Hokkaido has a variety of characteristics depending on the region.
While all areas are popular, eastern Hokkaido in particular boasts magnificent natural scenery that makes you forget you're in Japan.

Among these areas, Kushiro City and its surroundings offer a chance to enjoy mystical nature and a rich food culture, continuing to attract many tourists.

Since the opening of the Akan Interchange on the Doto Expressway in March 2016, the Kushiro area has become even more accessible.
This time, we'll introduce you to the many attractions of Kushiro!

1. Things you should know about the charms of Kushiro
1-1. Kushiro Marshland
1-2. Sunset in Kushiro
1-3. Food in Kushiro

2. Top 5 Recommended Spots in Kushiro
2-1. Lake Akan
2-2. Washo Market
2-3. Akan International Crane Center
2-4. Kushiro City Zoo
2-5. Kushiro Akachochin Yokocho (Red Lantern Alley)

3. How to enjoy sightseeing in Kushiro
3-1. Enjoying a tour by bus
3-2. Enjoying sightseeing trains

4. Access to Kushiro
Afterword

1-1. Kushiro Marshland

Image provided by: Kushiro City

Kushiro Marsh is the largest marshland in Japan.
Its size extends approximately 25 km from east to west and 36 km from north to south.

The vast wetlands are further composed of a wide variety of marshland areas.
Therefore, the Kushiro Marsh is home to a wide variety of plants and animals, which create beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons.

You cannot enter the wetlands without permission.
When visiting the wetlands, you'll typically view them from observation decks or visitor centers located around the area.

However, some facilities have walking trails around them, so you can enjoy the atmosphere of the wetlands to some extent.
A 3.1km walking trail is located at the Onnenai Visitor Center on the western side of the wetland.

Image provided by: Kushiro City

The symbol of the Kushiro Marsh is the red-crowned crane, a national natural monument.

There are several spots around the wetlands where you can observe red-crowned cranes. Kushiro City Red-crowned Crane Nature Park, Tsurui-Ito Red-crowned Crane Sanctuary, and Tsurumidai are all feeding grounds for the cranes, so you have a chance to see them up close!

[Access information]
Kushiro Marshland Observation Deck
Address: 6-11 Hokuto, Kushiro City
Access by car: Approximately 30 minutes by car from Kushiro Station.
Access by bus: Take the Akan Bus Tsurui Line or Hororo Line and get off at the Shitsugen Observatory bus stop, then it's a 1-minute walk.
開館時間：（5月～10月）8:30～18:00、（11月～4月）9:00～17:00
Closed: New Year's holidays (December 31st to January 3rd)
Admission fee: Adults 470 yen, High school students 250 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 120 yen
For inquiries: 0154-56-2424

Onnenai Visitor Center
Address: Onnenai, Tsurui Village, Akan District
Access by car: Approximately 40 minutes by car from Kushiro Station.
開館時間：（4月～10月）10:00～17:00、（11月～3月）10:00～16:00
Closed on: Tuesdays and during the New Year holidays (December 29th to January 3rd)
Entrance fee: free
Telephone number: 0154-65-2323

~Related Articles~
・[To the Silver-White Wetlands] Canoe and outdoor experience in the winter Kushiro Wetlands!

1-2. Sunset in Kushiro

Kushiro was once known as the "City of Fog."
However, it has now become known as the "town of sunsets."

The sunset in Kushiro is said to be one of the "world's three most beautiful sunsets," along with those in Bali, Indonesia, and Manila, Philippines.

Why did the beauty of sunsets become so widely recognized?
Currently, the prevailing theory is that it spread by word of mouth among sailors.

One reason for its beauty is that the atmosphere contains enough water vapor necessary for the red color to be visible.
It is also said that the abundance of structures that enhance the beauty of the sunset, such as lighthouses and streetlights, contributes to this effect.

In any case, there's no doubt that Kushiro's sunsets are among the best in the world.

In Kushiro, where nature and urban life coexist, you can witness sunsets with a variety of expressions.

As for the main sunset viewing spots, in the city center, there is one at the mouth of the Kushiro River.
"Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO" and "Nusamai Bridge".
The combination of the nostalgic port town scenery and the sunset creates a scene of breathtaking beauty, almost like a painting.

