Kushiro

The museum is on a hill overlooking Lake Harutori and its architecture is said to represent a Japanese crane spreading its wings. The museum has many excellent exhibits representing the natural history of the area and there are both Japanese and English explanations. One can garner a greater appreciation of the area by spending just an hour in this excellent museum..

Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO is a worthwhile stop with its bustling marketplace located on the waterfront, close to Nusamai Bridge. Its unique architecture and location near the ocean make it an excellent photo opportunity. Beyond this the building houses a multitude of restaurants, shops, and recreational facilities. Tourists and locals alike enjoy sightseeing, eating, shopping, and relaxing at the MOO. It sits overlooking the water and one can see fishing boats bobbing just outside its many windows. There is also a pool and a fitness centre on the top floor of the building. The EGG is a small, but delightful conservatory and is just what one needs when the long, cold Kushiro winter arrives. It is attached to the MOO.

Nusamai Bridge is located near Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO. It is said to be one of the most beautiful bridges in Hokkaido. The atmosphere around Nusamai Bridge is very romantic with street lamps and bronze statues symbolizing the four seasons. It is especially lovely at dusk and as the sunsets the views around Nusamai Bridge are simply beautiful. It takes about 10 minutes to walk from Kushiro JR Station and is pretty both during the day and at night.

Lake Harutori has the distinction of being the largest lake in Japan within a city. It has been designated a National Natural Monument as a habitat for the Red Crucian Carp. This lake is popular as a place for relaxing and for taking walks. It has a circumference of 4.7 km, an area of 36.1 ha, and the deepest part is 5.7 m.

Kushiro City Zoo is the second largest zoo in Japan, built in 1975. The zoo is located near Kushiro Shitsugen (wetland). It is about 20 km from the city by car and about a 50-minute bus ride. It is also located near a very nice onsen.

Kushiro Marsh is the largest wetland in Japan and accounts for 60% of Japan's wetland. It was designated under the Ramsar Convention in 1980 and became Japan's 28th National Park in 1987.

Situated in the Kushiro Shitsugen, visitors should climb the stairs to the top of the Kushiro City Marsh Observatory and take in the views of the luscious forests that surround the area. There are also forested walking trails and a replicated Ainu settlement. Bring your bug spray, during the summer there are a lot of mosquitoes, but the wooden boardwalk forests and views of the expansive wetlands make a visit essential. It is a 35-minute bus ride from Kushiro JR Station or about a 20-minute car ride.

This art museum is located down a short walking path from the Fisherman’s Wharf. Though it is small in size, the gallery hosts many lovely exhibits and its facilities are quite nice.