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 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 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 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. 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. 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.
PLACES WE SHOULD VISIT….
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.
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.
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”
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Kushiro marshland // It is a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
PLACES WE SHOULD VISIT….
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.
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.
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”
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Kushiro marshland // It is a 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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