If you're looking for something outside the city, I recommend the "Kushiro Marshland Observatory," which offers a panoramic view of Kushiro, or the "Hosooka Observatory," where you can witness the magnificent sunset over the marshland.

[Spot Information]
Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO
Address: 2-4 Nishikimachi, Kushiro City
Hours:
[1Fショッピングゾーン]10:00 ～ 19:00、（7月～8月）09:00 ～ 19:00、（12月31日、1月2～4日 10:00 ～ 17:00
[2、3Fレストランゾーン]11:00 ～ 22:00、（12/31）11:00 ～ 15:00
Phone: 0154-23-0600

1-3. Food in Kushiro

Along with its magnificent natural scenery, the abundance of local produce is another major attraction of Kushiro tourism.
In Kushiro, you can easily enjoy fresh and delicious ingredients, including seafood!

Robatayaki
Robatayaki is a style of cooking where food is grilled over charcoal in a hearth-like structure and served with a long spatula. It is said that robatayaki developed in Kushiro, and there are many specialty restaurants in the area.
With a wide variety of dishes including fresh seafood, meat, and vegetables, there's sure to be something to satisfy everyone!

・Zangi
Zangi, a Hokkaido specialty now known throughout Japan, is a type of fried chicken seasoned with garlic and ginger.
Kushiro is the birthplace of zangi. Kushiro's zangi, in particular, is unique and is known as "Kushiro Zangi."

"Definition of Kushiro Zangi"
Kushiro Zangi is made by deep-frying chicken, as well as other delicious local ingredients, until they are sizzling in oil.
Kushiro Zangi can be prepared in various ways: some are seasoned beforehand, some are served with a unique sauce, and some are served without any sauce at all.
Kushiro Zangi is a delicious fried chicken culture from Kushiro that is constantly evolving.
(Kushiro Zangi Promotion Council)http://946zangi.com/about　Quoted from)

Why not try "Kushiro Zangi," a particularly unique type of fried chicken from Hokkaido?

Kushiro Ramen
This ramen features thin, curly noodles and a light soy sauce-based broth.
This ramen is highly regarded among ramen connoisseurs, and it feels like it's poised to become even more popular!

Photo by Wikipedia/Nontan2000

Akkeshi oysters
When it comes to gourmet food in the Kushiro area, you absolutely can't miss the oysters from Akkeshi.

Akkeshi, located about an hour's drive from downtown Kushiro, is one of Hokkaido's leading oyster producing areas.
Akkeshi oysters are plump and characterized by their rich, sweet flavor. Plus, they're available year-round, so you can enjoy them anytime!

★Fly with JAL! A Kushiro Tour Where the Northern Land Calls You★

2-1. Lake Akan

Lake Akan is one of Hokkaido's leading tourist spots.
Did you know that it's located in Kushiro City?

It was originally a municipality called "Akan Town," but it became part of Kushiro City 10 years ago as part of the "Great Heisei Mergers."

The only way to get from central Kushiro to Lake Akan is by car.
It takes about an hour and a half by car, or just under two hours by bus, but it's well worth the trip.

Image provided by: Kushiro City

Lake Akan, a caldera lake, displays dynamic expressions in every season.
In particular, the sight of the ice on the lake's surface, frozen in winter, melting in spring is dramatic and captivates many tourists.
Recently, frost flowers, which are ice crystals that bloom on the frozen surface of lakes, have also been attracting attention.

Mount Oakan, popular with hikers, and Mount Meakan, which is also selected as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, are both well-known as active volcanoes.
Mysterious marimo algae and numerous wild animals.
Akan Lake Onsen is a popular and relaxing hot spring resort in Hokkaido.
And then there's the Ainu culture, which has lived in harmony with nature.

Lake Akan is a place that never ceases to fascinate, no matter when you visit.

Image provided by: Kushiro City

[Spot Information]
Akan Lake Tourist Guide:http://www.lake-akan.com/
For inquiries, please call 0154-67-3200 (Akan Tourism Association).

~Related Articles~
・Even if it's your first time at Lake Akan, you can relax with this! Lake Akan Tourist Guide
・[Winter Stunning Scenery] Lake Akan - Frost Flowers | Ice flowers blooming in a paradise in the sky!

