Kushiro (Hokkaido), Japan

 Cruises to Kushiro 

Kushiro - the city of fog, cranes, and Japan's largest wetlands. It is one of the northernmost and most distinctive cruise ports on Hokkaido's Pacific coast. The city sits on the island's southeastern shore, where the cold Oyashio Current meets warm summer air, producing the famous Kushiro fog that blankets the waterfront even at the height of summer. Here the port, the river, and the city have grown into a single whole: Kushiro stands on both banks of the Kushiro River's mouth, and right next door lies Japan's largest wetland, home to the red-crowned crane, a bird sacred to the Japanese.
For a cruise traveler, Kushiro is above all a gateway to the wild nature of eastern Hokkaido. The port is not a turnaround port: ships call here for a single day as part of Sea of Japan itineraries, transpacific crossings to Alaska and North America, or coastal cruises around Hokkaido. In the 2026 season, the Port of Kushiro welcomed around 10 different cruise ships, which made 13 calls here in total — ranging from Japanese lines to leading international brands. 🚢

📋 Before setting off on a cruise to Kushiro or going ashore for a few hours in port, here's what you need to know:
🇯🇵 Country: Japan
📍 Region: Hokkaido, Kushiro Subprefecture (eastern part of the island)
👥 Population: approximately 154,000–160,000 residents (the largest city in eastern Hokkaido)
📐 Area: 1,362.92 km² (about 526 sq mi) — one of the largest cities in Japan by area
🗣️ Languages: Japanese; English is spoken sparingly even in tourist spots
💴 Currency: Japanese yen (JPY)
🕐 Time zone: JST (UTC+9), no daylight saving time — 6 hours ahead of Kyiv time in summer and 7 hours ahead in winter
☀️ Climate: cool maritime climate with dense summer fog (59–66 °F / +15…+19 °C) and moderately cold, low-snow winters (14–27 °F / -10…-3 °C) thanks to its Pacific-facing coastline
✈️ Nearest airport: Tancho Kushiro Airport (KUH) — about 12 miles (20 km) from downtown and the port
⚓ Official name of the cruise port: Kushiro Port (釧路港)
🗺️ Port structure: divided by the Kushiro River into an East District and a West District

🏛️ History of Kushiro — from the fishing settlement of Kusuri to the industrial gateway of eastern Hokkaido
⏳ Over 150 years of growth
The history of Kushiro is closely tied to Japan's settlement of Hokkaido and the region's Ainu heritage. Before Japanese settlers arrived, these lands and fish-rich shores were long inhabited by the Ainu — Hokkaido's indigenous people, whose traditions are still felt in the city's culture today. The settlement was originally called Kusuri, and only in 1869, during the large-scale renaming of Hokkaido's lands in the Meiji era, did it receive its modern name, Kushiro.
The Port of Kushiro officially opened to international trade in 1899, and it has since developed steadily as the key port of eastern Hokkaido. The natural harbor at the river mouth gradually grew into a major industrial, fishing, and coal port — until recently, coal from Japan's only operating underground coal mine was shipped out from here. At the same time, the city built up its paper and pulp industry along with the dairy farming of the surrounding districts, both of which remain the backbone of the local economy today.
🌫️ The city of fog and cranes
Over the 20th century, Kushiro earned a reputation as the “city of fog” — in summer, cool marine air over the cold Oyashio Current regularly wraps the waterfront in a dense haze, which locals see not as an inconvenience but as part of the city's identity. At the same time, nearby lies Japan's largest marsh, where the red-crowned crane — a species scientists believed extinct as early as the beginning of the 20th century — has miraculously survived. Today the port and the marsh coexist as the region's industrial heart and one of the country's most important nature conservation sites.

⚓ Port of Kushiro — a gateway to the wilderness of eastern Hokkaido
📊 Scale and layout of the port
Today's Kushiro Port is a major port complex divided by the Shin-Kushiro River into two areas: the East District (Higashi) and the West District (Nishi). In the East District, right in the city center, sits an earthquake-resistant cruise terminal that opened in 2011, adjoined by the Fisherman's Wharf MOO tourist complex with its market, shops, and restaurants. Larger ships, for which the depth of the East Port is insufficient, are received at the 4th pier of the West Port (Nishiko Pier No. 4), an industrial area a few kilometers from downtown.
Unlike Japan's major turnaround ports, Kushiro is a compact, purely one-day port of call: ships typically stay here from 8 to 12 hours, and passengers are taken by a free port shuttle to JR Kushiro Station and the Fisherman's Wharf MOO pier.

🚢 How many liners the port can receive
The Port of Kushiro receives ships one at a time — simultaneous berthing of several large cruise ships is not practiced here due to limited depth and pier length. In the 2026 season, the port expects around 10 different ships, making 13 calls in total — one of its busiest seasons in recent years, reflecting the broader rise in the popularity of cruises to Japan and Hokkaido in particular.

