the back of the building because the path starts at the back of the building.)
I like to think I’m good with maps but for some reason, directions and maps in Japan confuse me from time to time. (Please tell me I’m not the only one.)
I see the “boardwalk” and I am instantly feeling the Manko Wetbird and Wetland Center. Basically, you get to have the whole place to yourself if no one’s near you. And I loved that. I just didn’t like it when I encountered a group of three on my way back who just wouldn’t budge to give me space to get through. Like, I don’t know what’s the norm for Japanese people but I’ve always felt it was the norm to make way for the other person. In other words, if there’s more of you, you either wait or all move into a single file line so that both parties have enough space to go about their way. Maybe it’s the opposite for them, where they expect the party with less people to do the waiting or something? Meh.
Anyway, you might want to be mindful of insects here as it’s a wetland and with nature abound here, you might get bit if you’re juicy enough. I believe I did get bit here but it wasn’t that bad, fortunately.
You get to see the different plants here as well as the different critters that live on the wetland. Sometimes you have to look closely enough to see that something is moving because a critter may actually be the same color as the wetland. Not sure if it’s a type of critter that can camoflauge itself or what but if you don’t look hard enough, you won’t see it.
There’s also a pretty cool lookout in which you can appreciate the vastness of the wetlands, which I believe has actually shrinked in size. You also get to take in the view of an overpass and buildings. Kind of neat, if you ask me.
There’s also some steps that allow you to get closer to the grounds of the wetland but it’s actually off limits, most likely to protect visitors from accidentally destroying the habitat further.
I got quite sweaty while at the wetlands but I’m thinking it has a lot to do with me already being exhausted from all of my sidetracked adventures and walking prior to getting here. So, hanging out inside the center for a bit was a nice treat. It was cool inside and you can view an educational video of the wetland. You can also check out their various displays in the center.
They also have a bathroom which I appreciated a lot because I just needed to freshen up myself after much walking!
Do I recommend the Manko Waterbird and Wetland Center? I think it’s a good place to visit but only if you’re in the area. Should you decide to visit, make sure they’re actually open before making the trek there.
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