This center was recently opened to help in the study and conservation
of the Japanese crane which is still an endangered species. The center
provides visitors
with useful information about the cranes as well as close up views
of the cranes. The farming area around the town of Akan has been an
artificial feeding ground for many years and large numbers of cranes
will come for the winter season. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
9 am to 5 pm daily
Closed
-
Getting There
Approximately 1 hour, 30 min from Kushiro JR Station
by Akan bus.
Phone
0154-66-4011
Address
23-40 Akan, Hokkaido
Fisherman's Wharf
(MOO)
Developed in 1989, this wharf area, which
goes by the local name of “MOO”, has shops, restaurants,
a fitness club, an indoor garden and a pool. There are also stops
for busses which depart to Lake Akan, Abashiri, Nemuro, Obihiro and
Sapporo. The area is generally lively with locals
and tourists alike enjoying the center. Also of interest nearby is
the “EGG” which is an all year greenhouse designed to
give people a chance to rest and relax and enjoy the sun even during
the bitter Kushiro winter. The greenhouse is designed to reflect
the shape of a giant yacht in fitting with its location near the
wharf. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
Restaurants 10 am to 10 pm
Shops 9:30 am to 7 pm (7:30 pm in the summer)
Closed
-
Getting There
Approximately a 10 min walk from JR Kushiro Station.
Phone
0154-23-0600
Address
A2-4 Nishiki-cho, Kushiro-shi
Harutori
Park & Lake Harutori
The park and lake area make a great place to relax or go for walks
during the summer. The lake is about 5 km in circumference and goes
to a maximum depth of about 6 m. It is also of interest as there
is a special type of fish, the Red Crucian Carp, which inhabits this
lake. This fish is a rare species and has been designated a National
Monument. Kushiro is also the only city in Japan that has a lake
within its borders. In the park there is also the Kushiro
City Museum a nature observation center and the remains of an
Ainu fort called “Charankechshi”. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
Approximately 20 minutes by bus from Kushiro
Station.
Phone
-
Address
Harutori, Kushiro-shi
Kobunkan
(Port Museum)
This museum was constructed inside the renovated former offices
of the Kushiro Shimbun (Kushiro Newspaper). When first constructed
in 1908, this building
was the first brick building constructed in Hokkaido. A famous Japanese
poet by the name of Takuboku Ishikawa worked here for about 3 months
when he was young. Some of his work along with other historical artifacts
of the region are on display. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
Approximately 5 min by bus from Kushiro Station
then about a 5 min walk from the bus stop.
Phone
0154-42-5584
Address
2-1-12 Ohmachi, Kushiro-shi
Kushiro
City Marsh Observatory
This observatory, built in 1984, gives a view over the top of almost
the entire Kushiro Marshland area.
The observatory was built with the theme of “Tussock
Grass” which is a special type of grass found in the marsh.
Inside visitors will find various displays about the fauna and flora
in the marsh. There are also information display boards on the observation
deck that show areas where prehistoric artifacts were found and wildlife
sanctuaries are located. Starting from the observatory there is also
a 2.5 km walkway which takes visitors for a tour around the marsh
and has various other
view points along the way. Top
Admission
Adults ¥ 360
Opening Hours
8:30 am to 6 pm May 1st to October 31st
9 am to 5 pm November 1st to April 30th
Closed
December 31st to January 3rd
Getting There
Approximately 35 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station
Phone
0154-56-2424
Address
6-11 Hokuto, Kushiro-shi
Kushiro City
Museum
The Kushiro City museum was designed to reflect the image of a
Japanese crane
spreading it’s wings. The museum houses a great variety of
exhibits in natural history including various birds, insects, fish
and local mammal species. There is also a reconstructed mammoth skeleton,
carnivorous marshland plants, displays on prehistoric human life
and a collection of Ainu materials. There is also a small model of
Kushiro showing some of the historical places and important breeding
grounds for the local fauna. There is some English information and
the staff will also try to answer any questions you may have. Top
Admission
Adults ¥ 360
Opening Hours
9:30 am to 5 pm (4:30 in the winter)
Closed
Mondays, national holidays and December 31st
to January 5th
Getting There
Approximately 10 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station.
Phone
0154-41-5809
Address
1-7 Shunkodai, Kushiro-shi
Kushiro City
Zoo
This
zoo was established in 1975 and is the second largest zoo in Hokkaido.
The cool climate of Kushiro lends itself well to the keeping of more
northern animals and several successful breeding programs have been
established for rare and endangered species. The zoo is located near
the Kushiro Marsh area and makes a nice day out for the whole family. Top
Admission
Adults ¥ 520
Junior High School ¥ 210
Children ¥ 150
Opening Hours
9:30 am to 4:30 pm April 1st to October 10th
10 am to 3:30 pm October 11th to March 31st
Closed
December 24th to January 5th
Getting There
Approximately 50 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station.