🏢 Which cruise lines call at Kushiro
Ships from Holland America Line, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Princess Cruises, and Celebrity Cruises regularly call at Kushiro, along with the Japanese line NYK Cruises with its Asuka-class ships. In 2026, the British Cunard liner Queen Elizabeth is also expected, and the luxury line Explora Journeys has already appeared on the 2027 schedule. Most calls form part of transpacific itineraries between Japan and Alaska or North America, or of coastal cruises around Hokkaido. 🌍

💡 Interesting facts about Kushiro and its port
Getting to know the city is easier with a few lesser-known details:
🌫️ Kushiro is one of the foggiest cities in Japan. In summer, dense sea fog can wrap the waterfront for several days in a row, even as the interior of the island bakes in the heat.
🦢 It is home to the sacred red-crowned crane. A species scientists believed extinct in the early 20th century miraculously survived in the marshes around Kushiro and is today a symbol of longevity and good fortune in Japanese culture.
🌾 The Kushiro Marsh is Japan's largest wetland and the country's first site to be listed under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (1980).
🌉 Nusamai Bridge over the Kushiro River is adorned with four bronze statues symbolizing the four seasons — one of the city's most famous spots for sunset photos.
⛏️ Kushiro is home to Japan's only operating underground coal mine, a legacy of the days when the city was the main coal port of eastern Hokkaido.
🔥 Robatayaki, the grilling technique in which fresh seafood and vegetables are cooked over charcoal right in front of the guest, originated in Kushiro.
🏛️ The Kushiro City Museum building is shaped like a crane spreading its wings — a tribute to the city's chief natural symbol.
🈴 Until 1869, the city was called Kusuri — it received its modern name, Kushiro, during the large-scale renaming of Hokkaido's lands in the Meiji era.

📍 Kushiro's top sights — must-sees for cruise visitors
A cruise ship's call in Kushiro usually lasts 8 to 12 hours, so it's important to prioritize in advance. A detailed list with addresses, prices, and opening hours can be found in the “Landmarks and Places of Interest” section; below is a brief overview of the iconic spots that define the city and the region.
🦢 Kushiro Shitsugen National Park — Japan's largest marsh, home to the red-crowned crane, with observation platforms and wooden boardwalks winding through the reeds.
🌉 Nusamai Bridge and the Kushiro waterfront — a landmark bridge with bronze statues of the four seasons right in the heart of the city.
🐟 Fisherman's Wharf MOO and Washo Market — a modern tourist complex and a traditional seafood market where you can build your own bowl of fresh fish over rice.
🏔️ Akan-Mashu National Park — three volcanic caldera lakes, including the remarkably clear Lake Mashu and Japan's largest caldera lake, Lake Kussharo, with hot springs along its shore.
🏛️ Kushiro City Museum — exhibits on the region's nature, Ainu culture, and industrial history, housed in a crane-shaped building.

✨ Why choose a cruise to Kushiro
Kushiro is a rare chance to see a wild, little-touristed side of Japan that never makes it onto the standard Tokyo — Kyoto — Osaka route.
First, its nature is unique: within a few hours of the pier lie Japan's largest marshes and volcanic caldera lakes found nowhere else in the country. 🦢
Second, it offers a genuine encounter with the wild: red-crowned cranes, the country's largest caldera lake, and dense fog create an atmosphere nothing like the megacities of Honshu. 🌊
Third, its cuisine is authentic: fresh seafood straight from the port, robatayaki, and katsudon — flavors born right here. 🍶

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the best route through Japan and Hokkaido, arrange shore excursions to Akan-Mashu and Kushiro Shitsugen National Parks, and offer exclusive rates from Holland America Line, Silversea, Oceania Cruises, and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Kushiro

Kushiro — a port city on the eastern coast of Hokkaido, visited by cruise ships as a port of call on itineraries around Japan, the Kuril Islands, or the Pacific. Kushiro is not a turnaround (embarkation) port — ships calling here depart from and return to Yokohama, Tokyo, or other Japanese ports, and Kushiro welcomes them for a single day's stopover. The cruise port has two berths depending on ship size, and neither is located in the very heart of the city, so it's worth knowing in advance how to reach the main sights and get back on board on time. Below is a verified step-by-step guide with all transfer options, current prices, and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯

📍 Where exactly is the Kushiro cruise port located
The Port of Kushiro is administered by the municipal port authority and receives cruise ships at two separate berths, depending on vessel tonnage:

⚓ East District Passenger Terminal (earthquake-resistant terminal) — the main and most convenient berth for ships up to 70,000 gross tons:
• Located in the eastern part of the port, right within the city, at the mouth of the Kushiro River
• Just a 5-minute walk to downtown and the Fisherman's Wharf MOO shopping and dining complex
• About 1 km, a 15–20-minute walk to JR Kushiro Station
• The terminal opened in 2011 as part of a coastal earthquake-resilience infrastructure programme

⚓ Nishiko Pier No. 4 (West Port District) — receives larger ships (over 70,000 gross tons) that cannot dock at the central terminal:
• Located in the industrial zone of the western port, outside walking distance from downtown
• A free shuttle bus runs to the Fisherman's Wharf MOO complex — a 15–20-minute ride
• About 20 minutes by taxi to JR Kushiro Station
• About 20 minutes by taxi to the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park observation deck

❗ Important: the exact berth for your ship is always listed in your cruise voucher and the ship's daily programme. Check this information a few days before your call in port — the berth assignment depends solely on ship size and weather conditions.

