Hafen
Kushiro

OVERVIEW

Become immersed in the natural wonders of Hokkaido Island both past and present and come away with a greater respect for the island’s environmental efforts. From the rooftop Kushiro Marshland Observatory, you will gaze out over Japan’s largest wetland, a protected area known for its astounding biodiversity. Of all the species, none is more revered than red-crowned cranes, which you will observe at a special nature reserve that provides the ideal semiaquatic habitat for them. Once nearly extinct and still highly endangered, these cranes – named for the disc of bare red skin on their crowns – have long been a symbol of immortality. For a glimpse into the biodiversity in the surrounding seas, you will browse the dozens of stalls in the Kushiro Washo Market, the island’s oldest seafood market. The exhibits at the Kushiro City Museum will offer a historical look at the island’s flora and fauna dating back to prehistoric times.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gaze out over Japan’s largest wetlands from a rooftop observation deck.
• Observe revered, highly endangered red-crowned cranes at a nature reserve.
• Behold the incredible bounty of the sea in the island’s oldest seafood market.
• Browse the natural history exhibits in the Kushiro City Museum.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Explore the coastal beauty and history of the largest city in Eastern Hokkaido during this picturesque sightseeing tour of Kushiro and its environs.

Kushiro Marshland

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 40-minute drive to the Kushiro Marshland. This largest wetland in Japan has been placed on the Ramsar Convention list of important wetlands. The marsh extends across the Kushiro Plain, and is fed by the waters of the Kushirogawa River. Reeds grow in the wettest areas, which are surrounded by grasslands and dense stands of alder trees. The Kushiro Marshland is home to some 600 plant species, and offers habitats for the Japanese crane and other migratory birds.

Here, take a short stroll to the Observation deck and enjoy the view (weather permitting).

Japanese Crane Reserve

Next, a visit is made to the Japanese Crane Reserve. Nearly extinct during the Meiji Era due to over-hunting and environmental changes, the species rebounded when approximately 10 surviving cranes were discovered in the Kushiro-Shitsugen area about 70 years ago. Farmers fed them in the winter months when food was scarce, and the number of Japanese cranes has proliferated ever since. The reserve also serves as a shelter for injured cranes.

Kushiro City Museum

Next visit the Kushiro City Museum. This museum stands like an old Medieval European castle on the banks of Lake Harutori, and the building looks like a flying crane from the air. Exhibits to be seen include a miniature model of Kushiro showing the historic and wildlife breeding areas.

On the way back to the port, the bus will stop at Fisherman's Wharf MOO, a shopping mall. Have the chance to purchase a souvenir, if you depart the bus you will make your own way back to the ship approximately 5 minutes walking distance.

East Hokkaido area is one of the most famous for the Nature lovers. Visit and see great view at the Japan's largest wetland. (Weather permitting) Learn the fascinating history at the Hosooka Visitors Center.

Hosooka Visitors Lounge & Observatory

Walkways wind around the Hosooka Visitors Lounge and Observatory, which was designed to look like a tussock of grass common to the area.  The pathways are dotted with numerous platforms set up to reveal spectacular views of the marsh and the Kashiro River as it meanders through the area at your feet.  Learn about this complex ecosystem, which is home to thousands of plant and animal species, at the Visitors Center.

Washo Fish Market

Your tour continues with a stop is at the Washo Fish Market, which offers an abundance of seafood, seasonal produce and fruit. Marvel at the rows upon rows of seafood and the choice of crabs filled with sweet and juicy meat. The delicious 'Katte Don' (as -you-like-it bowl) is one of the famous fares here. If you choose to make a bowl you will need to bring Japanese Yen to pay the vendors. The market is considered to be the kitchen of the people of Kushiro, with seafood that Kushiro boasts of and seasonal produce of vegetables and fruits. This tour concludes back at the pier.

Embrace the spectacular natural beauty of the Kushiro Marshland during this half-day walking tour on the Onnenai Boardwalk.

Kushiro Marshland

Depart the pier for the approximate 40-minute drive to the Kushiro Marshland, the largest marshland in Japan. Upon arrival, proceed to the Onnenai Visitor Centre. Located on the west-side of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, the Onnenai Visitor Centre is the starting point for a wooden walkway stretching through the swamp. The Kushiro Marshland is renowned for its unique marshland ecosystem, which can be observed directly from the walkway. It is also home to about 600 plant species, and offers habitats for the Japanese crane and other migratory birds. During your walking tour led by a local nature guide, see flowers from the Ice Age found only in eastern Hokkaido, a variety of alpine plants and northern animals, and the distinctive seasonal changes of the region. Following your walking tour, re-board the coach for the approximate 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the natural beauty and Ainu culture of Hokkaido during this memorable, full-day excursion to Ainu Kotan, Lake Akan and the Kushiro Marshland.

Ainu Kotan

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate two-hour drive to Ainu Kotan. The largest Ainu village, Ainu Kotan is located just outside Hot-spring Village and includes about 36 residences housing approximately 200 people. On the west-side of the village street are about 30 souvenir shops crammed side-by-side.

Traditional Ainu dances, which have been designated as important intangible cultural assets, can be seen in the Onne-Chise, or 'very big house' located in the centre of the Kotan. There are also places where you can take pictures wearing traditional Ainu costumes.

Lake Akan

Next, proceed for lunch at a hotel near Lake Akan, a beautiful and mysterious crater-lake located in Akan National Park. Lake Akan is renowned for its 'marimo', a curious-looking moss that grows in large green balls; a phenomenon that is unique to this lake. After lunch, re-board your coach and drive to the Kushiro Marshland.

Kushiro Marshland

The largest wetland in Japan, the Kushiro Marshland has been placed on the Ramsar Convention list of important wetlands. The marsh extends across the Kushiro Plain, and is fed by the waters of the Kushirogawa River. Reeds grow in the wettest areas, which are surrounded by grasslands and dense stands of alder trees. The Kushiro Marshland is home to approximately 600 plant species, and offers habitats for the Japanese crane and other migratory birds.  Wildlife sightings are not always guaranteed. Your tour concludes with an approximate 40-minute drive back to the pier.

Indulge your senses with the spectacular natural wonders of Eastern Hokkaido during this scenic, full-day excursion to beautiful Lake Mashu, the Iozan Volcano and hot-spring / Onsen.

Lake Mashu

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate two-hour drive to Lake Mashu. The world's most transparent lake, Mashu features beautiful, ultramarine-coloured surfaces that change from moment-to-moment and are always covered by mist. The Ainu people have revered this lake as the 'Lake of the Gods' since ancient times. Although a visit to the lakeshore is not permitted, splendid views are available from the observatories. The Mashu Hot-spring Spa is located near Lake Mashu.

Iozan Volcano

Next, a visit is made to Iozan, an active volcano on Mount Iou, or 'Sulphur Mountain', near Kawayu Onsen. Upon arrival, you can stroll around the steaming and smoking area, where yellow, sulphurous vents can be viewed from up close. A few walking trails here are ideal for a pleasant stroll around the mountain. Eggs, cooked by the natural heat of the volcano, are usually on sale near the vents.

Hot-spring - Onsen

After lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to a near by hot-spring. The spring quality is of strong sulphuric hydrogen, a rare phenomenon in Hokkaido, which acts as an antibacterial agent and is especially effective against athletes' foot and skin disorders. A stop is made for a relaxing foot-bath at one of the local hot springs - Onsen. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate 100-minute drive back to the pier.

Explore Kushiro at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kushiro at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kushiro at your leisure during your full-day (8 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Kushiro at your leisure during your half-day (4 Hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.