Kushiro City is known as a "fishing port town," home to Kushiro Port, which boasts the largest fish catch in Japan. In recent years, the number of tourists has been increasing, drawn by the sunset from Nusamai Bridge, considered one of the "world's three great sunsets," and the cool, almost chilly summer weather. This time, we'll introduce two accommodations in the heart of Kushiro: "Cise.Kawakami" and "Kiri no Oto."

Today, we're introducing "Cise.Kawakami" and the private rental inn "Kiri no Oto," both located in Kushiro City. These two facilities are operated by Gomei Co., Ltd. (hereafter, Gomei), a long-established company that has been in business for over 100 years in Kushiro, focusing on wholesale liquor, retail fresh fish, and real estate leasing.

Why would a company primarily selling liquor and fresh fish venture into the accommodation business? A major reason is their desire for large groups of tourists to be able to relax together in the same room. Since business hotel rooms typically accommodate only one or two people, larger groups often have to split up into separate rooms. This led them to create an accommodation facility, which was lacking in the city center.

Another reason was their belief in Kushiro's potential as a tourist destination, beyond its reputation as a port town. With these sentiments, both facilities are packed with names and concepts related to their local Kushiro. Now, let's introduce these two places!

Living room of "Cise.Kawakami1"

First up is "Cise.Kawakami." It's located in Kawakami-cho, close to the entertainment district called Suehiro. This location reflects Gomei's hope that guests will use Cise.Kawakami as a base to explore the town and enjoy meals at local restaurants. The name "Cise" means "house" in the Ainu language, and the facility was created with the aim of being "not just a travel inn or a tourist spot, but another home where you can relax with friends and connect with the city."

Cise.Kawakami occupies the third and fourth floors of a building, with "Cise.Kawakami1" on the third floor and "Cise.Kawakami2" on the fourth. Each is a full-floor rental that can accommodate up to five people. Both units feature a sunny living room with large south-facing windows, a Japanese-style room, and a Western-style room with two beds, creating an open and airy atmosphere.

Living room of "Cise.Kawakami1"

While the room layouts are basically the same, the Japanese-style room in "Cise.Kawakami1" is connected to the living room, creating an open space. In contrast, the Japanese-style room in "Cise.Kawakami2" is separate from the living room, allowing for more privacy between rooms. You can choose based on the members of your group.

The Japanese-style room in "Cise.Kawakami1" is connected to the living room, creating an open space.

The Japanese-style room in "Cise.Kawakami2" is separate from the living room, offering a chic atmosphere.

Western-style room in "Cise.Kawakami1"

There are also slight differences in the Western-style rooms. "Cise.Kawakami1" has two semi-double beds, while "Cise.Kawakami2" has two double beds from Simmons. If you have a preference for bed size or brand, "Cise.Kawakami2" might be the better choice.

Western-style room in "Cise.Kawakami1"

Western-style room in "Cise.Kawakami2"

Of course, all the necessary amenities for daily life are provided, including a washstand, bathroom, and toilet. Amenities are also available at the washstand, so you can travel with minimal luggage, just like at a regular hotel.

Washstand in "Cise.Kawakami1"

Bathroom in "Cise.Kawakami1"

Next is the private rental inn "Kiri no Oto." It's located about a 5-minute drive from Kushiro Station and a 15-minute walk from the Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO, a commercial facility overlooking Nusamai Bridge. The most distinctive feature of "Kiri no Oto" is its unique building. It was designed by Kiko Mozuna, a world-renowned architect from Kushiro City, and is said to be his last work in the city.

Artworks with a Kushiro theme displayed in the guest rooms

Originally built as a hospital, it was also a familiar place for those who didn't use it as a hospital, as it was opened to the public as a cultural facility for music and theater on clinic holidays. Tatsuya Gomei, the president of Gomei, also felt a close connection to Kiko Mozuna's architecture and decided to transform it into an accommodation facility with the desire to "make good use of the town's culture."

