| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | - |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Shinto shrine, parking, car needed |
| Location / Getting There | The shrine is located just to the south of Obihiro city. It is a 21 minute drive from central Obihiro along route 236. It is between Obihiro and Kōfuku Station Higashi 1 Sen-84 Taishocho, Obihiro, Hokkaido 089-1242 |
In the Obihiro district there is an expanse of farmlands and wilderness. Between the city of Obihiro and Hiroo, you can find Kofukuji. This temple, also known as the ‘happiness temple’ is a Shinto temple that is just off the main highway highway off route 236. It is quite a large temple and due to its remoteness it is in a quiet area. The Buddhist temple has a large wooden gate which allows access into the courtyard. For those driving you can park your vehicle along the road out the front.
The shrine is not too far from Kōfuku Station which is hugely popular sightseeing spot. For those traveling in the area and are interested in shrines and temples, Kofukuji is an easy temple to stop off at and have a look. Inside the courtyard of the temple, there is a large bell that is rung by the priests here. The bell is known as a bonshō or as tsurigane (hanging bell) and is prominent in Buddhist temples. Apart from the bonshō in the courtyard, there is are some small japanese style headstones to observe.
| Pricing Guide (Avg. cost per person) | ¥1000 per drink + ¥300 seating charge ¥600 per dish |
| Opening Hours | 18:00 - 02:00 |
| Closed | Sundays |
| Contact | 011-200-0115 |
| Notes | Whiskey bar, high end, seating 18, smoking |
| Location / Getting There | The bar is located in central Susukino, Sapporo. It is a 1 minute walk south from Susukino station, along Ekimae Dori. Susukino Station, 4-1 Minami 4 Jonishi Chuo-ku Sapporo City Hokkaido 064-0804 |
This higher end, stylish bar is located downtown in Susukino (the entertainment district) of Sapporo. It is along the main street (eki mae dori) that cuts down through the middle of the nightlife scene. 2o.1 or ‘twenty point one’is primarily focused on whiskey. Their main choice of drink are highballs. Highball is a mix of whiskey with soda on the rocks. This popular drink is on a surge in Hokkaido and you can find many bars dedicated to it. 2o.1 excels in highballs and has a large menu with different types of whiskeys plus extra variants on the highball drink.
For the purists who like their whiskey served straight, there is that option too. The staff are professional and friendly ( a chaser is always supplied without being asked), and you can enjoy a huge range of whiskeys here, both domestic and overseas. Whiskeys make up about 90% of the menu. They also have a have a handful of cocktails, non alcoholic drinks, wines, and sake. To go with your whiskey, try some of the small dishes and tapas on the food menu. They have smoked slamon with capers, cheeses, meats, and olives. There is a sit down charge of ¥300 but the bar is worth it. With large windows facing the busy street, you can watch the nightlife while enjoying your drink of choice.
| Cost per night | ¥10,000 - ¥28,000 |
| Check-in | 15:00 |
| Check-out | 12:00 |
| Contact | 0154-432-111 |
| Yuuyoo Terrace Kushiro Japanese, Mediterranean and Chinese | 07:00 - 10:00 Breakfast 11:30 - 14:30 Lunch * Chef's complimentary 'sika deer curry' available to order at front desk (limited servings) |
| Guest Lounge | 07:00 to 23:00 free drinks, PC & printer, newspapers, magazines & guidebooks |
| Wi-fi | Yes |
| Services | Air conditioning, parking, 24 hour front desk, coin laundry service, bath salt bar, pillow selection available, no smoking in rooms (smoking area available), wedding chapel, party and banquet room, Mediterranean and Chinese restaurant, ocean views, no pets allowed, |
| Parking | Free parking |
| Notes | 4 star hotel, 48 rooms |
| Location | The hotel is in central Kushiro. It is a 40 minute drive from Kushiro Airport, or a 5 minute drive from JR Kushiro Station (head / 5-minute walk from Kushiro's downtown area 13 Chome-1-14 Kitaodori, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0015 |
The Kushiro Century Castle Hotel was established in December 1987. It was designed by the late Kiko Mozuna, a Kushiro City local and a master of postmodernism architecture. The hotel is regarded as one of the first designer hotels in Japan. The hotel can be found along Kushiro River and has a unique appearance. It has views over the bay and has striking views of the famous Kushiro sunsets and Nusamai Bridge. If you are looking for a hotel with some style over the typical business hotels, then this is a great option. The price is very good for what i available. This hotel has a master suite which is beautifully designed.