2-2. Washo Market

The three major markets representing Hokkaido are "Hakodate Morning Market," "Sapporo Nijo Market," and "Kushiro Washo Market."
You'll find a variety of unique shops selling not only seafood, but also vegetables, fruits, meats, prepared foods, sweets, and fresh flowers.

Image provided by: Kushiro City

Speaking of Washo Market, they have a famous dish called "Katte-don" (a rice bowl dish where you can choose your own toppings)!

First, I buy rice from a deli, then I gradually add my favorite ingredients from a seafood shop. Finally, I have soy sauce poured over the rice bowl, and it's ready.
It's so fun to be able to make your own custom rice bowl!

Image provided by: Kushiro City

Washo Market, the kitchen of Kushiro citizens.
If you're visiting Kushiro, this is a spot you should definitely check out!

[Spot Information]
Address: 13-25 Kurogane-cho, Kushiro City
Access: 10-minute walk from JR Kushiro Station
Hours:
(January to March) Monday to Saturday 8:00 to 17:00, closed on Sundays.
（4月～12月）月～土8:00～18:00、日曜は8:00～16:00（12月日曜は8:00～18:00）
Phone: 0154-22-3226
home page:http://www.washoichiba.com/index.html

2-3. Akan International Crane Center

The red-crowned crane is a symbol of the Kushiro Marsh.

There are several spots where you can observe Japanese cranes, but among them, the Akan International Crane Center is known as a place where you can observe cranes throughout the year.

Here, even when wild red-crowned cranes are not visible, you can see the cranes being raised at the center.
You'll be captivated by the beauty and awe of the cranes when you see them up close.

[Spot Information]
Address: 40, 23-sen, Kami-Akan, Akan-cho, Kushiro City
Access from the airport: 20 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport
Access from JR: Take a bus from JR Kushiro Station (60 minutes) and get off at the "Tancho no Sato" bus stop.
Opening period: October 1st to March 31st
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (until 4:00 PM from November to January)
Admission fee: Adults 470 yen, Elementary and junior high school students 240 yen
Telephone number: 0154-66-4011

2-4. Kushiro City Zoo

While there aren't many zoos in Hokkaido, the Kushiro area has the "Kushiro City Zoo."
Actually, this is the easternmost zoo in Japan, and also the largest zoo in Hokkaido!

Photo by Flickr:KUSHIRO Zoological Park / MIKI Yoshihito

You can see animals native to Hokkaido, such as the Blakiston's fish owl, as well as popular animals that live in cold climates, like polar bears, Amur tigers, and red pandas, thriving in the cool climate of Hokkaido!

Although it's located in the suburbs, this is a zoo that animal lovers should definitely visit at least once!

[Spot Information]
Address: 11 Shimoninishibetsu, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
Access by car:
11 minutes (7km) from Kushiro Airport
27 minutes (18km) by taxi or rental car from JR Kushiro Station.
55 minutes by local bus (Akan Bus)
Opening hours: (April 10th - Health and Sports Day) 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(From the day after Health and Sports Day to April 9th) 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Closed days: Every Wednesday (except public holidays) from December to February, and from December 29th to January 2nd.
Admission fee: 570 yen for adults, free for junior high school students and younger.
Phone: 0154-56-2121

2-5. Kushiro Akachochin Yokocho (Red Lantern Alley)

For those who want to enjoy Kushiro's local cuisine, "Kushiro Akachochin Yokocho" is a must-visit.
The old food stall village has developed into what it is today.

As the name suggests, there are bars, but there are also Kushiro's famous robatayaki (charcoal-grilled food) and sushi restaurants, so you can enjoy a meal at one place or go bar-hopping; it's a gourmet spot where you can enjoy yourself in a variety of ways.

The location is about 1km from JR Kushiro Station.
There are many hotels in the area, so you can enjoy yourself without worrying too much about getting back, which is a great advantage.

[Spot Information]
Address: 4-1 Kawakami-cho, Kushiro City
Opening hours/Holidays: Varies by store
For inquiries, please call 0154-42-0334 (Kushiro Akachochin Yokochō Co., Ltd.)
home page:http://akayoko946.com/

3-1. Enjoying a tour by bus

The Kushiro area is vast, with numerous tourist spots scattered throughout, so many people seem to struggle to figure out where to go!

If you want to efficiently tour the Kushiro area, using a regular sightseeing bus is one option!

