ARTICLES
"Only locals know": 3 must-visit "special" spots in Kushiro City, selected by key people working in Kushiro
Taku Odo
Born in Shibecha Town, Hokkaido, where there are more cows than people. He spent time at the local Shibecha High School, discovering the charms of the area, such as the marshes and agriculture. To learn more about the area, he went on to Kushiro Public University. He encountered the Kushiro Regional Cloud Exchange, which supports local entrepreneurs, and through this connection he joined Joyzo Inc. in 2020.
Since 2020, we have been the organizer of the Kushiro Regional Cloud Exchange Meeting, which has been held six times so far. At NoMaps Kushiro/Nemuro, we participated as a member of the executive committee when the project began in 2019, and have been serving as the secretariat since 2025.
A base in Kushiro that you'll want to visit again and again!
Special "place": Minatomachi Base 946BANYA
This is a hub where people from inside and outside Kushiro can gather. You can enjoy soft serve ice cream made with local milk while gazing at the Kushiro River and the sunset, and with Wi-Fi and power outlets available, it can be used as a place to take a break or work during your trip. The center is also looking for challenge shops where people who want to try new things can take on new challenges. This is a place of relaxation that supports the future of Kushiro.
Minatomachi Base 946BANYA
■Address: 2F Fisherman's Wharf MOO, 2-4 Nishikicho, Kushiro City ■ Business hours: 10:00-18:00 (membership members) ■Telephone number: 070-3332-9460 For more information and maps about "Minatomachi Base 946BANYA," please click here.
Nostalgic yet new tastes of Kushiro
Special "Food" No. 1: Soba Restaurant Hoshino (formerly Azumaya Kawakita Branch)
Photo provided by: Sobadokoro Hoshino
Speaking of food, soba is the soul food of Kushiro residents. This wonderful restaurant has been loved by locals for a long time. Must-try dishes include the egg-covered "Tanekomi," the "Muryoju" tossed in sesame oil, and the "Small Shrimp Tempura" topping. This restaurant underwent a renovation and reopened in December, so be sure to enjoy the local flavors!
Soba Restaurant Hoshino (formerly Azumaya Kawakita Branch)
■Address: 7-14 Kawakita-cho, Kushiro City ■ Business hours: 11:00-15:30, 17:00-20:00 ■ Closed: Tuesdays ■Telephone number: 0154-23-1750 For details and maps of "Sobadokoro Hoshino (formerly Azumaya Kawakita Branch)" please click here.
After the seafood, we had some delicious bread and soup.
Special Food #3: neuk.cafe
Image courtesy of neuk.cafe
This is Kushiro's hidden gem cafe! In a relaxing atmosphere, you can enjoy bread made by "Jimico," a popular bakery that uses homemade leavened bread, along with soup and other dishes made with local ingredients. They also have breakfast hours starting at 7am, which is rare in the city, so be sure to check them out on social media!
neuk.cafe
■Address: BASE9, 4-4-1 Nishikicho, Kushiro City ■Business hours: ・Breakfast Time: 7:30-10:00 (LO 9:30) *Irregular opening hours ・Lunch Time: 11:00-15:00 (LO 14:30) ・Tea Time: 15:00-17:00 (LO 16:30) For more information and a map of "neuk.cafe," please click here.
Taku Kodo introduces "What is the appeal of Kushiro City?"
Kushiro City is an area where people and nature are very close. We live side by side with all kinds of nature, including Japan's largest wetland, the Kushiro Wetlands, a majestic ocean that boasts one of the largest catch volumes in Japan, and rare wild animals. There are many people with unique initiatives and ways of thinking that have been nurtured in this unique environment. Be sure to visit!
Domingo presents That Person's Special Notebook
"That Person's Special Notebook" can also be read in "HAC MAGAZINE," the in-flight magazine published every other month by Hokkaido Air System (HAC), the "wings of Hokkaido residents." It introduces the "specialties" of each wonderful person in Hokkaido, including local food, places, souvenirs, and more, recommended by them.
