The sunset in Kushiro, Hokkaido, is said to be one of the "world's three most beautiful sunsets." Did you know that you can see such a beautiful sunset in Kushiro?
The sunsets, which change dramatically in size and color depending on the season, attract many people from all over the country as a spot for photography and painting.

This time, we'll introduce you to the sunset in Kushiro, which has a distinctly exotic atmosphere. Let's get started!

Table of Contents:
1. Why Kushiro's sunset is considered one of the "world's three most beautiful sunsets"
2. When is the sunset in Kushiro particularly beautiful?
3. The Charm of Kushiro's Sunsets
4. Spots to enjoy and photograph sunsets in Kushiro
5. After being moved by the sunset, enjoy the beautiful afterglow.
6. The Four Seasons statues are an essential part of the sunset scene at Nusamai Bridge.
7. Introducing sweets and drinks inspired by the sunsets of Kushiro.
【in conclusion】

Image provided by: Kushiro Sunset Club

Sailors who traveled the world would say the same thing when they saw the scenery of Kushiro.

"The sunset over this harbor is among the most beautiful in the world," they said. Eventually, these words spread throughout the world, and the sunset over Kushiro Port came to be praised as one of the "world's three greatest sunsets," alongside those of Bali, Indonesia, and Manila Bay, Philippines.

Strictly speaking, when we say "Kushiro sunset," we're referring to the "sunset over Kushiro Port." However, it's precisely because he's a sailor who has traveled the world and seen countless sunsets that he was so impressed by the beauty of Kushiro's sunset that he ranked it as one of the "world's three greatest sunsets."

This is the origin of why the sunset in Kushiro is called one of the "world's three greatest sunsets."
(It seems to have originated from word-of-mouth among sailors who traveled to ports around the world.)

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

Its beauty was described in travel diaries from the Edo period, and in 1965, it was ranked second in the "Ten Scenic Views of Kushiro" selected by the Kushiro Shimbun newspaper through a public competition. The Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper once reported on it as being "Manila Bay, Kushiro Port, and Sydney Harbour."

While Kushiro and Manila are classic choices, some people opt for Bali instead of Sydney.

Besides the Kushiro Marsh and the fog, one of Kushiro's attractions is its sunsets. As a port town, Kushiro attracts many sailors not only from within Japan but also from overseas. Many photographers visit to capture the sunsets that have been recognized by these foreign sailors.

The sunsets in Kushiro are said to be particularly beautiful from autumn to winter. The clear air during autumn and winter makes the sunsets especially beautiful.
I looked into the reasons for this.

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

From autumn to winter, Kushiro experiences a high percentage of sunshine and a Pacific coast climate with many sunny days.
Furthermore, due to the low humidity and relatively high latitude, the angle of incidence of the setting sun is deep, resulting in a beautiful orange sunset and twilight.

It is said that this location, situated on the eastern side of the Pacific coast of the Japanese archipelago, is unique in that the sunset descends from a river towards the sea.
It's apparently unusual for a river to flow into the west of a location on the Pacific coast.

This is apparently due to the geographical feature of the Kushiro River, which meanders as it flows, making a sharp bend to the west near its mouth before emptying into the Pacific Ocean.

Image provided by: Kushiro Sunset Club

In winter, the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, which lies on the extension of the Kushiro River estuary. Therefore, the sunset from Nusamai Bridge is exceptionally beautiful! The best time to view the sunset from Nusamai Bridge is said to be from one week to one month after the autumnal equinox (around September 22nd or 23rd) and the vernal equinox (around March 20th or 21st).

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

1) The reason sunsets over the sea appear red is due to water vapor in the atmosphere. In Kushiro's case, it seems that the water vapor from the wetlands in addition to the sea contributes to the reddish appearance.

2) The Kushiro River's flood control system is implemented at the Iwahoki sluice gate upstream, resulting in minimal water level fluctuations due to rainfall. Consequently, there are no high embankments, and the water surface is close to eye level. This is apparently very unusual for an urban river in Japan.

