The "Kushiro sunset" is considered one of the world's three most beautiful sunsets.

The area around Nusamai Bridge, famous for its beautiful sunsets, becomes bustling with photography enthusiasts and tourists as the sun sets.

This time, I experienced a "sunset cruise" that allows you to enjoy the sunset in Kushiro not from land, but from the sea!

We'll introduce the charm and ways to enjoy sunset cruises.

Table of Contents:
1. The "Kushiro Sunset," considered one of the world's three greatest sunsets.
2. What is the Kushiro sightseeing cruise ship, Sea Crane?
3. Make a reservation and purchase your ticket for the BAY LOUNGE in advance.
4. The Sea Crane sets sail! ~A 90-minute sunset cruise~
5. Introducing the Sea Crane Course
6. Sunset Cruise & Travel Plan Featuring Local Kushiro Cuisine
7. Access to the cruise ship terminal and Bay Lounge
Final thoughts

1. The "Kushiro Sunset," considered one of the world's three greatest sunsets.

The sunset over Kushiro Port is considered one of the "world's three greatest sunsets," alongside those of Manila Bay in the Philippines and Bali in Indonesia.
It is said to have spread by word of mouth among sailors who traveled to ports all over the world by ship.

The Nusamai Bridge, which spans the mouth of the Kushiro River, is a classic spot for viewing Kushiro's sunsets, and is often featured in tourist brochures.

The best time to see beautiful sunsets is from autumn to winter. While fog is often observed in summer,
Kushiro enjoys relatively long hours of sunshine from autumn to winter, and the clear air makes for beautiful sunsets.

The best time to watch the sunset and twilight from Nusamai Bridge is said to be from 7 to 30 days after the autumnal and vernal equinoxes.

Now, let's introduce the Kushiro sightseeing cruise ship, Sea Crane, which you can board near Nusamai Bridge!

2. What is the Kushiro sightseeing cruise ship, Sea Crane?

The Sea Crane is a Kushiro sightseeing cruise ship named after the sea crane, a symbol of Kushiro. It began operations in November 2016. The cruise business was started with the desire to let people see the beautiful sunsets of Kushiro.

In January 2016, Kushiro City in Hokkaido was selected as a "Tourism Nation Showcase" (a model city chosen by the government as part of an initiative to create model cases for attracting foreign tourists to regional areas of Japan), alongside Kanazawa City in Ishikawa Prefecture and Nagasaki City in Nagasaki Prefecture. They are proposing new ways for locals and tourists alike to enjoy the "Kushiro Sunset," one of the world's three most beautiful sunsets.

The newly launched sightseeing boat, Sea Crane, in Kushiro has become a new tourist attraction as the only water-based activity in the city.

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

Here is the Sea Crane route map. The boarding and disembarking point for the Sea Crane is across from "Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO," a multi-purpose commercial complex located next to the Nusamai Bridge that spans the mouth of the Kushiro River.

The Sea Crane usually operates on a route called the Kamui Route and can carry a maximum of 50 passengers.

The operation details are as follows:YouTube videosIt's available online. I think taking a look will give you a good idea of ​​what it's like to be on board.

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

The most popular course is the "Sunset Cruise."

You can enjoy the sunset over Kushiro and the scenery of Kushiro Port up close from a boat. A sunset cruise offers a unique experience of viewing Kushiro's sunset from the sea rather than from land.

You'll encounter sights unlike anything you've ever seen before, and be deeply moved! An extraordinary experience awaits you.

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

The sunset cruise departs one hour before sunset.
The ferry departs at 15 PM in winter and 18 PM in summer.

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

I boarded the ship on July 16th. The estimated sunset time was 19:06, and the departure time was about an hour earlier, at 18:00. The cruise lasted 90 minutes.

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

The sea sparkling in the sunlight, the sea turning crimson as the sun sets, the sea with huge white waves... It seems like it would show a variety of expressions depending on the time of day and the season.

3. Make a reservation and purchase your ticket for the BAY LOUNGE in advance.

Cruises are by reservation only. Please make your reservation in advance by calling BAY LOUNGE (0154-41-7511) or by using the reservation form on their website: https://icom946.com/crane/.

Purchase your tickets at the BAY LOUNGE at least 15 minutes before departure. (The boat will depart with a minimum of 2 passengers. The trip may be cancelled due to weather changes or other unforeseen circumstances.)

BAY LOUNGE is located across from Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO.
It's about a 15-20 minute walk from Kushiro Station.

4. The Sea Crane sets sail! ~A 90-minute sunset cruise~

Now, it's finally time to set sail!
We board the ship.

Seating is unassigned. There are table seats at the back. Toilets are also available on board.

If you are prone to motion sickness, it's a good idea to take motion sickness medication beforehand or sit facing the direction of travel.

You can freely enjoy alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and other drinks.

Hokkaido-exclusive draft beer "Sapporo Classic," "Tokachi Wine" (red and white wines), Kushiro's local sake "Fukutsukasa" "Honjozo Nama-chozo-shu," Hokkaido-exclusive carbonated drinks "Co-up Guarana" and "Ribbon Napolin," Hokkaido's natural water "I LOHAS," Kushiro Foggy Town Blend Coffee, and more.