Phone
-
Kushiro Marshland
The Kushiro marshland is home to more than 2000 species of precious
plants and wildlife. It is a breeding ground for some of Japan’s
endangered and rare species. The
National Park Marshland area designated in 1987 covers some 26
861 ha. which accounts for approximately 60% of Japanese marsh
area. The park was also the first in Japan to be designated under
the special convention known as the Ramsar Convention for wetland
protection. Types of animals living here include Hokkaido deer,
Japan’s largest freshwater fish known as Hunchen, Siberian
salamanders, white-tailed sea eagles and Japanese
cranes. There have also been artifacts and items from the prehistoric
age discovered here. There are several options for viewing the
park including canoe rides, hot air balloon rides and even Japan’s
slowest train which takes visitors for a ride around the park.
For the more active there are also several wooden walkways which
allow visitors to get close up views of many parts of the park. * Strong
recommendation : These walkways are through the marsh area
so there are huge numbers of bugs and insects. YOU
WILL NEED INSECT REPELANT TO ENJOY THE WALK. Also,
although rare, bears do sometimes wander into this area.
Stay alert and at times make a little noise by talking
loudly to prevent problems.
Along the walkways there are several observation points :
Hokuto Viewpoint -
Hokuto view point is located along Route 53 and offers an unobstructed
view of the expanse of the park. This view point is also about
5 min walk from Kushiro City Marsh Observatory. Top
Hosooka Viewpoint -
For
a view of Kushiro river winding its way through the marshland
head to Hosooka Viewpoint. There is also a nice view toward Mt.
Oakan and Mt. Meakan in the background. If a little rest time
is needed there is also a visitor’s lounge with a coffee
shop and wetland display. Top
Kottaro Marsh Viewpoints -
The Kottaro Marsh Viewpoints consist of three points relatively
close together. They offer views of different aspects of the
marsh. The first has a 270°view of the Kottaro River and
some nearby ponds. The second offers an overall view of the marsh
and area. While the third is best known for beautiful sunrise
views of the marshland. Top
Sarubo Viewpoint -
This view point is located near Route 391 and is approximately
72 m above sea level. It gives a 360° view of the marshland
below and is bound by Lake Toro on one side and Lake Shirarutoro
on the other. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
Board a Sennmo Line train at JR Kushiro Station.
Get off at Kushiro Shitsugen Station. It takes about 20 min
Phone
Hosooka Visitors Lounge 0154 40 4455
Manabotto Nusamai
Offering
a splendid view over the top of Kushiro, this building is the tallest building
in Kushiro City and is shaped like a glass covered lighthouse. The
top floor which is some 66 m above sea level has an observation deck
for seeing the city and it’s surroundings. The building also
houses the Kushiro City Lifelong Learning Center and the Kushiro
City Museum of Art. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
9 am to 10 pm
Closed
Mondays, December 31st to January 5th
Getting There
-
Phone
-
Marine Topos
Kushiro
Kushiro is well known for cold weather, mist and fishing. Huge
amounts of Japan’s sea food and sea products are produced in
Kushiro. This museum was
built to display and promote Kushiro’s fishing industry and
all things fishing in general. The city is proud of its fishing heritage
and one of the largest fishing fleets in Japan moored here. Top
Admission
Free of Charge
Opening Hours
Open everyday July 1st to October 31st
9 am to
5 pm
Closed
Sundays and national holidays
Getting There
Approximately 10 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station
and a 10 min walk from the stop
Phone
-
Nusamai
Bridge
Located not far from Fisherman's Wharf (MOO),
the Nusamai Bridge measures 124 m in length and was completed in
1976. The current bridge is the
fifth after others were destroyed by floods or replaced due to age.
The bridge has sculptures representing the four
seasons adorning it’s handrails along the way and is considered
one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido. The sculptures were
produced by well known Japanese artists Shin Hongo and Churyo Sato.
It is also lit by old style lamps which gives the bridge a romantic
European feel at night. The bridge is particularly popular at sunrise
and sunset when the lighting and mist combine to create the most
romantic feel. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
Approximately 10 min walk from JR Kushiro Station
Phone
-
Tancho (Japanese Crane)
The Japanese cranes survival is nothing short incredible. During
the Meiji Era the birds were hunted to the point of extinction by
farmers and hunters for their
meat and feathers. In the late 19th century it was thought that the
birds, once quite common in Japan, were in fact extinct. However,
about 70 years ago 10 cranes were discovered to be living deep in
the Kushiro Marshland. During the harsh Hokkaido winter the birds
could not find enough food to eat, so farmers began giving them corn.
