EDITORIALS
Kushiro and Nemuro: 20 Recommended Driving Spots in the Suburbs! Enjoy the magnificent nature!
Kushiro and Nemuro area offers magnificent nature and creatures represented by Kushiro Marsh. Here are some recommended driving spots near Kushiro and Nemuro where you can fully enjoy such spectacular scenery!
1 . Lake Akan (Kushiro City), Hokkaido's representative lake, famous for its marimo
Kushiro City Tantou Crane Nature Park (Kushiro City), a natural park for the world's rare tantou cranes
Lake Akan Ainu Kotan (Kushiro City), where you can experience the daily life and precious culture of the Ainu people
Cape Kiritappu (Hamanaka Town), where there are observatories and campgrounds nearby
Cape Nosappu (Nemuro City), where you can see the sunrise the earliest
Kushiro City Children's Museum (Kushiro City) is a facility that both adults and children can enjoy
Biwasegido (Hamanaka Town), where various flowers bloom according to the season
8 . the Iyamegahara Wild Flower Garden (Atsugishi-cho), where you can see more than 100 kinds of plants
9 . Roadside Station Mashu Hot Springs (Teshikaga Town), where you can buy locally harvested vegetables
10. Historic Hokuto Site (Kushiro City), the largest archaeological site on the western edge of Kushiro Marsh
11 . Cape Shirepa, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Atsukishi Bay (Kushiro Town )
12. Roadside Station Akan Tancho no Sato (Cranes Terrace) (Kushiro City) is a good place to take a break from driving.
13. feel like you are in a hot spring casually at Lake Akan Hatsudo no Teyu (Kushiro City )
14-Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center (Kushiro City )
15. eat, play, and shop in Atsukishi at the Atsukishi Taste Terminal Conchiglie (Atsukishi Town )
16 . Kushiro City Museum (Kushiro City): Enjoy Kushiro's history and culture in a fantastic space
17 . the Nemuro Peninsula Chashi Ruins (Nemuro City), one of the 100 most famous castles in Japan
18 . the oldest existing wooden house in Kushiro , Yonemachi Furusato Kan (Kushiro City )
19 . Narawara (Betsukai Town), with its fantastic scenery
20 . the poem monument of Takeshiro Matsuura, the godfather of Hokkaido (Kushiro City )
Lake Akan (Kushiro City), a representative lake of Hokkaido, famous for its marimo
Lake Akan, one of Hokkaido's most popular sightseeing spots, is a caldera lake in Akan-Mashu National Park, and offers beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. The lake has four islands and is famous as the birthplace of the spherical "marimo of Lake Akan," which is designated as a special natural treasure and is rare in the world. The southern shore is a hot spring resort, crowded with tourists and anglers.
Location: Lake Akan Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City
Click here for details and map information of Lake Akan.
2. Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park (Kushiro City), a natural park for the world's rarest red-crowned cranes
In 1970, the world's first artificial incubation of red-crowned cranes was successfully completed at Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park, which is unique in the world. From April to June, you may be able to see the rare sight of red-crowned cranes raising their young.
Open: April 10 - October 14, 9:00 - 18:00 / October 15 - April 9, 9:00 - 16:00
Closed: Year-end and New Year holidays
Location: 112 Tsurugaoka, Kushiro City
Click here for details and map information of Kushiro City Tantoukaku Nature Park.
3. Experience the daily life and precious culture of the Ainu people at Lake Akanko Ainu Kotan (Kushiro City)
The largest Ainu village in Hokkaido is located in Lake Akan Onsen. The Ainu Kotan is the largest Ainu village in Hokkaido, and is home to a theater where visitors can watch traditional Ainu folk dances, souvenir stores selling wood-carved folk art, and restaurants serving Ainu cuisine. Visitors can experience the life of the Ainu people and their precious culture.
Opening hours:*Vary according to facilities and stores.
Closed：Vary according to facilities and stores.
Fee：Free *Some facilities charge a fee.
Location：4-7-19, Akanko-onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City
Click here for details and map information of Lake Akan Ainu Kotan.
4. Cape Kiritappu (Hamanaka Town), with an observatory and campground nearby
Kiritappu Misaki (Kiritappu Cape), properly called "Cape Yuyuyu", is also called "Cape Tokkari" because of the tokkari (seals in Ainu language) that can be seen here. Located on the east side of the Kiritappu Peninsula, it is recommended as an observation deck, campground, and recreation area in the vicinity. In 2008, it was certified as a "Lighthouse in Love" by the Japan Romantic Association.
Location: 33 Yuubi, Hamanaka-cho, Atsukishi-gun
Click here for details and map information of "Cape Kiritappu
5. Cape Nosappu (Nemuro City), the earliest place to see the sunrise
Located at the easternmost tip of Japan, Cape Nosappu is widely known as the earliest place to see the sunrise. Cape Nosappu Lighthouse, located at the tip of the cape, is the oldest lighthouse in Hokkaido, having been lit in 1872. If you are lucky, you can see sea otters and whales. Around the lighthouse, there are facilities that introduce tourism and products of the Northern Territories and Nemuro, as well as souvenir stores and eateries, which are crowded with tourists all year round.