3) Not only around Nusamai Bridge, but also along the wetland roads where there are no tall buildings, the vast plains are filled with an expansive sky, allowing you to see a magnificent sunset with a view of up to 180 degrees.

4) At the mouth of the Kushiro River, there is a seaside landscape and "stage setting" unique to a port town, including Fisherman's Wharf MOO designed by Kiichi Mogami, a native of Kushiro, the Kushiro Century Castle Hotel, Nusamai Bridge, the silhouettes of the Four Seasons statues, fishing boats, and a lighthouse.

The sunsets and evening glow in Kushiro are even more captivating because of the combination of various elements!

4-1 Tips and Best Time to Shoot Sunsets

We spoke to the "Kushiro Sunset Club," an organization that showcases the beauty of sunsets in Kushiro.
The key to photographing sunsets, apparently, is to "simply take lots of pictures."

The key point is that the best position varies depending on the time of year.
If you want to photograph the sunset or twilight, the ideal time is apparently about 30 minutes before sunset and 1 hour after sunset, or about 1 hours.
reference)Sunset time in Kushiro City

Many people leave once the sun sets, but the subsequent changes in the twilight sky are called the "magic hour," and are said to be incredibly beautiful.
Now, let's take a look at all the great photo spots!

4-2 Nusamai Bridge

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

Speaking of sunsets in Kushiro, the Nusamai Bridge, which spans the mouth of the Kushiro River, is a famous spot for viewing the sunset.

You often see photos of the four seasons statues on the Nusamai Bridge together. Apparently, autumn is the time when the setting sun casts a beautiful light between the two statues.
The black silhouette of the statue against the orange background is beautiful.

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

The spring statue and MOO at Nusamai Bridge (upstream side) are beautifully illuminated by the setting sun. (Season: Spring to Autumn)

4-3 Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO

MOO is a popular waterfront spot that represents the current port town of Kushiro. From here, you can enjoy views of fishing boats passing by on the gently flowing Kushiro River and the famous Nusamai Bridge.
The tourist information corner on the second floor of MOO is also a great place to enjoy a beautiful night view.

You can see the surface of the Kushiro River directly in front of you, and the sunset from the terrace is truly breathtaking.

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

From the apron plaza in front of Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO.

The lines along the harbor and the silhouettes of fishing boats are striking.
(Season: Autumn to Spring)
Address: 2-4 Nishikimachi, Kushiro City

4-4 The quay around Kushiro Century Castle Hotel and Kusuri Bridge

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

The area from the Kushiro Century Castle Hotel, located on the riverside of the Kushiro River, to the cliffs around Kusuri Bridge offers a superb location for viewing sunsets and evening glow.

You can enjoy a panoramic view of the sunset over the river mouth and the city of Kushiro bathed in the colors of the evening twilight. This is a classic spot where you can capture both the Nusamai Bridge and the MOO (a famous car).
(Season: Spring to Autumn)
Address: 2-5 Okawa-cho, Kushiro City (Kushiro Century Castle Hotel)

4-5 Nusamai Park

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

Nusamai Park is located on a hill south of Nusamai Bridge, directly in front of Kushiro Station. If you pass Nusamai Bridge and climb Shusse-zaka Hill, the park will be on your left.
You can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kushiro River, Kita-odori Avenue, and more. The setting sun illuminates the cityscape, and the distant sea stretches out before you.
(Season: Spring to Autumn)
Address: 1 Heimai-cho, Kushiro City

4-6 Yonemachi Park (observation deck)

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

A park located on a hill in Yonemachi, Kushiro City. The observation deck offers a vast panoramic view overlooking Kushiro Port. (Available year-round)
If the weather and conditions are good, you can see mountains such as Mt. Mashu, Mt. Shari, and Mt. Hidaka from the lighthouse-shaped observation deck.
Address: 1-2 Yonemachi, Kushiro City

↓↓【Map of spots 4-2 to 4-6】

4-7 Kushiro City Lifelong Learning Center "Manabot Nemuro" 10th Floor Observation Deck

The Kushiro City Lifelong Learning Center "Manabotto Nusamai" is located on a hilltop near Nusamai Park.
From the 10th-floor observation deck of the city's tallest building, which is designed to resemble a lighthouse, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Kushiro's sunset.
You can enjoy a panoramic view of Kushiro city, surrounded 360 degrees by the sea, rivers, and wetlands.