Since then the winter feedings have continued and conservation centers
have been set up. The birds now number more than 600 and are slowly
making a recovery. These elegant birds stand about 140 cm tall and
have a wingspan of some 240 cm. They build large mounds for nests
in the spring and lay only two eggs. Young birds can fly after about
3 months and become adults after 4 years. During the summer it is
usually difficult to see the birds as they remain deep in the marshland
raising their young. During the winter however they rely on the food
from people to survive. There are several areas where the cranes
can be observed during these feeding times. Birds gather at the Tsurumidai
Plain, Tsurui / Itoh Japanese Crane Sanctuary and the Japanese Crane
Observation Center. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
-
Phone
-
Tsurui
/ Itoh Japanese Crane Sanctuary
This sanctuary was established by the Wild Bird Society of Japan
at what is known as the Itoh feeding station. In 1987 they built
a small Nature Center for observing and studying the Japanese crane
and this area then became known as the Ito Japanese Crane Sanctuary.
On the first floor is an observation room and the second houses a
study and information room. The winter season brings some 200 plus
birds to the sanctuary. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
9 am to 4:30 pm October 1st to March 31st
Closed
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, excluding national holidays
Getting There
Approximately 1 hour from JR Kushiro Station,
then a 1 Km walk to the Sanctuary
Phone
-
Tsurumidai Plain
(Tsurui Village)
In about 1963, Shimosetsuri Primary School students started to
feed Japanese cranes during the harsh winter season when food for
the birds was scarce. This school was closed in 1974 and moved to
a different location however their crane legacy continues due to
the kindness of local towns people supported by various organisations.
They took over the feeding of the cranes and the birds now regularly
flock here for the winter and also sometimes even in the summer.
The winter season is best to view the birds with over 100 now making
regular winter visits. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
Summer
Getting There
Approximately 45 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station
Phone
-
Washo Market
Although
currently housed in a rather nondescript market building which was
refurbished in 1999, the Washo Market is believed to date back to
sometime just after the end of WWII. There are about 80 shops selling
fresh seafood products, fruits and vegetables and other goods. There
are several restaurants where you can sample various dishes made
from the freshest seafood available or you are welcome to make your
own sushi or Japanese style dishes.
The seafood quality here is some of the best in Japan and the market
is almost always busy. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
Approximately 5 min walk from JR Kushiro Station
(Head right upon exiting the station)
Phone
0154-22-3226
Address
13-25 Kurogane-cho, Kushiro-shi
Yonemachi
Park
Yonemachi
Park and the observation tower (shaped like a small light house)
located in the park, give a panoramic view of Kushiro City and surrounding
area and on good days as far as the Akan Mountains. It is a small
park but a great place to take a rest with a nice view. Located in
the park
there are also several monuments to various people of note from the
Kushiro area. Among these, visitors can find a stone monument to
the famous poet Takuboku Ishikawa. The monument has one of his famous
poems written on it. Top
Admission
-
Opening Hours
-
Closed
-
Getting There
-
Phone
-
FIND FRIENDS, LOVERS, PARTNERS & More.....
Hokkaido Guide offers you the chance to find your potential love or marriage partner, exchange partner or just friends in Northern (Wakkanai), Central (Sapporo / Niseko), Eastern (Kushiro) and Southern Hokkaido (Hakodate) and throughout Japan.
Sign up for free!...........More
Hokkaido Guide Friends - Click A Photo For More Information!
Located just 5 minutes drive from the world class ski resort “Niseko Grand Hirafu”, this cottage village consists of 30 modern log house style cottages. From here you will easily be able to enjoy the relaxing resort atmosphere of Niseko.....More
FEATURE BAR | RESTAURANT
For great meals, friendly staff and good drinks head down to Little Village Kitchen, Susukino, Sapporo .
South 3, West 4, Chuo-ku. Kamiya Bldg. 6F....More
English
visitors
with useful information about the cranes as well as close up views
of the cranes. The farming area around the town of Akan has been an
artificial feeding ground for many years and large numbers of cranes
will come for the winter season. 
which
goes by the local name of “MOO”, has shops, restaurants,
a fitness club, an indoor garden and a pool. There are also stops
for busses which depart to Lake Akan, Abashiri, Nemuro, Obihiro and
Sapporo. The area is generally lively with
locals
and tourists alike enjoying the center. Also of interest nearby is
the “EGG” which is an all year greenhouse designed to
give people a chance to rest and relax and enjoy the sun even during
the bitter Kushiro winter. The greenhouse is designed to reflect
the shape of a giant yacht in fitting with its location near the
wharf. 
building
was the first brick building constructed in Hokkaido. A famous Japanese
poet by the name of Takuboku Ishikawa worked here for about 3 months
when he was young. Some of his work along with other historical artifacts
of the region are on display. 
