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Kushiro Summer/Fall Tour
3 days, 2 nights
Sapporo Station
 
⇒Kushiro Station
Kushiro Station
 
⇒Sapporo Station
This course is recommended to those who want to efficiently travel around the Kushiro Area!
This three day course will take you around all of Kushiro's major sightseeing spots. From Kushiro Airport, you'll venture out into the great lands of the north, exploring two national parks (Kushiro Shitsugen National Park and Akan Mashu National Park) aboard a tour bus operated by local experts.
Kushiro Summer/Fall Tour
DAY1
Depart from Sapporo Station by train and arrive at Kushiro Station around noon.
Kushiro Station
*It takes about four and a half hours by train from Sapporo Station to Kushiro Station.
Around 13:50 (time varies by season)
Explore Kushiro city
After leaving your luggage at the hotel where you are staying in Kushiro, it's time for sightseeing!You can choose souvenirs from Eastern Hokkaido at the complex shopping and tourist facility "Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO", located at the foot of Nusamai Bridge, and taking a commemorative photo in front of the "Cool KUSHIRO" monument is also recommended!You might want to grab an early bite at "Azumaya," known for its green soba noodles originating from the long-established soba shop more than 100 years old "Takeroen Tokiya Sohonten," or enjoy Kushiro's soul food, "Spa-Katsu," at "Restaurant Izumiya."
Cool KUSHIRO monument
Kushiro's sunset
Departure times vary by season
Sunset Cruise
An absolute must-see in Kushiro tourism is the "sunset." Kushiro is home to one of the world's three most beautiful sunsets, alongside Bali and Manila. On the Kushiro Sunset Sightseeing Cruise Ship SEA CRANE, you can enjoy a leisurely sunset cruise as you listen to guides about the setting sun over Kushiro Port. Additionally, a local guide leads a sunset guide tour, introducing photo spots centered around the town's symbol, Nusamai Bridge.
*Please note that departure times vary by month. For detailed times, please verify with the cruise and guide operators when making a reservation. (Approximate times) July around 17:00, August around 16:00, September around 15:00, October to November around 14:00.
Around 18:00 (time varies by season)
Robata
Reservation One of the famous Kushiro gourmet experiences is "robatayaki" (Japanese grill). There are numerous places in the city that offer robatayaki, many of which have an inviting atmosphere with a hearth inside. It pairs perfectly with Kushiro's local sake, "Fukutsukasa," and enjoying "darakan," sake warmed at the hearth, is highly recommended.
Among these establishments, "Robata Uroko," founded in 1975, stands out with its large hearth surrounded by a counter, offering a unique atmosphere that only a long-established shop can provide. You can thoroughly enjoy the fresh seafood, mountain produce, and local sake distinctive to the port town of Kushiro.
After savoring a delicious robatayaki meal to your heart's content, prepare for tomorrow with a good night's sleep at your hotel.
Robata Barbecue
Hotel stay in Kushiro city
DAY2
Ride Akan Bus “Pirika-go” – Guided Sightseeing Bus – Reservation required
8:00–8:08
Board at Kushiro Station Bus Terminal / MOO Bus Terminal / Kushiro Prince Hotel
From the Bus Window
Hokuto Viewpoint – Kushiro wetlands
10:00
Mashu Lake First Observatory
Depart from Lake Akan on a guided sightseeing bus and head to the First Observatory of Lake Mashu, a lake also registered as a Hokkaido Heritage site. Known as the “Misty Lake Mashu,” it is often covered in thick fog. However, when the skies clear, its mystical beauty is breathtaking. With the highest water transparency in Japan, the deep blue color—known as “Mashu Blue”—is mesmerizing. On a lucky day, you may even witness a sea of clouds spreading across the landscape.
Mashu Lake
Mt. Iou (Sulfur Mountain)
10:55
Mt. Iou (Sulfur Mountain)
Next, visit Mt. Iou, the source of Kawayu Onsen’s hot springs. The volcano is still active today, and you can see sulfurous gas rising from the mountain's surface right in front of you. The billowing steam emerging from all over the mountainside creates a rare and powerful scene. Don’t miss the local delicacy—onsen-steamed eggs—cooked using the natural heat from the volcanic vents. The gentle sulfur aroma and subtle salty flavor make it a perfect snack you can only enjoy here.
11:35
Lake Kussharo (Sunayu Area)
Ainu Kotan
13:05
Lake Akan Onsen & Ainu Kotan
Arrive at the Lake Akan Onsen area, a popular destination featuring the “Ainu Kotan,” a village created by the indigenous Ainu people. You can enjoy a cruise on the caldera lake within Akan-Mashu National Park or experience traditional Ainu woodcrafts and local cuisine.
16:50~16:55
Get off at Kushiro Station Bus Terminal / MOO Bus Terminal / Kushiro Prince Hotel.
Hotel stay in Kushiro city.
DAY3
Ride Akan Bus with Kushiro wetlands Observatory Pass – Reservation required
Weekdays: 8:45 / Weekends & Holidays: 8:55
Board the Tsurui Line from Kushiro Station
Around 9:40
Kushiro wetlands Observatory
Welcome to Japan’s largest wetlands. Famous for the Japanese red-crowned crane, a designated special natural monument, this area offers seasonal beauty and vast, breathtaking views. For those short on time, the observatory provides a panoramic overview. With a combination ticket, including bus fare and admission, enjoy a great-value experience from the highlands. The changing expressions of nature here make every visit a unique memory.
Kushiro wetlands Observatory
10:51
Board the Tsurui Line from the Observatory
11:35
Arrive at Kushiro Station
11:40
Free time in Kushiro City
Before heading to the airport, pick up your luggage and enjoy a stroll near Kushiro Station. Just a short walk away is Kushiro Washo Market, where fresh seafood is lined up in abundance. Try the famous “Kattedon,” a custom seafood bowl you build with your favorite toppings. Across from the market is the recently renovated (April 2024) “Kushiro Tanchou Market Gourmet Hall,” where you can enjoy fresh local dishes, including Kushiro-style ramen.
Kushiro City
Return to Sapporo Station from Kushiro Station by train around noon.
Kushiro Station
*It takes about four and a half hours by train from Kushiro Station to Sapporo Station.
Included Activities and Bookings
DAY1
Sunset Cruise
Robata Barbecue
DAY2
Board Akan Bus ["Guided Tour Bus" Pirika]
DAY3
Ride Akan Bus with Kushiro wetlands Observatory Pass – Reservation required