The local bus company, Akan Bus, offers one route in the summer and two routes in the winter.
All courses depart from either JR Kushiro Station or Fisherman's Wharf MOO.

【summer】
Pirika: This tour takes you on a full day touring the Kushiro Marsh, Lake Mashu, and Lake Akan.
We'll stop at Akan Lake Onsen along the way, so you can enjoy the hot springs! (Lunch and hot spring fees are at your own expense.)

【winter】
White Pirika: This tour takes you around Lake Mashu, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Akan in a full day.
We will also make a stop at Akan Lake Onsen along the way. (Lunch and hot spring fees are at each individual's expense.)

Winter Crane Tour with Shitsugen 55PASS: A full-day tour to fully appreciate the charm of the red-crowned cranes that migrate to the Kushiro Marshland in winter. (Lunch is at your own expense)

Image provided by: Kushiro City

Both are full-day courses.
Advance reservations are required, so it's best to book before your trip!

[Contact]
Akan Bus Co., Ltd.
Telephone number: 0154-37-2221
home page:http://www.akanbus.co.jp/

3-2. Enjoying sightseeing trains

With the recent railway boom, many people are enjoying sightseeing in Hokkaido by train, and the sightseeing trains that run through the Kushiro Marsh, "SL Winter Marsh" and "Marsh Norokko," are among the most popular.

Both routes run along the Senmo Main Line, from Kushiro Station to Shibecha Station/Kawayu Onsen, and cross the eastern side of the Kushiro Marsh.

This train is extremely popular with tourists because it runs through wetlands that are inaccessible by car, allowing them to experience the magnificent wetlands up close.

Since it only operates on limited days, be sure to make a reservation before you depart for your trip!

Image provided by: Kushiro City

Marshland Norokko Train:
This is a special train that operates during the summer. You'll ride in an open-air trolley-style carriage and cross the Kushiro Marshland in the summer. While the "Winter Marshland Train" lets you experience the warmth of the train, this one lets you experience the refreshing coolness of being outdoors!
Why not enjoy sightseeing in the wetlands while feeling the cool summer breeze of Hokkaido?
The fare is 540 yen for a one-way adult ticket (an additional 520 yen for a reserved seat). (As of 2017)

SL Winter Marshland Train:
This steam locomotive only runs during the winter season.
In the past, there were three other lines in Hokkaido where temporary steam locomotive trains ran: Hakodate, Onuma, and Niseko. However, currently, the "Winter Marshland Train" is the only one that operates this service. As a result, it is very popular.
The train cars feature a retro interior with extensive use of wood to create a sense of solidity and weight.
Additionally, a potbelly stove is installed inside the vehicle, and the experience of grilling dried squid over the stove's fire is a popular activity.
The fare is 1,070 yen for a one-way adult ticket (820 yen for a reserved seat). (As of 2016)

[Contact]
JR Hokkaido Kushiro Branch
Hours: 5: 30 ~ 22: 30
Telephone number: 0154-24-3176
home page:http://www.jrkushiro.jp/

First, regarding access from Sapporo/New Chitose to Kushiro, the journey alone will take half a day.

If you use JR, it takes about 4 hours on the "Super Ozora" limited express train departing from Sapporo.
If you use an express bus, you will need to take an overnight bus. The journey will take approximately 6 hours.

Since there aren't many services, I recommend checking the timetable in advance.

Next, if you're traveling by car, it takes about 5 hours from Sapporo using the expressway, and about 8 hours using regular roads.
If you're traveling by car, I recommend a relaxed schedule that includes overnight stays along the way and sightseeing stops.

If you are only planning to sightsee in the Kushiro area,
For those traveling from Honshu, flying is recommended.

Direct flights depart from Haneda Airport operated by JAL, ANA, and AIRDO. Together, these three airlines offer approximately eight flights per day.
The journey will take 1 hour and 35 minutes.
From Chubu, JAL operates seasonal flights, and from Itami, ANA operates summer flights.

Afterword

That concludes our brief overview of the highlights of the Kushiro area.

In addition to the activities mentioned here, the Kushiro area offers a wide range of other activities, including camping, canoeing, fishing, and trekking.

In addition, various festivals and events are held throughout the year in Kushiro City and Akan.
Why not experience the Kushiro area, brimming with the deep and unique charm of Hokkaido?

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