Kushiro

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KUSHIRO GENERAL
Kushiro is known as the “City of Mist” and this is certainly true a lot of the time when the city is blanketed in a thick mist causing much of the city to
Kushiro Fishing Fleet.

Kushiro Fishing Fleet.

disappear. The city has flourished as a port city and is home to one of Japan’s largest fishing fleets. It is also bordered by the world famous Kushiro Marsh which is one of the places to visit in the city. Apart from the Marsh area Kushiro is also a gateway to the beautiful Akan National Park, Akkeshi Hokkaido Natural Park, Notsuke / Furen Hokkaido Natural Park and Hokkaido’s most eastern city Nemuro. A famous Japanese poet by the name of Takuboku Ishikawa was also from Kushiro. The city has an estimated population of 187 556 and a total area of 223 km2.

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CITY OUTLINE
Kushiro City is enclosed by the Pacific Ocean and the Kushiro Marsh. It flourished around the mouth of the Kushiro river which offers easy access to the Pacific Ocean and houses the huge fishing fleet. The main train station is situated roughly in the center of the city and offers a central location from which to explore the city and surrounds.
Season Statue Kushiro.

Season Statue Kushiro.

Most of the tourist destinations are however somewhat removed from the central area and it will be necessary to catch buses to the the best sights. Most buses can be caught at or near the station area. The main entertainment and shopping area is located left (upon exit) of the station toward the river. This area is home to plenty of bars and restaurants of which the seafood restaurants and sushi shops are highly recommended.

Colorful Mushrooms in Akan National Park.

Colorful Mushrooms in Akan National Park.

Kushiro is known as one the the colder cities in Hokkaido and even in summer temperatures rarely climb above 25°c. In winter temperatures drop to about -10°c and strong winds can often be experienced.Kushiro is about 1.5 hours and 2 hours from Tokyo Haneda and Kansai International Airports respectively. Kushiro Station is approximately 3 hours 32 minutes from JR Sapporo Station by Limited Express on the JR Nemuro Honsen Line or 40 min by aircraft from New Chitose Airport.

There are several tourist information centers in Kushiro starting at JR Kushiro Station Ph. 0154-22-8294 or Kushiro Airport Ph. 0154-57-8304 and also Fisherman's Wharf MOO Ph. 0154-23-0600. There is also a general tourist information telephone line Ph. 0154-24-2400.
KUSHIRO PLACES TO VISIT
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Kushiro is well known for it’s great seafood restaurants , cold weather and deep sea port.

KUSHIRO MAIN ATTRACTIONS

Kushiro Places To Visit

  • Onnenai Visitor Center
    温根内ビジターセンター
    The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, also known as the Kushiro Marshland is a sprawling national park to the north of Kushiro. There are half a dozen observation decks, museums, and walking paths that surround the park. The Onnenai Visitor Center is one of these museums and can be found on the western side of the marshland.
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  • Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
    釧路湿原
    The Kushiro Shitsugen National park (better known as the Kushiro Marshland) is a national park, located to the north of Kushiro on the eastern side of Hokkaido. The park is known for its wetlands ecosystems. 'Shitsugen' translates to wetlands in English. It was designated as a national park on 31 July 1987. The massive park covers an area of 268.61 square kilometres on the Kushiro plain and is well known for its wildlife and vegetation.
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  • Kushiro Marsh Observatory
    釧路市湿原展望台
    Perched at the top of a large hill, overlooking Kushiro Marsh, you can find the Kushiro Marsh Observatory. This is one of the most interesting buildings in Hokkaido. The exterior, and especially the interior, has a strange and unique design and is reminiscent of a cool sci-fi movie. The central hall of the museum is definitely a place to get some photos.
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  • Kushiro City Museum
    釧路市立博物館
    The history of the Kushiro City Museum dates far back to 1936. Originally, an exhibition room was set up as the "Kushiro City Folk Museum" on the second floor of the Kushiro City Hall Waterworks Construction Office. Over the decades, the location changed and finally on November 3rd, 1983, the "Kushiro City Museum" was born.
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  • Sakaemachiheiwa Park
    栄町平和公園
    Sakaemachiheiwa Park is located in the center of Kushiro. There are very few green spaces in Kushiro and this park is often used for festivals during the summer and winter and many locals use this park. There is a bit of interesting history behind the park and the area.
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  • Nusamai Park
    幣舞公園
    This park in Kushiro can be found overlooking the city and is a quiet and peaceful spot to enjoy. In this small park, among the flowers and trees, you can also find the Takeshirō Matsuura Ezo Expedition Statue. Takeshirō Matsuura was a Japanese explorer, cartographer, writer, painter, priest, and antiquarian.
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  • Kobunkan
    港文館
    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.
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  • Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO
    釧路フィッシャーマンズワーフ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 buses which depart to Lake Akan, Abashiri, Nemuro, Obihiro and Sapporo. The area is generally lively with locals and tourists alike enjoying the center.
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  • Nusamai Bridge
    幣舞橋
    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 its handrails along the way and is considered one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido.
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Akan International Crane Center