The design of the interior has a comfortable British feel. The hotel concentrates on the small touches which makes it a pleasant experience. For example, the keys use brass key plates, the guest lobby is well presented, and the chapel is nice for a wedding. The restaurant, Yuuyō Terrace focuses its cuisine on fresh vegetables and brown rice. Along with Japanese dishes, they have Mediterranean and Chinese to choose from. Yuuyō Terrace also has a restaurant in Sapporo. For those looking for a comfortable stay with a little extra class, this is a great hotel close by to many of the attractions in Kushiro.
| Admission | Free |
| Opening Hours | 07:00 - 18:00 10:00 - 17:00 coffee shop |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | - |
| Notes | Sightseeing spot, car needed or bus travel available, restrooms, souvenir store, cafe |
| Location / Getting There | The park is a 30 minute drive south from central Obihiro, take route 236. For those using public transport, from the bus terminal in front of JR Obihiro Station, take the Tokachi Bus bound for "Hiroo" and get off at the "Happiness" bus stop (about 45 minutes). It's 5 minute walk from here. From the Tokachi airport, it only a 5 minute drive or taxi ride. Obihiro, Hokkaido 089-1246 |
Kōfuku Station is a closed railway station from the now defunct Hiroo line. The station originally opened on 1st November 1956, but the line, which went from Obihiro to Hiroo, was discontinued in 1987 bringing an end to the station. Even though the station closed down, it still remains a popular sightseeing spot for tourists. Why? Well, it comes down to the name of the station. The name Kofuku (幸福）translates to “happiness” and the station became famous after it was featured on a Japanese NHK TV travel programme which aired in 1973. The station name is formed from the combination of the original name of the area, Kōshin. Plus many farmers settled here in 1902 coming from Fukui prefecture after flooding. Kō + Fuku = Kōfuku.
Kōfuku Station is part of Kōfuku Kōtsu Park. In this area, there is a nice little coffee shop, plus a small souvenir store (the Kōfuku train ticket is a very popular item), and photography area. There are two old trains here that have been turned into small museums. This area is especially popular for couples as the site was chosen as a ‘Sanctuary for Lovers’ in 2008. There is a special bell here that can be rung for good luck, plus the main attraction is the small hut here. You can write a message on a pink ticket and stick it to the wall. The hut is covered with thousands of these messages. Kōfuku Station is a popular spot to visit, if you can get out that way.
| Admission | - |
| Opening Hours | 10: 00 - 17:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 011-5442-5584 |
| Notes | Museum, historical site |
| Location / Getting There | The museum is located by Kushiro River overlooking the harbor. It is a 15 minute walk, south from Kushiro station. By bus, take the 'Takuboku circulation line' and get off at the "Monument of the Little Boy" stop. 3 minutes on foot. From Kushiro Station Bus Terminal, take bus 2, 3, 27, 28, or 30 and get off at "Jujigai". 5 minutes on foot. From the airport, take the airport bus (Akan bus) and get off at "MOO". From here, it's 7 minutes on foot. 2 Chome-1-12 Omachi, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0847 |
In Kushiro, along the promenade that follows Kushiro River, you can find the Kobunkan. It is across the wide river from the Fisherman’s Wharf MOO. Kobunkan serves as a museum and as a historical spot. It is a restoration of the former Kushiro Shibun Newspaper Company. This office building was originally built in 1908. The small building is easily recognizable by its red brick facade, and gives the museum a certain rustic charm. Getting to the museum is relatively simple. From Kushiro train station, follow the main street down to Nusamai Bridge. Kobunkan is on the right after crossing the bridge.
The Kushiro Shinbun Newspaper was visited by the Japanese poet, Takuboku Ishikawa. He worked at the paper for 76 days, and it is here at the museum you can find many exhibits and rare documents relating to his work. The first floor of the museum is dedicated to the development of Kushiro. It holds maps of the planned port and a city map during the Meiji Era. Here there is also small cafe so you can enjoy a tea or coffee in nice surroundings. The second floor has the exhibits for the poet, Takuboku Ishikawa. There is also a statue of him outside by the museum.
| Admission | - |
| Opening Hours | 10: 00 - 19:00 |
| Closed | - |
| Contact | 0154-23-0600 |
| Notes | Seafood market, restaurant, souvenir shops, sightseeing spot |
| Location / Getting There | The fishermans market is by the waters edge on Kushiro River. It is next to Nusamai Bridge. It is a 15 minute walk, south from Kushiro station. 2 Chome-4 Nishikicho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0016 |
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 buses 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.
The shopping centre is home to a dozen restaurants. These include ramen restaurants, a sweets store, a cafe, an ice-cream store, and a bakery to name a few. Here you can enjoy lunches and dinners throughout a busy day of shopping and sightseeing. While in Kushiro, this is a great place to drop into and do your shopping. You can fins some local delicacies and a tonne of seafood to purchase and take home. Great for a a gift or souvenir.