✈️ From Tancho Kushiro Airport (KUH) to the cruise terminal
Tancho Kushiro Airport (officially «Tancho Kushiro Airport», IATA code KUH) is located about 19–20 km from the city centre and serves domestic flights from Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka, and other Japanese cities — there are no direct international flights from Ukraine. This section is mainly relevant for passengers flying in separately to extend their Hokkaido trip before or after the cruise.

🚕 Taxi — the fastest option
A taxi rank is located right at the arrivals exit.
• Travel time: 35–40 minutes to the city centre
• Approximate fare: around 6,700–8,500 JPY to central Kushiro (metered or a fixed rate with certain companies)
• Payment: cash or card in most vehicles
💡 Tip from Four Gates: tell the driver the berth — the «earthquake-resistant passenger terminal» (旅客船ターミナル) or «Nishiko Pier No. 4» (西港区第4埠頭), depending on your ship.

🚐 Private transfer
Several local taxi operators offer advance-booked transfers at a fixed rate — convenient for families or groups with a lot of luggage.
• Price: depends on the destination area and time of day, from roughly 6,000 JPY per vehicle (standard sedan, up to 4 people)
• Advantages: fixed price, advance booking, no queueing
🤝 Four Gates Group can arrange an airport transfer from Kushiro on request when booking your Hokkaido tour.

🚌 Akan Bus airport shuttle — the budget option
The scheduled Akan Bus service runs from the airport to the city centre, timed to flight arrivals.
• Route: Kushiro Airport → JR Kushiro Station (stop right by the station)
• Travel time: about 45 minutes
• Fare: 950 JPY one way (children — half price)
• Payment: cash (mostly 1,000-JPY banknotes) or a transit IC card
• Frequency: a bus departs after every arriving flight
⚠️ Important: from JR Kushiro Station to the cruise terminal you'll need a further taxi ride (10–15 minutes) or a walk (15–20 minutes), as there is no direct bus from the airport to the pier.

🚂 From JR Kushiro Railway Station to the cruise terminal
If you arrive by train on the JR Nemuro Line (for example, from Sapporo via Obihiro or from other Hokkaido cities), you'll arrive at Kushiro Station — the region's main rail hub.

🚶 To the earthquake-resistant passenger terminal: about 1 km, a 15–20-minute walk along the Kushiro River past the famous Nusamai Bridge
🚕 Taxi to the passenger terminal: 5–7 minutes, roughly 1,000–1,300 JPY
🚕 Taxi to Nishiko Pier No. 4: about 20 minutes, roughly 2,500–3,000 JPY
💡 Tip: if you have heavy luggage or limited time, a taxi from the station is the simplest and fastest way to either berth.

🏙️ From downtown Kushiro to the cruise terminal
If you're staying at a hotel in the city centre (around Nusamai Bridge, Kitaodori Street, or the Kushiro riverside), there are several ways to reach the pier:

🚶 Walking to the passenger terminal — the simplest option if your hotel is close to downtown: 10–20 minutes along the riverside promenade, past the Fisherman's Wharf MOO complex.

🚕 Taxi — the best option for Nishiko Pier No. 4, or if you'd rather not walk: 5–15 minutes to the passenger terminal (roughly 800–1,200 JPY), 15–20 minutes to Pier No. 4 (roughly 2,000–2,500 JPY). Taxis can be called by phone or picked up at ranks near the station or hotels — ride-hailing apps such as Uber do not operate in Kushiro, so phone bookings remain the main way to get a cab.

🚌 Shuttle bus from Fisherman's Wharf MOO — runs free of charge to Pier No. 4 on days when large ships call, usually timed to the ship's schedule. Check the timetable at the port information point or with your cruise line's representative on board.

🚗 Driving your own car — parking near the port (and car rental)
If you're touring Hokkaido by rental car — a popular way to see Kushiro Shitsugen National Park or Lake Akan before or after your ship's call — keep the following in mind:

🅿️ Parking at Fisherman's Wharf MOO — closest to the earthquake-resistant passenger terminal:
• Capacity: around 76 spaces
• Rate: free for an initial period with purchases of 1,000 JPY or more at MOO; otherwise, an hourly rate applies
• Note: the most convenient option if you plan to combine parking with a riverside stroll

🅿️ Parking at Nishiko Pier No. 4 — limited spaces directly within the industrial port zone; access and parking rules are coordinated with the port authority and security staff on the day of the call, so drivers are advised to contact their cruise line agent in advance.