Artwork made from the soil of the Kushiro Wetlands, displayed in the guest rooms

The most impressive part of this building is the hall right inside the entrance. With a 9-meter high ceiling and two staircases, you can feel the strong design commitment. During the renovation, they made a conscious effort to preserve the original design of this space as much as possible. This 87-square-meter open space can be used for various purposes, from large-group meals and parties to events, concerts, dance, theater, seminars, and corporate training.

Four large prints by Kiko Mozuna are displayed in the main hall.

The guest rooms at "Kiri no Oto," a former internal medicine clinic, were renovated from what used to be examination rooms, treatment rooms, and the director's office. Each room is named in the Ainu language, expressing a theme of Kushiro.

For example, one of them is "URARA" on the first floor, themed on a foggy forest. They have paid great attention to the spatial design, such as using custom lighting fixtures made with a 3D printer to represent fog.

"URARA," with the concept of a foggy forest

"URARA" has two semi-double beds from Simmons. Using the storage bed, it can accommodate up to four people.

In addition, there are a total of four unique rooms, including "CUH" on the first floor, themed on a "town illuminated by the setting sun"; "UPAS" on the second floor, themed on a snow-covered wetland; and "ATUY," themed on a morning voyage. They are all so charming that you might have a hard time deciding where to sleep.

"CUH," based on orange tones, inspired by Kushiro's world-famous sunset

"UPAS," based on white tones, inspired by the snowy landscape of the Kushiro Wetlands

Recommended as a relaxation space for smaller groups

"ATUY," themed on a morning voyage

The bathroom is also a specially designed space, with the floor, walls, and ceiling all finished with Mortex, a waterproof plaster material, creating a cave-like atmosphere. In addition to the bathroom, there is also a shower room, which can be used concurrently by large groups.

A specially designed bathroom with a cave-like atmosphere

Other facilities include a gallery with a large 80-inch screen for watching YouTube and other video sites, and a terrace where you can enjoy the Kushiro breeze with a drink in hand. It seems suitable for a wide range of uses, from tourism to employee training and art events.

The large screen monitor on casters in the gallery can be moved to the hall for presentations.

A washer-dryer is also installed.

One thing not to forget about "Kiri no Oto" is the kitchen with all-you-can-drink beverages. Leveraging Gomei's strength as a liquor store operator in Kushiro's largest entertainment district, over 60 types of drinks are available for free.

In addition to the bottled beers like Sapporo Classic, Asahi Beer, Corona, and Heartland, as well as carbonated drinks, juices, and teas in the refrigerator, there is also a server for enjoying four types of Japanese sake, including Fukutsukasa from Kushiro and Kita no Kachi from Nemuro. Furthermore, a dedicated shelf is lined with 36 types of spirits, including whiskey, shochu, liqueurs, gin, vodka, tequila, and rum, with a focus on Hokkaido products.

The kitchen also features plaster walls made from the soil of the Kushiro Wetlands and a counter made from a single slab of natural Hokkaido wood. You can expect a special experience that you won't find anywhere else.

"Cise.Kawakami" and "Kiri no Oto" are located in the center of Kushiro City. When we asked Mr. Gomei for his recommended way to spend time, he said that he hopes guests will take advantage of the excellent access to "go out into the town and enjoy the restaurants."

Kazuma Saki, who is in charge of facility management, is currently planning a guided tour to introduce the charms of Kushiro's city center to guests. It's still in the preparation stage, but by the time you start planning your trip to Kushiro in earnest, a new service may have been born.

Of course, it's also possible to buy fresh ingredients at the market and cook them in the kitchens of each facility. Both facilities are equipped with basic kitchen utensils such as rice cookers and kettles.

Kitchen at "Cise.Kawakami1"

Kitchen at "Kiri no Oto"

At "Kiri no Oto," you can also enjoy a special course from a partner izakaya (for an additional fee). This is a great service for those who want to both relax at their accommodation and eat delicious food prepared by a professional.

A special course meal created for "Kiri no Oto" by the partner restaurant "Robata Izakaya Hatagoya"

Whether you want to go out and enjoy the town or use it as a home away from home, why not consider staying at "Cise.Kawakami" or "Kiri no Oto," which cater to the desires and purposes of various people, when you travel to Kushiro?