When visiting Kushiro City, you absolutely cannot miss watching the sunset that paints Kushiro Port in shades of orange. This sunset is regarded as one of the "World's Top Three Sunsets" along with those of Bali, Indonesia, and Manila Bay, Philippines, as said by sailors who have crossed many seas. The best spot to enjoy this breathtaking sunset is Nusamai Bridge, one of Hokkaido's three most famous bridges. The silhouette of Nusamai Bridge against the backdrop of the setting sun over the Pacific Ocean is stunningly beautiful.

Just a few minutes' walk from Nusamai Bridge along the Kushiro River is the red-brick building known as the Kohbun Pavilion. This historical building is a restoration of part of the "Second Kushiro Newspaper Office," where the famous poet Takuboku Ishikawa worked during his stay in Kushiro. Entry is free, and the first floor offers exhibits related to Kushiro Port as well as a chance to relax at the "Kobun Cafe." Here, you can enjoy unique menu items like Takuboku Cafe Au Lait and Takuboku Toast that can only be found at this cafe. The second floor serves as the Takuboku Memorial Museum, where you can leisurely browse through exhibits while seated on comfortable sofas.

This is a combined commercial and tourist facility located at the base of Nusamai Bridge. Designed by architect Kiko Mozuna, who hails from Kushiro City, the building's unique appearance integrates the natural environment of Kushiro and serves as a landmark of the city. On the first floor, you can purchase souvenirs such as sweets and crafts, as well as fresh seafood and agricultural products. The second floor features the "Kushiro Port Yatai," and on the third floor, you'll find the beer hall "Kiri no Beer Garden," where you can enjoy Kushiro's gourmet offerings amidst the harbor town's atmosphere. From May to the end of October, the "Quay Grill" is held on the Kushiro port pier, allowing you to enjoy a charcoal-grilled seafood experience while enjoying views of Nusamai Bridge. Adjacent to this is the dome-shaped "Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf EGG," a botanical garden that serves as a relaxing spot for locals. A visit to the cafe inside, while admiring the beautiful glass-paneled building, is also recommended.

Located about 15 minutes by bus from JR Kushiro Station, the Kushiro City Museum is one of the top historical and largest museums in Hokkaido. Designed by Kushiro-born architect Kiko Mozuna, the building features a distinctive exterior shape inspired by the wingspan of the red-crowned crane, a special natural monument. The museum offers exhibits on the nature of Kushiro, its precious flora and fauna, as well as replicas that provide insights into the history and industry of Kushiro. Visitors can also explore dioramas that depict the culture developed by the indigenous Ainu people and the Kushiro Wetlands. With smartphone audio guides available, this museum is a recommended spot for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the culture of Kushiro and Eastern Hokkaido. Admission fees are 480 yen for adults, 250 yen for high school students, and 110 yen for elementary and junior high school students (as of August 2024).

When visiting Kushiro, be sure to savor "robatayaki," a culinary delight originating from Kushiro. This dish involves grilling seafood and vegetables over a charcoal hearth surrounded by seating, allowing diners to enjoy a unique dining experience. The name "robatayaki" comes from the imagery of enjoying food at the hearth's edge. A perfect complement to this grilled fare is Kushiro's local sake, "Fukutsukasa," warmed on the hearth as "dara-kan," which pairs excellently with seafood. Kushiro boasts dozens of robata restaurants, and here are a few recommendations for first-time visitors.

The "Kushiro Robata Society," formed by 12 local robata restaurants, offers web-based meal vouchers to allow diners to enjoy robata casually. Why not take advantage of this opportunity?

In 2023, Kushiro Port reclaimed the title of Japan’s top-ranking port for fish haul volume, a position it hadn't held for 32 years. The fresh seafood caught there gathers at the "Kushiro Washo Market," established in 1954. It's one of Hokkaido's three major markets, alongside Hakodate's Morning Market and Sapporo's Nijo Market, featuring around 60 shops in a row. The market's most popular dish is "Katte Don," where you customize your own seafood bowl by choosing your toppings. Aside from a wide variety of local souvenirs from the Eastern Hokkaido area, the market also offers the option to ship fresh seafood to other regions. Located just about a five-minute walk from Kushiro Station, it's a must-visit spot.

Kushiro City takes pride in this local dish, "Supakatsu." It features a generous portion of spaghetti with rich meat sauce topped with a hefty tonkatsu served on a sizzling iron plate. When it was first created, pork meat was still considered a luxury ingredient, leading to the idea of indulging by having it as a cutlet atop the dish. Originally popular among locals, Supakatsu gradually became a sought-after dish attracting tourists. Despite its overflowing, large serving size, local women manage to eat it easily—a fascinating sight.