🚗 Car rental: rental counters (Toyota Rent a Car, Times Car, Nippon Rent-A-Car, and others) operate at Kushiro Airport and near the railway station. Driving in Hokkaido requires an International Driving Permit issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention — a standard Ukrainian licence without an international permit is not accepted in Japan.
💡 Tip: if you plan an independent trip to Lake Akan or the geysers, return your rental car with extra time to spare — up to 60–90 minutes before the ship's boarding deadline, since the drop-off process itself also takes time.

♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
The Port of Kushiro is adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, although the infrastructure is more modest than in major European ports:
✅ The earthquake-resistant passenger terminal is equipped with ramps and an elevator
✅ Shuttle buses to Pier No. 4 have low floors for wheelchair users
✅ Port staff and cruise line representatives are on duty at each terminal to assist with boarding and disembarkation
✅ Wheelchair-accessible taxis can be pre-booked through the port's taxi operator
💡 Tip: notify your cruise line of any assistance needs in advance — this is especially important for Pier No. 4, located in an industrial zone without developed pedestrian infrastructure.

⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Kushiro receives ships exclusively as a port of call — there is no embarkation or disembarkation at the start or end of a cruise here, so «check-in» timing does not apply. Instead, the key concern is returning to the ship on time after your independent shore excursion:
🕐 Length of call: typically 6–10 hours, with the exact schedule shown in the ship's daily programme
🕐 All-aboard deadline: usually 60 minutes before the ship's stated departure time
🕐 Recommendation: allow an extra 30–40 minutes for the journey back from the more distant attractions (such as Kushiro Shitsugen) to the pier, especially if your ship is berthed at Pier No. 4, where the transfer to downtown takes longer
❗ Important: the ship will not wait for late passengers in Kushiro — the next port of call may be on another island or even in another country. Four Gates Group cruise specialists always confirm the exact all-aboard time for your specific itinerary.

💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Japan itineraries, our cruise specialists have gathered a few practical tips for your call in Kushiro:

💴 Carry cash in yen. Kushiro is a provincial city, and card payments aren't accepted everywhere, especially at markets and small cafes. The Akan Bus also mainly relies on cash.

📱 Download offline maps in advance. Mobile internet in the port area can be unreliable, and English-language signage in Kushiro is far less common than in Japan's larger cities.

🦢 Plan nature excursions ahead of time. Kushiro's main draws — the red-crowned cranes and Kushiro Shitsugen National Park — lie 30–45 minutes from the port, so a round trip takes up most of the call. Choose an official shore excursion through the cruise line or a private guide with a guaranteed return to the ship.

🍜 Try «katte-don» at Washo Market. This dish lets you top your own bowl of rice with fresh seafood — a Kushiro speciality, close to Fisherman's Wharf MOO.

🌫️ Dress warmer than you expect. Kushiro is known for summer sea fog and a cool maritime climate even in July and August — a light jacket is worth packing regardless of season.

🚕 Save the port's taxi dispatch number. Unlike major cities, Kushiro doesn't have a dense network of taxis waiting on the street — phoning for a cab is more reliable than trying to hail one.

📞 Kushiro cruise port contacts
Port of Kushiro Authority (Port and Airport Division):+81 154 53 33 71
Fisherman's Wharf MOO (tourist information point):+81 154 23 06 00
Kushiro taxi dispatch:+81 154 51 12 34
Japan Police (emergency): 110
Japan Ambulance and Fire Service: 119
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53

Getting to your ship in Kushiro may seem unfamiliar at first because of the distance to Pier No. 4 and the limited public transport typical of provincial Japanese ports. But once you know the right options for your ship, the call becomes a comfortable, nature-filled adventure. The Four Gates Group cruise experts help our clients plan their shore day in Kushiro — from choosing an official excursion to tips on getting around independently. Contact our manager, and your day in Kushiro will go smoothly, without any stress. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date information, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

Landmarks and Attractions of Kushiro: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers

Kushiro — a city with no Gothic cathedrals or modernist palaces, but home to Japan's largest wetland, the sacred red-crowned crane, and one of the world's three most beautiful sunsets. Here, nature outshines architecture, and the highlights for a cruise traveler aren't museum halls but open space, silence, and wild birds. A ship's call in Kushiro usually lasts 8 to 10 hours, so it's worth planning your route in advance. Below is a verified guide to the key attractions with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from both berths of Kushiro cruise port to each site. 🎯

🌾 1. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park (釧路湿原国立公園)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Kushiro Shitsugen is Japan's largest wetland, covering roughly 260 square kilometers (100 sq mi) — nearly twice the area of Kushiro city itself. In 1980 it became Japan's first wetland registered under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, and in 1987 it was designated the country's 28th national park. 🌿
🔹 It is home to the sacred tancho (red-crowned crane) — a species believed extinct in Japan in the early 20th century, until a small population was discovered right here in the Kushiro marshes in 1924.
🔹 Hidden among the reeds lives the Sakhalin taimen, Japan's largest freshwater fish, nicknamed the “phantom fish” locally because of its rarity.
🔹 The wetland formed on the site of an ancient sea bay that gradually filled with peat — the peat layer reaches up to 3 meters (10 ft) deep in places.
🔹 The winding Kushiro River meanders through the park — one of Japan's slowest and most sinuous lowland rivers, making it a popular spot for canoeing.