Location: Nosabu, Nemuro City
Click here for details and map information of Cape Nosabu.
6. Kushiro City Children's Museum (Kushiro City), a facility that both adults and children can enjoy
Inside the futuristic glass-walled building is a science museum where children can learn about space and science, and a children's museum where they can play with all their might. There is also a large indoor sandbox where children can have fun without worrying about the weather. There are also many seasonal events.
Open: 9:30-17:00 *entry by 16:30
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), year-end and New Year holidays *Open April 29-May 5, and during spring, summer, and winter vacations of elementary and junior high schools in the city.
Fees
Admission to the exhibition rooms: University students and adults: 600 yen / High school students: 240 yen / Elementary/junior high school students: 120 yen
Planetarium admission: University/adult: 480 yen / High school student: 180 yen / Elementary/junior high school student: 120 yen
Free admission for preschool children
Location: 10-2 Saiwaicho, Kushiro City
Click here for details and map information of Kushiro City Children's Museum of Plan etarium.
7. Biwasegido (Hamanaka Town), where various flowers bloom in different seasons
The Biwasegido, a 500-meter long one-way trail, allows visitors to walk through the vast marshland and see the different seasonal changes. The Ezo kanzo (Lonicera japonica) colony that blooms in summer is very beautiful, and a wide variety of flowers can be enjoyed depending on the season.
Location: 122 Nakanohama, Hamanaka-cho, Atsukishi-gun
View details of Biwasegido on Domingo
8. "Primeval Flower Garden Ayamegahara (Atsugishi-cho)" where more than 100 kinds of plants can be seen
The Primeval Flower Garden Ayamegahara is located at an altitude of 100 meters above sea level, and is a vast primeval flower garden of approximately 100 hectares. From the central walking path, visitors can appreciate more than 100 kinds of plants, including about 300,000 irises, Chinese lanternflies, buttercups, etc. The park is also home to grazing horses and an endless number of wildflowers. The horses grazing in the pasture and the endless horizon make for a spectacular sight.
Open: May 1 - October 31
Location: 321 Suehiro, Atsugishi-cho, Atsugishi-gun
Click here for details and map information of "Iyamegahara Wild Flower Garden ".
9. "Roadside Station Mashu Hot Springs (Teshikaga Town)" where you can buy locally harvested vegetables
This roadside station provides tourist information on hot springs and restaurants in Teshikaga Town, and also sells a wide variety of locally grown vegetables and sweets, as well as Teshikaga Town's specialty products. There is also a footbath outside, so visitors can relax after a tiring trip.
Open: May-October 8:00-18:00 / November-April 9:00-17:00 *Footbath available 24 hours a day
Closed: December 30 - January 3 *Footbaths are not closed
Location: 3-5-5, Yunoshima, Teshikaga-cho, Kawakami-gun
Click here for details and map information of "Roadside Station Mashu Onsen
10. Historic Site Hokuto Ruins (Kushiro City), the largest ruins on the western edge of Kushiro Marsh
The Historic Hokuto Site is a duplicate site that has been carved out over a long period of time, from the Paleolithic Age through the Jomon, Shokujomon, and Abrahamic periods. More than 300 pits remain at an elevation of 20 m overlooking the Kushiro Marshland. Fire pit marks, shell middens, and seeds of cultivated plants from those days have also been found, and reconstructed dwellings provide visitors with a glimpse into the lifestyle of those days.
Open: April 16-November 15, 10:00-16:00
Closed: Mondays (open if Monday is a national holiday), November 16-April 15
■Fee: Free of charge
■Location: 6-7 Hokuto, Kushiro City
View details about "Historic Site Hokuto Ruins" on Domingo
11. Cape Shiriba <Cape Shirepa> (Kushiro Town), overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Atsugishi-Bay
In front of the cape, you can see Atsugishi Bay and look down on Hohakeiwa (Hanging Rock) on the right side of the cliff. In summer, flowers bloom at the foot of the cape, and the Pacific Ocean and Atsugishi-Bay can be seen below. If you are lucky, you may be able to see harbor seals living along the east coast of Hokkaido near Hogakeiwa.
Location: Kushiro Town, Kushiro County
View more information about Cape Shirepa (Kushiro Town) on Domingo
12. Roadside Station Akan Tancho no Sato <Crain's Terrace> (Kushiro City) for a break between drives
This roadside station, which also houses a tourist information center, has a bright atmosphere with its building made of larch, which is grown in abundance in Kushiro. It sells locally produced processed agricultural and livestock products, sweets, crafts, etc., and also has a snack and cafe corner. It is recommended for a break from driving.
Open: May-September 9:00-18:00 / October-April 9:00-17:00 * Tourist Information Center 10:00-16:00
Closed：Open all year round
Location: 23-36-1, Kami-Akan, Akan-cho, Kushiro City
View details about "Roadside Station Akan Tancho no Sato <Crain's Terrace>" on Domingo
13. Feel like you're in a hot spring at the Lake Akanko Onsen Hot Spring Resort (Kushiro City)
Lake Akan Onsen Hot Spring Resort is said to be the birthplace of teyu, and is dotted with facilities where you can casually drop in and enjoy a hot spring bath. Among them, the teburo next to the famous "Kato-sato Folk Crafts Store" is a rock bathtub. Nearby, in front of the folk craft store "Junkodo," there is an "owl hand bath" where hot spring water is filled in an elm tree cave. Soaking your hands in the hot spring will refresh you.
