Kushiro, known for its rich natural landscapes and cultural sites, offers a diverse array of attractions. Here’s your guide to ten must-visit spots in the Kushiro and Lake Akan area, providing details on each location to help plan your visit effectively.
Kushiro Marsh
- Address: Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Business Hours: Open 24/7
- Closed Days: N/A
- Admission Fee: Free; fees for guided tours vary
- Website URL: Kushiro Shitsugen
Kushiro Marsh is Japan’s largest wetland area, home to a diverse ecosystem and the rare Japanese crane. This expansive marsh offers several observation decks and walking trails for visitors to explore its natural beauty and spot wildlife, including deer and foxes. It is particularly famous for birdwatching, especially during the crane mating season.
Kushiro City Zoo
- Address: 11-3 Akancho Akankoonsen, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0467, Japan
- Business Hours: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (April 10 to October 14), 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM (October 15 to April 9)
- Closed Days: Varies by month so please check ahead
- Admission Fee: ¥580 for adults
- Website URL: Kushiro City Zoo
Kushiro City Zoo provides a family-friendly experience with a variety of animals from around the world, as well as native species. The zoo focuses on conservation and education, offering interactive exhibits and animal encounters that engage visitors of all ages in wildlife preservation.
Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park
- Address: 112 Tsurumidai, Tsurui-mura, Akan-gun, Hokkaido 085-1204, Japan
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (April 10 – October 14), 9:00 – 4:00 (October 15 – April 9)
- Closed Days: November 21 to March 31
- Admission Fee: ¥480
- Website URL: Tancho Crane Nature Park
Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park is dedicated to the protection and observation of the Japanese crane, an emblematic bird of the region. The park features large enclosures where cranes can be seen in a setting that mimics their natural habitat, along with educational programs about the species and its environment.
Washo Market
- Address: 13-25 Kuroganecho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0018, Japan
- Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Days: Sundays
- Admission Fee: Free; cost of food varies
- Website URL: Washo Market
Washo Market is famous for its fresh seafood and local delicacies. Known for “Katte Don,” a DIY dish where visitors can select their own seafood toppings to put on a bowl of rice, the market offers an authentic taste of the region’s marine bounty in a lively atmosphere.
Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO
- Address: 2-4, Nishikicho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0018, Japan
- Business Hours: Varies by shop
- Closed Days: Varies by shop
- Admission Fee: Free
- Website URL: Fisherman’s Wharf MOO
Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO combines shopping, dining, and entertainment by the waterfront. This complex includes restaurants serving fresh local seafood, specialty shops, and event spaces, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy the seaside ambiance.
Lake Akan
- Address: Akan, Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- Business Hours: Open 24/7
- Closed Days: N/A
- Admission Fee: Free; fees for activities vary
- Website URL: Lake Akan
Lake Akan is known for its clear waters and the marimo, rare algae balls that form naturally in the lake. The area offers a range of outdoor activities, including boat tours to see marimo, hot springs, and Ainu cultural experiences, making it a comprehensive destination for natural and cultural tourism.
Ainu Kotan
- Address: 4-7-19, Akanko-onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0467, Japan
- Business Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Closed Days: Varies by shop
- Admission Fee: Free; museum entry varies
- Website URL: Ainu Kotan
Ainu Kotan is a small Ainu village that showcases the culture and crafts of the indigenous Ainu people. Visitors can explore traditional Ainu houses, watch dance performances, and shop for handmade crafts like wood carvings and woven textiles, providing a deep insight into the heritage of Japan’s indigenous community.
Lake Mashu
- Address: Teshikaga, Kawakami District, Hokkaido 088-3200, Japan
- Business Hours: Open 24/7
- Closed Days: N/A
- Admission Fee: Free
- Website URL: N/A
Lake Mashu is celebrated for its remarkably clear blue waters and is often enveloped in mysterious fog. Regarded as one of the clearest lakes in the world, it offers stunning viewpoints from several observation decks around its crater rim, ideal for capturing dramatic landscapes.
Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center
- Address: Lake Akan, Chuului Island, Akan Town, Kushiro City, Hokkaido
- Business Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Closed Days: December 1 – mid-April
- Admission Fee: ¥420 for adults (The fee for the sightseeing boat is ¥2,400)
- Website URL: Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center
The Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center is dedicated to the conservation and study of marimo, distinctive green algae spheres found in Lake Akan. The center educates visitors on the ecological significance of marimo and efforts to preserve this unique species, with tanks for close-up observations.
Akanko Lakeside Eco Museum Center
- Address: 1-1-1 Akanko-onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City, Hokkaido 085-0467 Japan
- Business Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Closed Days: Tuesdays, December 29 to January 3
- Admission Fee: Free
- Website URL: Akanko Lakeside Eco Museum Center
Akanko Lakeside Eco Museum Center provides educational exhibits on the natural history of Lake Akan and its surroundings. The museum focuses on the ecological systems of the lake and nearby forests, offering guided nature walks and environmental workshops that highlight the area’s biodiversity and conservation challenges.
These ten destinations offer a rich blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that are quintessential to Eastern Hokkaido. Whether you’re exploring vibrant markets, enjoying serene lake views, or learning about indigenous cultures, the Kushiro and Lake Akan area provides a memorable experience for all types of travelers. Be sure to check the latest operational hours and admission details on their official websites or local tourist information to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
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