📜 History:
Before the Japanese settlement of Hokkaido, the Kushiro marshes were for centuries a hunting ground for the indigenous Ainu people, who regarded the tancho crane as a sacred messenger of the gods. In the 20th century, large portions of the wetland were drained for farmland, and the crane population fell to just a few dozen birds. A conservation movement that began in the 1930s and intensified after the war saved both the wetland and the bird: today the regional tancho population exceeds 1,800, and the national park itself is one of Hokkaido's flagship symbols of eco-tourism.

🚢 How to get there from Kushiro Port:
• From the seismic-resistant passenger terminal (small and mid-size ships): taxi to the Kushiro Marsh Observatory — about 20–25 minutes, JPY 3,000–3,500
• From Berth No. 4, West Port (ships of 70,000 GT and above): first a shuttle transfer to Fisherman's Wharf MOO (15–20 min), then a taxi to Kushiro Marsh Observatory — another 20 minutes or so, JPY 3,000–3,500
• Alternative — Hosooka Observatory: a viewpoint on the eastern edge of the marsh with sweeping river views, reachable via the “Norokko” sightseeing train on the Senmo Line to Kushiro Shitsugen Station, then a 10–15-minute walk. Admission is free, but the train runs a limited number of times per day — check the schedule in advance.

💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Kushiro Marsh Observatory building: adults JPY 480, high school students JPY 250, children JPY 110–120. April–September 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m., October–March 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed during New Year holidays
• Boardwalk loop around the building (2.5 km / 1.6 mi): free, open around the clock
• Hosooka Observatory: free, access limited by train schedule
⚠️ IMPORTANT: the protected wetland itself is closed to free entry — it can only be viewed from wooden boardwalks and observation decks, or during an organized canoe tour.

🦢 2. Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park (釧路市丹頂鶴自然公園)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Unlike the seasonal crane-watching sites in nearby villages, the Tancho Crane Nature Park in Kushiro is the only place in the region where the sacred bird can be seen year-round, not just in winter. Around 10–20 cranes live in open-air enclosures spanning 180×340 meters (590×1,115 ft).
🔹 In 1970, this was the site of the world's first successful artificial hatching of tancho chicks — an achievement that helped save the species from further decline.
🔹 The tancho crane is a symbol of fidelity in Japanese culture: pairs stay together for life and perform an elaborate “courtship dance” each year.
🔹 An adult crane's wingspan exceeds 2 meters (6.5 ft), making the tancho one of the largest cranes in the world.
🔹 Visit in May–July for a chance to see a fluffy brown chick alongside its parents.

📜 History:
The park was founded in August 1958 to protect and breed the tancho crane, which at the time was on the brink of extinction. The local community, organized as the “Kushiro Tancho Crane Conservation Society” since 1935, spent years fighting poaching and raising funds nationwide to build the park. Today it stands as one of the world's flagship species-conservation projects.

🚢 How to get there from Kushiro Port:
• Taxi from the seismic-resistant terminal: about 30–35 minutes, JPY 4,500–5,500
• Taxi from Berth No. 4 (including the shuttle to MOO): 15–20 min shuttle + about 30 minutes by taxi, JPY 4,500–5,500 for the taxi portion
• Public transport: the “Akan Bus” from Kushiro Station takes roughly 50–60 minutes, stop “Tsurukoen-mae” right at the entrance

💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Adults (high school age and up): JPY 480
• Children: JPY 110
• Opening hours: April 10 – October 14: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; October 15 – April 9: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Closed: December 31 – January 3
💡 Tip: the park has free parking and a small gift shop with crane-themed souvenirs.

🌉 3. Nusamai Bridge (幣舞橋) and the MOO Waterfront
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Nusamai Bridge, 124 meters (407 ft) long, is one of Hokkaido's three great bridges, alongside Toyohira Bridge in Sapporo and Asahi Bridge in Asahikawa. But the bridge's real fame lies in the view it offers.
🔹 Locals and Japanese media traditionally rank the sunset seen from Nusamai Bridge among the “world's three great sunsets,” alongside Manila Bay in the Philippines and the island of Bali in Indonesia — a legend traced back to the accounts of seafarers and mentions in Edo-period travel diaries.
🔹 Four bronze sculptures called “Shiki-no-Zo” (“Statues of the Four Seasons”), created by four renowned Japanese sculptors, stand on the bridge's railings — their silhouettes against the setting sun have become a symbol of the city.
🔹 The current bridge is already the fifth generation of crossings at this spot: the first wooden bridge was built in 1889, and the present stone bridge opened in 1976.
🔹 The bridge is illuminated every evening after sunset, with the lights staying on until midnight.