Closed: Open all year round *The hand bath is open all year round.
Fee: Free of charge
Location：Kushiro City, Akan Town, Akanko Onsen
See more details about Lake Akan Onsen on Domingo
14. Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center (Kushiro City), where you can observe the marimo of Lake Akan
Lake Akan's marimo is designated as a special natural treasure. Today, it is not easy to see them in their natural state. At the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center, visitors can observe the marimo through underwater cameras installed in the marimo colony and learn about the actual marimo and its ecology in an aquarium that simulates the bottom of the lake.
Open: *Depends on the season. Please check the Akan Kanko Kisen website for details.
Closed: During the period when the sightseeing boats are not in operation.
Fare: Adults 2,000 yen / Children 1,040 yen *Fare for the sightseeing boat ride
Location: Lake Akanko Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City
View details about Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center on Domingo
15. Atsukishi Taste Terminal Conchiglie (Atsukishi-cho), where you can eat, play and buy everything in Atsukishi
The popular roadside station "Conchiglie" means shell-shaped food in Italian. The station is based on the six concepts of "Eat, Buy, Rest, Learn, Gather, Think," and its exterior is designed in the image of oysters, which are the representative specialty of Atsugishi-cho. Visitors can enjoy oyster gourmet dishes unique to Atsugishi, and it is also a regular participant in roadside station rankings that evaluate food.
Open: April-September 9:00-20:00 / October-December 10:00-19:00 / January-March 10:00-18:00
Closed: Mondays (Tuesdays if Monday is a national holiday) *Open all year round in July and August
Location: 2-2 Suminoe, Atsugishi-cho, Atsugishi-gun
See details of "Atsugishi Taste Terminal Conchiglie" on Domingo
16. Enjoy Kushiro's history and culture in a fantastic space "Kushiro City Museum (Kushiro City)
The distinctive exterior of the museum was designed by Kushiro-born architect Kikaku Metsuna. Inside the museum, visitors can learn all about the nature and history of Kushiro. A replica of a mammoth skeleton and a rich exhibition on Ainu culture are well worth seeing. Visitors can enjoy the history and culture of Kushiro in a well-designed space.
Open: 9:30-17:00
Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), national holidays from November 4 to the end of March, and year-end and New Year holidays
■Fees: Adults 480 yen / High school students 250 yen / Elementary/junior high school students 110 yen *No charge for mammoth hall
Location: 1-7 Harukodai, Kushiro City
View details about Kushiro City Museum on Domingo
17. The Nemuro Peninsula Chashi Ruins (Nemuro City), one of the 100 best castles in Japan
Chashi" means "fence enclosure" in Ainu language, and it is said to have been used as a fortress, a place for rituals, a watchtower, and for many other purposes. There are 32 chashi sites scattered throughout Nemuro City. Twenty-four of them are designated as "Chashi Ruins on the Nemuro Peninsula," a national historic site and one of the 100 best castles in Japan by the Japan Castle Builders Association.
Closed: *Snow is not removed from the Chashi Ruins during the winter.
Location: Nemuro Peninsula, Nemuro City
View details of "Chashi Ruins, Nemuro Peninsula" on Domingo
18. Yonemachi Furusato Kan (Kushiro City), the oldest existing wooden house in Kushiro
The oldest existing wooden house in Kushiro was built in 1897 by a marine products merchant as a store and residence. Inside the house, which shows the prosperous fishing industry in those days, there are exhibits of materials on Ishikawa Takuboku, a poet associated with Yonemachi, and photos from the Meiji and Taisho eras.
Open: May-September 10:00-15:00
Closed: Monday-Thursday *Except for GW, Obon, and when cruise ships call at the port.
■Fee: Free of charge
Location: 1-1-21 Yonemachi, Kushiro City
View details of Yonemachi Furusato Kan on Domingo
19. Narawara (Betsukai Town), with its fantastic scenery
Located in the middle of Notsuke Peninsula, this area is a forest of standing dead oak and other trees that have been eroded and weathered by seawater. In particular, the area with many dead trees facing the road is called "Narawara. This fantastic landscape, which looks like something out of a fairy tale, is popular among photographers.
Location: Notsuke, Betsukai-cho, Notsuke-gun
See more details about "Narawara" on Domingo
20. Takeshiro Matsuura Poem Monument (Kushiro City), the godfather of "Hokkaido
Takeshiro Matsuura, an explorer who laid the foundation for the development of Hokkaido in the Edo period, is the godfather of the word "Hokkaido. In his book "Kusuri Nisshi," he describes how he visited the shores of Lake Akan and was impressed by its rich nature.
Admission: Free
Location: Akan Onsen, Akan-cho, Kushiro City
View details of "Takeshiro Matsuura Poem Monument" on Domingo
All information is current as of April 2024.
All information is subject to change. Please check the official website for details.
