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."

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.

Board the Akan Bus "Akan Line" departing from in front of Kushiro Station and head to Lake Akan Onsen, one of the region's most popular tourist destinations, where the indigenous Ainu village "Akan Ainu Kotan" is located. At Lake Akan, a caldera lake within Akan-Mashu National Park, enjoy a scenic cruise around the lake or try traditional Ainu wood carvings and cuisine. You can also visit a theater showcasing seasonal traditional Ainu dances or join an immersive nighttime walking experience. Wash away your travel fatigue by relaxing in a hot spring.

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.

Along National Route 334, on the way to the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site, you’ll find one of Japan’s Top 100 Waterfalls—Oshin Koshin Falls. In Ainu, “Oshin Koshin” means “a place where Ezo spruce trees grow.” As its name suggests, the powerful water cascades down a cliff in the forest. Since the flow splits into two midway, it is also called the “Twin Beauty Waterfall.” After a day of scenic wonders, unwind in the hot springs of Shiretoko.
Note: No stop after September 1 due to sunset timing.

In the morning, board the sightseeing bus "Shiretoko Kushiro Line" and enjoy the Shiretoko area, a World Natural Heritage site. First, head to Shiretoko Pass, one of the "Shiretoko Eight Views," located at the top of the Shiretoko Transverse Road connecting Utoro and Rausu Town. Facing Rausu-dake directly and with expansive nature filled with trees below, it is a magnificent spot. If the weather is good, you can see Nemuro Strait and even Kunashiri Island, part of the Northern Territories.

Registered under the Ramsar Convention, Notsuke Peninsula, known as the "end of the earth," is Japan's largest sandy peninsula.
It is a unique landscape formed by sand carried by ocean currents. A straight path leads you 15 minutes into the sea, arriving at the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center.
In summer, wildflowers bloom, and in autumn, pampas grass flourishes; if the weather is clear, you can see Kunashiri Island and Shiretoko Peninsula. Occasionally, you might spot seals resting. The center exhibits models and photographs where you can learn about the nature of Notsuke Peninsula in detail, and you can enjoy soft cream made with Betsukai milk and fresh seafood. A limited-time tractor bus is available (no schedule; departs as people gather), leading to "Todowara." This area offers a desolate landscape where Sakhalin spruce has decayed due to seawater. You can also walk there, but it takes about 30 minutes, so time management is crucial.

Head to Kushiro wetlands, Japan's largest wetlands. Famous for the red-crowned crane, designated as a special natural monument, this place offers beautiful seasonal scenery and magnificent landscapes. There are various ways to enjoy it, but for those short on time, viewing the scenery from the observatory is recommended. Use the observatory admission ticket included with the bus ticket to enjoy the view of Kushiro wetlands from a high vantage point at a good value. The great nature, which changes its expression depending on the time of visit, is a breathtaking sight that will make you want to return again and again.

After returning to Kushiro City, it's recommended to pick up your luggage from the hotel and explore the shops around Kushiro Station. Within walking distance from the station is the "Kushiro Washo Market," where fresh seafood is densely packed. Especially popular is the original "Katte Don" (DIY seafood bowl), where you can select your own toppings. Opposite the Kushiro Washo Market is the "Kushiro Tancho Ichiba Gourmet Hall," which will reopen in April of Reiwa 6 (2024). Besides seafood, you can buy local vegetables and souvenirs, and enjoy set meals using fresh fish or Kushiro ramen.