📜 History:
The bridge is named after “Nusamai,” an ancient Ainu shrine that once stood on this bank of the Kushiro River, where ritual offerings were made. The first wooden crossing appeared here in 1889, as Kushiro was actively developing as an industrial and fishing port. Frequent floods and wear led to repeated rebuilding, until the current stone bridge, with its European-inspired railing design, was completed in 1976.

🚢 How to get there from Kushiro Port:
• From the seismic-resistant passenger terminal: about a 5–10-minute walk — the terminal and the MOO waterfront are practically next to each other
• From Berth No. 4, West Port: shuttle transfer to Fisherman's Wharf MOO, 15–20 minutes

💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Walking the bridge and waterfront: free, open around the clock
• Fisherman's Wharf MOO, 1st floor (shops, market): 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (May–October), 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (November–April)
• “Minato-no-Yatai” food court, 2nd floor: lunch 11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m., dinner 5:00 p.m.–midnight
• Summer waterfront grill terrace: open mid-May through the end of October
💡 Tip: if your ship departs late in the evening, be sure to return to the waterfront before sunset — it's one of Hokkaido's most famous views, and from here you can also see the port where your ship is docked.

🐟 4. Washo Market (和商市場)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Washo is one of Hokkaido's three great markets, alongside Hakodate's morning market and Sapporo's Nijo Market. It's the true “kitchen of Kushiro,” where fresh fish and seafood are sold every day.
🔹 The market's signature experience is “katte-don” (“build-your-own bowl”): you buy a bowl of rice at one of the stalls, then wander the market choosing your own toppings — from salmon and roe to sea urchin and crab. This “sushi construction set” has become a Kushiro trademark.
🔹 The market has around 40–50 stalls selling fish, produce, meat, and souvenirs.
🔹 Seasonal delicacies change throughout the year: spring brings tokishirazu salmon, summer squid, autumn Pacific saury, and winter cod and sculpin.

📜 History:
The market was founded in 1954 as a place where fishermen and farmers could sell their fresh catch and produce directly to city residents. The name “Washo” combines the Japanese characters for “harmony” and “commerce.” Over more than 70 years, it has grown from a purely local market into one of Kushiro's main tourist attractions, while retaining its authentic “city kitchen” atmosphere.

🚢 How to get there from Kushiro Port:
• From the seismic-resistant passenger terminal: a 20–25-minute walk along the MOO waterfront, or a 5–8-minute taxi ride
• From Berth No. 4, West Port: shuttle to MOO (15–20 min), then another 20–25-minute walk, or a 5–8-minute taxi ride

💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Market entry: free
• Katte-don: a bowl of rice from JPY 250–350, toppings priced by weight or piece, roughly JPY 1,500–3,000 for a full bowl
• Opening hours: January–March 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., April–December 8:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Closed: Sundays (except for select summer dates — check in advance)
⚠️ Tip: arrive in the morning — the best fish sells out by midday, and some stalls close in the late afternoon.

🦣 5. Kushiro City Museum (釧路市立博物館)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The museum building is itself a landmark: it was designed by Kushiro-born architect Kiko Mozuna, and its shape symbolizes a tancho crane in flight with wings spread.
🔹 Visitors are greeted right at the entrance by a full mammoth skeleton — an Ice Age find that has become the museum's trademark.
🔹 The exhibition covers the nature, history, and industry of the Kushiro region — around 4,100 items, including a large collection of Ainu culture artifacts.
🔹 The museum sits on a hill overlooking Lake Harutori, a nationally designated natural monument, with lake views from its windows.

📜 History:
The museum was founded in 1936, and its current building, now an architectural landmark of the city, opened in 1983. In 2016 the museum celebrated its 80th anniversary with a major renovation of its exhibits on Kushiro's marine wildlife.

🚢 How to get there from Kushiro Port:
• From the seismic-resistant passenger terminal: taxi about 12–15 minutes, JPY 1,500–2,000
• From Berth No. 4, West Port: shuttle to MOO (15–20 min), then a 12–15-minute taxi ride, JPY 1,500–2,000
• Bus: about 15 minutes from Kushiro Station, stop “Shiritsu Hakubutsukan-mae,” then a 5-minute walk

💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Adults and university students: JPY 480
• High school students: JPY 250
• Children: JPY 110
• Opening hours: daily 9:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 4:30 p.m.)
• Closed: Mondays (except certain public holidays, when the closure shifts to the next business day)