This center was recently opened to help in the study and conservation of the Japanese crane which is still an endangered species. The center providesvisitors 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 Hours9 am to 5 pm daily
Closed-
Contact0154-66-4011
Getting ThereApproximately 1 hour, 30 min from Kushiro JR Station by Akan bus.

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 HoursRestaurants 10 am to 10 pm
Shops 9:30 am to 7 pm (7:30 pm in the summer)
Closed-
Contact0154-23-0600
Getting ThereApproximately a 10 min walk from JR Kushiro Station.

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-
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Contact-
Getting ThereApproximately 20 minutes by bus from Kushiro Station.

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, thisbuilding 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-
Contact0154-42-5584
Getting ThereApproximately 5 min by bus from Kushiro Station then about a 5 min walk from the bus stop.

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

AdmissionAdults ¥ 360
Opening Hours 8:30 am to 6 pm May 1st to October 31st
9 am to 5 pm November 1st to April 30th
ClosedDecember 31st to January 3rd
Contact0154-56-2424
Getting ThereApproximately 35 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station

6-11 Hokuto, Kushiro-shi


Kushiro City Museum

The Kushiro City museum was designed to reflect the image of a Japanesecrane 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 mammothskeleton, 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

AdmissionAdults ¥ 360
Opening Hours9:30 am to 5 pm (4:30 in the winter)
ClosedMondays, national holidays and December 31st to January 5th
Contact0154-41-5809
Getting ThereApproximately 10 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station.

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

AdmissionAdults ¥ 520
Junior High School ¥ 210
Children ¥ 150
Opening Hours9:30 am to 4:30 pm April 1st to October 10th
10 am to 3:30 pm October 11th to March 31st
ClosedDecember 24th to January 5th
Contact-
Getting ThereApproximately 50 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station.


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 andJapanese 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-
ContactHosooka Visitors Lounge 0154 40 4455
Getting ThereBoard a Sennmo Line train at JR Kushiro Station. Get off at Kushiro Shitsugen Station. It takes about 20 min


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 Hours9 am to 10 pm
ClosedMondays, December 31st to January 5th
Contact-
Getting There-


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

AdmissionFree of Charge
Opening HoursOpen everyday July 1st to October 31st
9 am to 5 pm
ClosedSundays and national holidays
Contact-
Getting ThereApproximately 10 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station and a 10 min walk from the stop


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 isthe 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-
Contact-
Getting ThereApproximately 10 min walk from JR Kushiro Station


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 fortheir 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-
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Getting There-


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 Hours9 am to 4:30 pm October 1st to March 31st
ClosedTuesdays and Wednesdays, excluding national holidays
Contact-
Getting ThereApproximately 1 hour from JR Kushiro Station, then a 1 Km walk to the Sanctuary


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-
ClosedSummer
Contact-
Getting ThereApproximately 45 min by bus from JR Kushiro Station


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-
Contact0154-22-3226
Getting ThereApproximately 5 min walk from JR Kushiro Station (Head right upon exiting the station)

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

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Getting There-