Another great point is that you can enjoy local drinks.

You are welcome to bring your own food, such as snacks and appetizers, on our sunset and night cruises.

The guide provides information about the ship's facilities, as well as the city of Kushiro, its sunsets, and its natural surroundings.

The vessel you see ahead is a Japan Coast Guard patrol boat.

Once the ship starts moving, you can go out onto the outer deck.
Even in the summer, it can be cold and windy out on the sea, so it's a good idea to bring a light jacket or cardigan.

I'm heading to the deck too.

The sea breeze feels great!

Kushiro is also known as a mecca for seabirds. Bringing binoculars or a telescope might allow you to observe the subtle movements and expressions of the seabirds.

After passing the breakwater and continuing on for a while, you'll arrive at a sunset viewing spot.

While the ship is anchored in the bay, you can enjoy watching the beautiful sunset from the observation deck or take commemorative photos with the sunset as a backdrop.
Relaxing on the sea with a drink in hand is a moment of pure bliss.

A huge flock of seagulls has arrived!
You'll receive some bread from the crew and get to experience feeding the seagulls.

This is the first time I've seen seagulls this close.

The vast ocean, the sunset, and seagulls.
Being on board the ship, I felt as if I had become one with nature...

Although it was sunny on the day of the cruise, Kushiro is also known as the "city of fog."
While fog is also a characteristic sight, it's lucky if you get to see a beautiful sunset.

Watching the sun set, we headed straight back to port.

Kushiro is also famous as a coal mining town. At Kushiro Coal Mine, coal is extracted from the seabed. You can see piles of coal from the ship's windows.

We can now see the Nusamai Bridge ahead.
The cruise is finally coming to an end.

We ended the day with a commemorative photo taken in front of the illuminated Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO.

With seagulls soaring against the backdrop of a beautiful sunset, and the scenery of the port town of Kushiro still lingering in the memories, our 90-minute sunset cruise comes to a close.

5. Introducing the Sea Crane Course

The Kushiro sightseeing cruise ship, Sea Crane, offers three different itineraries.
Let's go through each of them.

Sunset Cruise

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

You can enjoy the sunset and evening glow of Kushiro from a boat. Recommended for those who want to take photos of the sunset, evening glow, and seagulls from the sea. (Reservations required)

Sunset Cruise (90 minutes)
Boarding fee (unlimited alcohol and soft drinks. You are free to bring your own food.)
Adult (12 years old and over) 5,000 yen
Children (3 to 11 years old) 3,000 yen
Infants (ages 0-2) are free.

☆Reservations for sunset cruises areHere (Tabi Plus One)From here.

Night Cruise

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

Enjoy a leisurely cruise around Kushiro Bay while gazing at the city's night view and starry sky. Perfect for parties, company events, or special occasions with loved ones. (Reservations required)

Night cruise (90 minutes)
Boarding fee (unlimited alcohol and soft drinks. You are free to bring your own food.)
Adult (12 years old and over) 5,000 yen
Children (3 to 11 years old) 3,000 yen
Infants (ages 0-2) are free.

☆Reservations for the night cruise areHere (Tabi Plus One)From here.

Picnic Cruise

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

Enjoy a picnic cruise where you can casually enjoy fishing and boating while having lunch on board. All necessary fishing equipment, including fishing rods, is provided. (Reservations must be made at least two days prior to your desired boarding date.)

Picnic Cruise (180 minutes)
Boarding fee (includes unlimited alcoholic and soft drinks + lunch box)
Adult (12 years old and over) 8,000 yen
Children (3 to 11 years old) 4,000 yen
Infants (ages 0-2) are free.

All courses are available for private booking. For details, please see below.website
Please check it.

☆Picnic cruise reservations areHere (Tabi Plus One)From here.

6. Sunset Cruise & Travel Plan Featuring Local Kushiro Cuisine

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

We also have a package plan that includes a sunset cruise and a chance to enjoy Kushiro's local specialties!
See poster for details.

7. Access to the cruise ship terminal and Bay Lounge

Image provided by: Icom Co., Ltd.

Access
car)
• Approximately 5 minutes from JR Kushiro Station. Parking available for several cars.
(On foot)
・Approximately 15-20 minutes from JR Kushiro Station

<"Kushiro Sightseeing Cruise Ship Sea Crane">
HP)https://icom946.com/crane/
Address: 1-1-11 Omachi, Kushiro City, Hokkaido, Bayside Building 1F
Flight Operations Management Company: Icom Co., Ltd.
TEL) 0154-41-7511 (10:00-17:00)
Closed during the New Year holidays.
Smoking is prohibited on board.
☆Reservations for sunset cruises areHere (Tabi Plus One)From here.

Final thoughts

On a sunset cruise, you can fully experience the Pacific Ocean and nature, and you will be captivated by the magnificent ocean scenery that stretches out before your eyes.

When you visit Kushiro for sightseeing, why not try a 90-minute cruise?

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