🛶 6. Lake Akan (阿寒湖) — the Heart of Akan-Mashu National Park
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Lake Akan is a caldera lake covering 13.28 km² (5.13 sq mi) with a maximum depth of 45 meters (148 ft), surrounded by Mount Meakan and Mount Oakan. It's the most remote — but also the most spectacular — attraction on this list.
🔹 The lake is home to marimo, a unique spherical algae that forms perfectly round green “balls” up to 20–30 cm (8–12 in) in diameter. This natural spherical form of marimo occurs only in Lake Akan anywhere in the world, which is why the species has been designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan.
🔹 Nearby is Ainu Kotan, the largest Ainu indigenous community on Hokkaido, where visitors can see traditional dance, crafts, and wood carving.
🔹 The lake's shores are ringed with hot springs, making it home to one of eastern Hokkaido's best-known onsen resorts.

📜 History:
The lake and surrounding land have long been sacred Ainu territory; the Ainu regarded marimo as the spirit of the lake. In 1934 the region became part of Akan National Park (now Akan-Mashu), and in 1952 marimo was officially designated a Special Natural Monument of Japan. Every October, Ainu Kotan holds a festival honoring marimo — a symbolic ritual of returning the algae to the lake after a public exhibition.

🚢 How to get there from Kushiro Port:
The distance is about 80 km (50 mi), making this the only attraction on the list that requires a full organized excursion rather than an independent visit within a normal port call.
• Private transfer or tour bus: 1.5–2 hours each way
• Scheduled “Akan Bus” from Kushiro Station: approximately 2 hours, several departures per day
⚠️ IMPORTANT: visiting Lake Akan independently within a standard port call (8–10 hours) is practically impossible without risking a missed departure — we recommend it only as an organized excursion with a guaranteed return to port.

💶 Cost and opening hours:
• Sightseeing cruise (85 minutes, including a stop at Churui Island and the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center): adults JPY 2,400, children JPY 1,240
• Cruise season: mid-April through the end of November
• Ainu Kotan: free entry to the village; individual performances and workshops are charged separately

🎨 7. Other Attractions Worth Knowing About
• 🐻 Kushiro Zoo — one of the northernmost zoos in Japan, known for its successful breeding of brown bears and Amur tigers. Located right next to the Tancho Crane Nature Park, so it's easy to combine the two visits.
• 🏞️ Lake Harutori — a scenic lake by the city museum, a natural monument with rare flora, ringed by a walking path.
• 🌳 EGG (glass-domed garden) — a year-round indoor garden next to Fisherman's Wharf MOO, a pleasant spot for a short break on a cool or foggy day.
• 🍺 Kiri no Beer Garden (Garden of Fog) on MOO's 3rd floor — a tasting of local lamb jingisukan (Genghis Khan grilled mutton) with river views.
• 🦭 Chiyo-no-Ura Waterfront — another well-known sunset-viewing spot, quieter and less touristy than Nusamai Bridge.

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🗺️ Three Self-Guided Routes Through Kushiro in 9 Hours
A cruise call in Kushiro usually lasts 8–10 hours. Realistically you can see 2–4 attractions, depending on how much time you're willing to spend traveling to sites outside the city. Below are three options based on budget and preference. Travel times are given from the seismic-resistant passenger terminal; if your ship docks at Berth No. 4, West Port, add 15–20 minutes for the shuttle transfer to MOO at the start and end of your route.

🥉 Route 1. Budget — up to JPY 3,000 per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: JPY 2,000–3,000 + meals

🕘 8:30 a.m. — Leave the terminal, walk to the MOO waterfront
A 5–10-minute walk along the waterfront past the berth to Fisherman's Wharf MOO.

🕘 8:45–9:30 a.m. — Nusamai Bridge and the Statues of the Four Seasons
Free walk across the bridge, photos with the Kushiro River and port in the background.

🕙 9:30–10:00 a.m. — Transfer to Washo Market
A 20–25-minute walk through downtown, or a 5–8-minute taxi ride (about JPY 900–1,200).

🕙 10:00–11:30 a.m. — Washo Market, lunch: katte-don
A self-assembled seafood bowl — JPY 1,500–3,000.

🕧 11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Transfer to the City Museum
A 12–15-minute taxi ride, about JPY 1,500–2,000.

🕛 12:00–1:15 p.m. — Kushiro City Museum
Admission JPY 480. Mammoth skeleton, Ainu culture exhibits, views over Lake Harutori.

🕐 1:15–2:00 p.m. — Return downtown, lunch or coffee at MOO
A 12–15-minute taxi ride back to the waterfront, a light meal at the “Minato-no-Yatai” food court.

🕝 2:00–4:30 p.m. — Free time: waterfront, MOO shops, EGG
An unhurried stroll and souvenir shopping.