Address: 4-28 Heimai, Kushiro City

4-8 Near Minatomachi Kamome Hall

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

If you watch the sunset from the Nusamai Bridge spanning the Kushiro River, you'll see the retro building "Minatomachi Kamome Hall R.I.C." majestically towering along the left bank. It's across from Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO. (It was formerly called "Minatomachi Beer Garden.") The silhouettes of the streetlights and the sunset create a fantastic scene.

Address: 4-1 Irifune, Kushiro City

4-9 Kushiro Mitsuura Coast

Image provided by: Kushiro Sunset Club

Kushiro Mitsuura Beach. Apparently, you can only see sunsets like this from late December to mid-January!

4-10 North Wharf

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

This is a sunset view from the North Wharf in Kushiro City.

Address: 2-1 Kaiun, Kushiro City

4-11 West Port

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

The sunset over the West Port in Kushiro City, painting it red.

4-12 Kushiro Marshland Observatory

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

The "Kushiro Marshland Observatory" is a building designed by Kiichi Mogami, a leading architect of Kushiro, and is modeled after the Japanese marsh marsh (yachibozu).
The magnificent scenery of the Kushiro Marsh unfolds before your eyes. The view from the rooftop, overlooking Kushiro city and the marsh, is also a must-see!

The setting sun paints the wetlands, the townscape, and the Pacific Ocean with vibrant colors as it sinks.

Address: 6-11 Hokuto, Kushiro City

4-13 Hosooka Observatory

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

The Hosooka Observatory, popular for its views of the large meanders of the Kushiro River, also offers stunning vistas of the mountains to the north, including Mt. Meakan and Mt. Oakan.
The meandering Kushiro River, the sunset sinking beyond the wetlands, and the magnificent "O-Akan-dake" and "Me-Akan-dake" mountains spreading out in the background of the wetlands are said to be spectacular.

The sunset painting the Kushiro Marshland in vibrant colors is truly breathtaking.

Address: 22 Takkobu, Kushiro-cho

4-14 Iwahoki Sluice Gate

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

The Kushiro River flows gently in front of you, and the charming Iwabokki sluice gate, its imposing shadow, and the setting sun over the wetlands create a tranquil atmosphere.

Address: 9th South Line, Toritoushi Wilderness, Kushiro Town

4-15 Takayama Parking Lot

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

Takayama Parking is located along Prefectural Road 142, which runs from Kushiro towards Kombumori. This spot offers panoramic views of Kushiro city, Kushiro Port, and the Pacific Ocean, and the night view is also beautiful.
It's a great stop during a drive. The night view is also beautiful.

Address: Katsurakoi, Kushiro City, Hokkaido

↓↓【Map of spots 4-12 to 4-15】

Image provided by: Kushiro Sunset Club

You'll be left breathless by the dazzling beauty of the sunset over Kushiro.
But it doesn't end with the sunset. After the sun goes down...the sunset show begins!
Even those who have seen various sunsets in different places are said to be surprised by this scene.

As the clouds turn crimson, the evening sky is tinged with blue during the blue hour, and a multitude of color gradients change from the horizon towards the sky.
The magic hour in Kushiro is like a celestial show, resembling the aurora borealis.
Moreover, this show sometimes continues for more than an hour after sunset.

The "green flash" is when the setting sun briefly glows green at the moment of sunset.
The best time to enjoy sunsets is from autumn to early spring when the air is dry, and the chances of encountering a green flash also increase.

From the Kushiro Sunset Club brochure.

A "green flash" is an event that occurs at the moment of sunset when sunlight is refracted and scattered in the atmosphere.
While extremely clear air is the minimum requirement for observation, other weather conditions also play a role, making it a very rare phenomenon with a very low probability of occurrence.

In Kushiro, you have a chance to see the green flash during the harsh winter months! ...Those who manage to see it are truly lucky!!
Because the chances of seeing a green flash are extremely low, it is said in Hawaii and Guam that "those who see a green flash will be blessed with good fortune."

