7 Things To Enjoy In Kushiro, Hokkaido: Canoeing, Sunsets And More!

Hokkaido is one of the most popular sightseeing areas in Japan.

Although cities such as Sapporo and Hakodate are well known, this time we'll focus on Kushiro City, which is famous for Lake Akan and the Kushiro Marshlands.

1. Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve

Tancho (Japanese crane) is designated as one of the species for special protection by the government, and inhabits the eastern regions of Hokkaido. The Kushiro Japanese Crane Reserve was founded to breed cranes in protective captivity. At the Reserve, visitors can watch the cranes in the open-air cage throughout the year, and they might even see the cranes rearing their young.

Address: Hokkaido, Kushiro, Tsuruoka 112
Telephone: +81-154-56-2219
Official Site: http://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/3778/

2. Onnenai Visitor Center

Onnenai Visitor Center displays various materials about the Kushiro Wetlands, the largest of its kind in Japan. There is also a wooden walkway, where the visitors can stroll through the marsh.

The visitors can also enjoy the signs along the walkway, which also displays some quizzes. If you learn about the seasonal plants and animals beforehand at the Visitor Center, it might make the stroll more interesting.

Address: Hokkaido, Akan-gun, Tsurui-mura, Onnenai
Telephone: +81-154-65-2323
Official Site: http://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/3772/

3. Nusamai Bridge

Nusamai Bridge spans the Kushiro River at its estuary. This bridge has become a popular spot to view the sunset at the Kushiro Port, which is said to be one of the best three sunsets in the world. There are four statues on the bridge, each representing the four seasons. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful contrast between the orange-colored sunset and the statues.

Address: Hokkaido, Kushiro
Official Site: http://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/things_to_do/3788/

4. Kushiro Washo Market

The Kushiro Washo Market deals in all the specialty products of Kushiro. It is one of the three largest marketplaces in Hokkaido, and handles fresh seafood, meat and vegetables. The marketplace is also known for the dish Katte-don.

First, the visitors buy a bowl of rice, then buy their favorite toppings at the market, and add soy sauce at the end. It is a DIY kind of a one-bowl meal.

Address: Hokkaido, Kushiro, Kurogane-cho 13-25
Telephone: +81-154-22-3226
Official Site: http://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/eat_souvenir/7469/

5. Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO

Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO is a complex facility consisting of restaurants and souvenir shops. MOO is connected to EGG, a tropical arboretum which stands near the Nusamai Bridge. Both facilities have become popular sightseeing spots, welcoming a large number of visitors every day.

Address: Hokkaido, Kushiro, Nishiki-cho 2-4
Telephone: +81-154-23-0600
Official Site: http://en.kushiro-lakeakan.com/eat_souvenir/7530/

6. Kushiro River

Kushiro River winds its way through Kushiro Wetlands, the largest marsh in Japan. The visitors can enjoy the truly unique landscape by canoeing in the river. Although the marsh can be viewed from the observatory, you may be able to see birds' nests, deer and fish up close from the canoe. Be sure to dress accordingly, as it can be quite cold.

Various companies offer a canoeing tour, so check this site for details.

7. Robata-yaki

Robata Renga is a famous robata-yaki (Japanese-style barbecue) restaurant in Kushiro, where all the dishes are roasted at the irori (fireplace).

All the tables have their own irori, so customers can roast fresh seafood from Kushiro Port and seasonal foodstuff by themselves. Renga also offers local sake and various sour drinks, so enjoy them with the Hokkaido seafood.

Address: Hokkaido, Kushiro, Nishiki-cho 3-5-3
Telephone: +81-154-32-3233
Official Site: Renga

In Conclusion

Compared to Sapporo or Hakodate, the number of visitors to Kushiro is still small, so travelers can look forward to a unique experience. If you have the chance to visit Hokkaido, be sure to stop by Kushiro to enjoy the pristine natural environment.

Sponsored by Kushiro and Lake Akan Tourism Association