🕠 4:30–5:00 p.m. — Return to the ship

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Taxi (2 short rides): JPY 3,000–4,000
• Museum admission: JPY 480
• Lunch (katte-don + coffee): JPY 2,000–3,500
💸 TOTAL: JPY 5,500–8,000 per person

🥈 Route 2. Optimal — JPY 8,000–12,000 per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: JPY 10,000 + meals

🕘 8:30 a.m. — Leave the terminal, taxi to Kushiro Marsh Observatory
20–25 minutes, JPY 3,000–3,500.

🕘 9:00–10:30 a.m. — Observation deck over Kushiro Shitsugen
Admission JPY 480. Panoramic views of Japan's largest wetland, a 2.5 km (1.6 mi) boardwalk loop (can be walked partially).

🕥 10:30–11:00 a.m. — Transfer to the Tancho Crane Nature Park
A roughly 15–20-minute taxi ride, JPY 2,000–2,500.

🕚 11:00 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park
Admission JPY 480. Close-up crane viewing and the story of the species' conservation.

🕧 12:15–12:45 p.m. — Transfer to downtown
About a 30-minute taxi ride, JPY 4,000–4,500.

🕐 1:00–2:00 p.m. — Lunch at the “Minato-no-Yatai” food court (MOO) or a restaurant near Nusamai Bridge
JPY 1,500–2,500.

🕝 2:00–3:00 p.m. — Washo Market
A stroll, seafood tasting, souvenirs.

🕒 3:00–4:15 p.m. — Nusamai Bridge, the Statues of the Four Seasons, the waterfront
An unhurried walk, photos, and optionally coffee with a river view.

🕓 4:15–5:00 p.m. — Return to the terminal on foot or by taxi

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Taxi (3 rides): JPY 9,000–10,500
• Marsh observatory admission: JPY 480
• Tancho Crane Nature Park admission: JPY 480
• Lunch: JPY 1,500–2,500
💸 TOTAL: JPY 11,500–14,000 per person
💡 Splitting taxis between two or three passengers significantly lowers the per-person cost.

🥇 Route 3. Premium — Private Excursion to Lake Akan, from JPY 45,000 per person
⏱️ Total time: 9–9.5 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: JPY 45,000–60,000 + tickets

🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Meet-and-greet with a private driver holding a name sign right at the gangway
• ✅ Comfortable car/minivan for the full day
• ✅ A professional licensed guide, English- or Ukrainian-speaking
• ✅ Sightseeing cruise on Lake Akan with a stop at Churui Island
• ✅ Visit to the Ainu Kotan village with cultural program elements
• ✅ Flexible itinerary — adjusted on the go

You can book through your cruise manager, or reach us through any convenient channel:

Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell):    +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar):   +380 97 653 05 53

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🕗 8:00 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal

🕗 8:15–10:00 a.m. — Drive to Lake Akan
A comfortable ride through the foothills of Akan-Mashu National Park, with photo stops at scenic viewpoints.

🕙 10:00–11:30 a.m. — Sightseeing cruise on Lake Akan
An 85-minute cruise with a stop at Churui Island and the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center.

🕚 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. — Ainu Kotan village
An introduction to indigenous Ainu culture, traditional crafts, and lunch at a local restaurant with lake views.

🕐 1:00–3:00 p.m. — Drive back to Kushiro
Optionally, a short stop at the Kushiro Shitsugen observation deck along the way.

🕒 3:00–4:30 p.m. — Downtown Kushiro: Nusamai Bridge, Washo Market, the MOO waterfront
An unhurried walk, souvenir shopping, and coffee with a river view.

🕠 4:45 p.m. — Return to port in comfort

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from JPY 20,000
• Driver with car (9 hrs): from JPY 18,000
• Lake Akan cruise ticket: JPY 2,400
• Lunch in Ainu Kotan: from JPY 2,500
💸 TOTAL: from JPY 45,000 per person (for a group of 2+, priced per group, not per person)

🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private excursions to Kushiro and Lake Akan with licensed guides, gangway-to-gangway transfer, and a guaranteed return to your ship. Contact your cruise specialist — and your day in Kushiro will be perfectly tailored to your taste. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Important to Know Before Going Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: return to the ship 60 minutes before departure. Kushiro is a port of call, not a home port — if you're late, the ship will not wait, and you'll have to catch up with it at your own expense at the next port.
🪪 Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport and your cruise Ship Card — especially important outside the European Union.
💴 Cash: carry JPY 5,000–10,000 in cash — cards aren't accepted everywhere, especially at Washo Market and small cafes.
👟 Clothing: comfortable shoes for the marsh boardwalks, plus a light windbreaker — even in summer the coast often has a cool breeze and occasional fog.
📱 Internet: mobile signal in the port area can be unreliable, and English signage in Kushiro is much scarcer than in Japan's major cities — download offline maps in advance.
🦟 Insects: mosquitoes are active near the marshes in summer — bring repellent if you plan to walk the boardwalks.
☀️ Sun and fog protection: Kushiro's climate stays cool even in summer, but the sun on open observation decks can still be quite strong — a hat and sunscreen are worth packing.

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals

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