Winter, with its clear air, is the season when sunsets are most beautiful. In the bitter cold, photographers are fully bundled up, aiming to capture the green flash.
Also, after typhoons and other severe weather, there are often incredible sunsets, which are apparently called "transforming," and that's exactly right!!
Apparently, it can change into an incredible color.

Image provided by: Kushiro Sunset Club

Apparently, some people become fans of Kushiro's sunsets after seeing the Kushiro Sunset Club's sunset live performances, and even travel to Kushiro from Honshu or Okinawa just to see the sunset.
After being moved by the sunset, please enjoy the even more beautiful afterglow!

Kushiro Sunset Club (You can watch live sunset performances in Kushiro)

Image provided by: Tourism Promotion Office, Industrial Promotion Department, Kushiro City

Nusamai Bridge, along with Sapporo-Toyohira Bridge and Asahikawa-Asahi Bridge, is known as one of Hokkaido's three most famous bridges.
The current bridge, which inherited the design of the fourth generation, was constructed in 1976 as the fifth generation. Unusually for Japan, the bridge features "Statues of the Four Seasons," with one sculpture adorning each railing, for a total of four sculptures.

Each represents spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
*The nasturtium reliefs on the railings of the 5th generation Nusamai Bridge were designed by Hidenori Yonesaka.

Statues of the Four Seasons

- "Spring Statue" by Yasutake Funakoshi: "The season of melting snow and sprouting young leaves (closer to MOO)"
- "Summer Sculpture" by Tadashi Sato: "Youthfulness soaring in the refreshing breeze" (on the side of the Eastern Hokkaido Economic Center Building)
- "Autumn Sculpture" by Yoshitatsu Yanagihara: "A spirit and sense of tension in facing the approaching harsh winter" (Bank of Japan Kushiro Branch)
- "Winter Sculpture" by Shin Hongo, "A heart that defies the cold and winter and longs for spring" (Suehirocho side)

The silhouettes of the "Seasonal Statues," imbued with an exotic fragrance, create a fantastical landscape.
With the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop, and the sunset painting the sky crimson, it has become a popular tourist spot in Kushiro.

Finally, let me introduce some sweets and drinks inspired by the sunsets of Kushiro.

7-1 Matsuya Confectionery Shop "Yuhi: A Harmony Spreading in the Sky of Kushiro"

5 pieces ¥600 + tax 10 pieces ¥1200 + tax

These steamed buns are a vibrant orange color, reminiscent of a sunset.
The tartness of the raspberries is delicious. It's sold at JR Kushiro Station, Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO, Kushiro Airport, and other locations. It also keeps well, so it makes a great souvenir.

<Matsuya Confectionery>
Address: 4-3-1 Chuo, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
TEL) 0154-66-3947
Business Hours: Weekdays & Public Holidays 8:00 AM - 19:00 PM / Sundays 8:00 AM - 18:00 PM
HP)http://matsuya-kushiro.com

7-2 "Kushiro Sunset Highball"

"Kushiro Sunset Highball" is a local drink devised by volunteers from local restaurants.
It uses grenadine syrup, a pomegranate syrup. It's sweet and has a flavor that women will also enjoy.

The beautiful red and yellow gradient is reminiscent of the sunset in Kushiro.

The original design of the beer mug beautifully depicts the Nusamai Bridge, the Summer Maiden statue, and the sunset over Kushiro.

Also be sure to check out the sight of three seagulls flying in a way that spells out "Kushiro". The "Kushiro Sunset Highball" is available at approximately 180 restaurants in the Kushiro area. See below for a list of restaurants that serve it.

HP) http://www.fit946.net/yu-hi/

Final thoughts

We've shared the charm of Kushiro's sunsets with you; what did you think?

The building in the foreground on the left of the photo (the Nusamai Tourist Guide Station located at the foot of Nusamai Bridge) also has brochures about sunsets.
A port town that looks great in the sunset. When you visit Kushiro, be sure to enjoy the sunset!

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