Kushiro

Kushiro is a hidden gem in eastern Hokkaido, known for Japan’s largest wetland, wild red-crowned cranes, breathtaking sunsets, and top-tier seafood. The pace here is slow, with a strong sense of untamed nature and nostalgic Showa-era charm, making it ideal for travelers who want to avoid crowds and get close to nature.

Below is a detailed travel guide to Kushiro and the surrounding area:

Must-Visit Attractions

Kushiro’s attractions are mainly centered on natural wetlands, wildlife, and city landmarks. Plan according to the season and your mode of transportation.

• ​​Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland​​: Japan’s largest wetland. Take the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train sightseeing train to Hosooka Observatory for a sweeping view of the Kushiro River’s winding course. In summer, walk the Onnenai Boardwalk​​;​​ in winter, try canoeing through the wetland.

• ​​Tsurui Village & Ito Red-Crowned Crane Sanctuary​​: The best place to observe wild red-crowned cranes up close. On winter mornings, the sight of morning mist and flocks of cranes feeding is spectacular, and scheduled feeding takes place in the afternoon.

• ​​Nusamai Bridge​​: Kushiro’s landmark, famed as one of the “world’s three great sunsets.” At sunset, enjoy the blue-hour night view from the bridge or the free observation deck below it; the atmosphere is outstanding.

• ​​Washo Market​​: Located in the city center, this is where you can try a DIY “Katte-don” seafood rice bowl. Choose fresh sea urchin, sweet shrimp, hairy crab, and more; it offers excellent value.

Classic Itinerary

Plan for 2–3 days to connect central Kushiro with the surrounding wetlands and Lake Akan.

• ​​Day 1: City Stroll and Seafood Feast​​
  • ​​Morning​​: Arrive in Kushiro and check in to a hotel near JR Kushiro Station. Head to Washo Market for a DIY seafood rice bowl or oyster ramen.
  • ​​Afternoon​​: Stroll around the city and stop by Shusse-zaka, a steep tree-lined slope that is great for photos, the TV Tower, and Kushiro City Museum to learn about the local ecology.
  • ​​Evening​​: Go to Nusamai Bridge to admire the stunning sunset. - ​​Day 2: Wetland Exploration and Canoeing​​
  • ​​Early Morning​​: Take the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train or a chartered car to Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland, and photograph the morning mist from Hosooka Observatory.
  • ​​Morning​​: Try canoeing on the Tōro River for a close look at the wetland ecosystem. With luck, you may see red-crowned cranes, deer, and foxes.
  • ​​Afternoon​​: Head to Tsurui Village to see red-crowned cranes, or go to Otowa Bridge to photograph wetland scenery, then return to the city in the evening.
• ​​Day 3: Nearby Lakes and Hot-Spring Healing (Optional)​​
  • ​​All Day​​: Take the Akan Bus to Lake Akan and enjoy an infinity-style hot spring, or visit Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo to see clear lake water and the Sunayu sand-bath footbath.

Must-Try Restaurants and Foods

As a seaside city, Kushiro is all about seafood and robatayaki, while also offering some warm, down-to-earth local classics.

• ​​Robatayaki​​: Kushiro is the birthplace of robatayaki. Recommended spots include Kushiro Aburiya, a long-running local restaurant serving seafood grilled over binchotan charcoal, and Nusamai, a cozy small restaurant run by a mother and daughter.
• ​​Katte-don (seafood rice bowl)​​: Washo Market is a must. Recommended stalls include Sato Shoten; choose your toppings and have them prepared on the spot. The king crab is excellent value.

• ​​Western-style dishes and izakaya​​: Recommended spots include Izumiya, a Western-style restaurant loved by locals with huge portions of pork cutlet spaghetti, and Kushiro Shokudo, an izakaya featuring ingredients from eastern Hokkaido.

• ​​Specialty noodle shops​​: Recommended spots include つぶ焼かど屋, in business for 60 years and known for grilled whelks and soy-sauce ramen, and Uocchi Ramen, which serves Michelin-level fish-broth noodles.

Practical Travel Tips

• ​​Transportation​​: Attractions in central Kushiro are close together and can be reached on foot or by taxi. For Kushiro Shitsugen Wetland and Tsurui Village, driving yourself or chartering a car is recommended, as public transportation is infrequent; check timetables in advance. The JR Limited Express “Super Ozora” connects Sapporo and Kushiro in about 4 hours.
• ​​Best Season​​: In summer (July–August), wildflowers bloom across the wetlands, making it ideal for canoeing and hiking. In winter (December–March), you can see flocks of red-crowned cranes, morning mist, and the SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train steam train, but the weather is cold, so dress warmly.
• ​​Accommodation Suggestions​​: Hotels near JR Kushiro Station or Nusamai Bridge are the best choices, such as Dormy Inn, which has a natural hot spring and complimentary late-night ramen. Both transportation and sunset viewing are convenient.
• ​​Notes​​: When hiking in the wetlands, be aware of bears and carry a bear bell. Some long-running local restaurants do not accept credit cards or Alipay/WeChat Pay, so bring enough cash.