“Tussock
Grass” which is a special type of grass found in the marsh.
Inside visitors will find various displays about the fauna and flora
in the marsh. There are also information display boards on the observation
deck that show areas where prehistoric artifacts were found and wildlife
sanctuaries are located. Starting from the observatory there is also
a 2.5 km walkway which takes visitors for a tour around the marsh
and has various 
crane
spreading it’s wings. The museum houses a great variety of
exhibits in natural history including various birds, insects, fish
and local mammal species. There is also a reconstructed mammoth 
skeleton,
carnivorous marshland plants, displays on prehistoric human life
and a collection of Ainu materials. There is also a small model of
Kushiro showing some of the historical places and important breeding
grounds for the local fauna. There is some English information and
the staff will also try to answer any questions you may have. 
This
zoo was established in 1975 and is the second largest zoo in Hokkaido.
The cool climate of Kushiro lends itself well to the keeping of more
northern animals and several successful breeding programs have been
established for rare and endangered species. The zoo is located near
the Kushiro Marsh area and makes a nice day out for the whole family. 
The
National Park Marshland area designated in 1987 covers some 26
861 ha. which accounts for approximately 60% of Japanese marsh
area. The park was also the first in Japan to be designated under
the special convention known as the Ramsar Convention for wetland
protection. Types of animals living here include Hokkaido deer,
Japan’s largest freshwater fish known as Hunchen, Siberian
salamanders, white-tailed sea eagles and 
Japanese
cranes. There have also been artifacts and items from the prehistoric
age discovered here. There are several options for viewing the
park including canoe rides, hot air balloon rides and even Japan’s
slowest train which takes visitors for a ride around the park.
For the more active there are also several wooden walkways which
allow visitors to get close up views of many parts of the park. 
For
a view of Kushiro river winding its way through the marshland
head to Hosooka Viewpoint. There is also a nice view toward Mt.
Oakan and Mt. Meakan in the background. If a little rest time
is needed there is also a visitor’s lounge with a coffee
shop and wetland display. 
Offering
a splendid view over the top of Kushiro, this building is the tallest 
building
in Kushiro City and is shaped like a glass covered lighthouse. The
top floor which is some 66 m above sea level has an observation deck
for seeing the city and it’s surroundings. The building also
houses the Kushiro City Lifelong Learning Center and the Kushiro
City Museum of Art. 
was
built to display and promote Kushiro’s fishing industry and
all things fishing in general. The city is proud of its fishing heritage
and one of the largest fishing fleets in Japan moored here. 
the
fifth after others were destroyed by floods or replaced due to age.
The bridge has sculptures representing the 
four
seasons adorning it’s handrails along the way and is considered
one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido. The sculptures were
produced by well known Japanese artists Shin Hongo and Churyo Sato.
It is also lit by old style lamps which gives the bridge a romantic
European feel at night. The bridge is particularly popular at sunrise
and sunset when the lighting and mist combine to create the most
romantic feel. 
their
meat and feathers. In the late 19th century it was thought that the
birds, once quite common in Japan, were in fact extinct. However,
about 70 years ago 10 cranes were discovered to be living deep in
the Kushiro Marshland. During the harsh Hokkaido winter the birds
could not find enough food to eat, so farmers began giving them corn.
Since then the winter feedings have continued and conservation centers
have been set up. The birds now number more than 600 and are slowly
making a recovery. These elegant birds stand about 140 cm tall and
have a wingspan of some 240 cm. They build large mounds for nests
in the spring and lay only two eggs. Young birds can fly after about
3 months and become adults after 4 years. During the summer it is
usually difficult to see the birds as they remain deep in the marshland
raising their young. During the winter however they rely on the food
from people to survive. There are several areas where the cranes
can be observed during these feeding times. Birds gather at the Tsurumidai
Plain, Tsurui / Itoh Japanese Crane Sanctuary and the Japanese Crane
Observation Center. 
Although
currently housed in a rather nondescript market building which was
refurbished in 1999, the Washo Market is believed to date back to
sometime just after the end of WWII. There are about 80 shops selling
fresh seafood products, fruits and vegetables and other goods. There
are several restaurants where you can sample various dishes made
from the freshest seafood available or you are welcome to make your
own sushi or Japanese style 
dishes.
The seafood quality here is some of the best in Japan and the market
is almost always busy. 
Yonemachi
Park and the observation tower (shaped like a small light house)
located in the park, give a panoramic view of Kushiro City and surrounding
area and on good days as far as the Akan Mountains. It is a small
park but a great place to take a rest with a nice view. Located in
the 
park
there are also several monuments to various people of note from the
Kushiro area. Among these, visitors can find a stone monument to
the famous poet Takuboku Ishikawa. The monument has one of his famous
poems written on it. 
