▲From Adobe Stock 「Cattle in a summer pasture」
Escape the Summer Heat in Cool Kushiro: A 2-Night, 3-Day Hokkaido Itinerary
Want to escape the sweltering heat and head somewhere cooler?
Kushiro in Hokkaido is an ideal choice.
With summer temperatures averaging around 21°C, you can enjoy magnificent nature, fresh seafood, and the charm of a retro port town in comfort.
This 2-night, 3-day itinerary brings together some of Kushiro's most popular sights and experiences.
Hokkaido
- Hokkaido
- 2 Nights, 3 Days
- Model Course
Updated: July 25, 2025
Destination of this trip
- Introduction
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
Introduction
Is Hokkaido Cool in Summer? Recommended Cool Retreats and How to Prepare for Your Trip
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START
Hokkaido's Summer Temperatures (July, August, and September)
1 Hokkaido's Climate
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▲From photoAC 「Image of summer in Hokkaido」
Hokkaido is a region with low temperatures year-round.
With recent rises in temperature, some areas do exceed 30°C in summer, but every area still averages below 10°C annually, with average annual highs in the 10–15°C range.
Comparing average monthly temperatures for Tokyo and Sapporo from July to September, Sapporo runs about 4–5°C cooler. -
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Kushiro's Summer Average Temperature is Around 21°C
2 A Cool Summer Retreat in Hokkaido
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▲From Adobe Stock 「The Kushiro Marsh seen from Hokuto Observation Deck」
Even within Hokkaido, eastern Hokkaido (Doto) is known for its especially cool climate.
This is where Kushiro, the destination of this trip, is located.
Its average annual temperature is lower than that of Sapporo or Hakodate, and average monthly temperatures from July through September are around 21°C.
With its refreshing breezes, Kushiro is an ideal summer escape. -
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Summer Clothing, Essentials, and Transportation in Hokkaido
3 Preparing for Your Trip
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▲From photoAC 「Image of summer clothing」
In Kushiro, where the average monthly temperature is around 21°C even in summer, you can get by in short sleeves during the day, but it's a good idea to bring a cardigan or hoodie for the cooler mornings and evenings.
Also be aware of temperature differences within the Kushiro region itself, where inland areas are warmer and coastal areas tend to be cooler.
If you're heading to the coast, a long-sleeved shirt will bring extra peace of mind.
Long sleeves and long pants also help protect against insects during nature walks.
Be sure to pack a sun hat and insect repellent too. -
DAY1
Sightseeing Around Central Kushiro! Cool Temperatures Perfect for Strolling
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START
Begin your journey from Kushiro Airport
1 Tancho Kushiro Airport
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▲From photoAC 「Counter at Kushiro Airport」
Arrive at Tancho Kushiro Airport, the starting point of your journey around Kushiro.
Taxis and car rental services are available around the airport, but the Kushiro Airport Connector Bus is also a convenient way to reach central Kushiro.
It departs about 15–20 minutes after flights land, so be careful not to miss it.-
By Kushiro Airport Connector Bus
About 45 minutes in normal traffic
In front of Kushiro Station5-minute walk -
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Arrival!
Create your own seafood rice bowl with your favorite toppings
2 Kushiro Washo Market
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▲From the official website of Kushiro Prince Hotel 「Toppings sold by weight or as fillets, along with a katte-don bowl」
Loved as Kushiro's kitchen since it was established in 1954, Kushiro Washo Market offers everything from fresh seafood to produce, meat, delicacies, sweets, and restaurants.
Among its specialties is katte-don, a build-your-own seafood rice bowl.
Simply buy a bowl of rice at one of the deli counters, then head to the seafood or fish roe specialty shops inside the market.
Choose your favorite toppings from the fresh selection lined up at the storefronts and have them arranged on your rice.
Once the toppings cover the rice completely, finish with a drizzle of soy sauce – your katte-don is complete.Kushiro Washo Market
- Address
- 13-25 Kurogane-cho, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 085-0018, Japan
- Bus Fare
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Kushiro Airport Connector Bus
Tancho Kushiro Airport – Kushiro Station
Adults (one way): ¥1,200
*Children pay half the adult fare.
*Passengers with an eligible Physical Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, or Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate receive a 50% discount upon presentation of the certificate. - Business Hours
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8:00A.M.–5:00P.M.
Closed: Sundays
*The market may open on regular closing days on an irregular basis. - Budget
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Example ①
Toppings (sweet shrimp, salmon roe, salmon, marinated mackerel, sailfin sandfish, medium fatty tuna): ￥1,300
Rice (one bowl): ￥160
Example ②
Toppings (scallop, live octopus, sweet shrimp, lean tuna, flying fish roe): ￥1,150
Rice (half bowl): ￥110
- 5-minute walk
In front of Kushiro StationAbout 8 minutes by car in normal traffic -
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Discover Kushiro's nature, history, and Ainu culture
3 Kushiro City Museum
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▲From Adobe Stock 「Entrance of Kushiro City Museum」
From here, rent a car and set off to explore.
Your first stop is Kushiro City Museum, home to around 4,100 exhibits related to the nature and history of the Kushiro region.
You can also learn about the customs and traditions of the Ainu people, who once made their home along the Kushiro River basin.Kushiro City Museum
- Address
- 1-7 Shunkodai, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 085-0822, Japan
- Business Hours
-
9:30A.M.–5:00P.M.
Closed:
・Mondays (*From April through November 3, if Monday is a national holiday, the museum is open and closes on the following weekday. From November 4 through March 31, it is generally closed on Mondays.)
・National holidays from November 4 through March 31
・December 29–January 3
・December 9, 2026, for maintenance
*Please also check the museum's opening calendar. - Admission Fees
-
General/university students: ￥480
High school students: ￥250
Elementary and junior high school students: ￥110 (*Free for elementary and junior high school students residing in Kushiro City during spring, summer, and winter school breaks)
Residents of Kushiro City aged 65 and over, or holders of the "Kuroshio Stay Members Card": Free
Holders of a Physical Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, or Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate: Free
*Please show your certificate at the counter. One accompanying companion is also admitted free of charge.
*The Mammoth Hall is free to visit.
About 6 minutes by car in normal traffic -
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Arrival!
A spectacular view known as one of the world's three great sunsets
4 Nusamai Bridge
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▲From the official website of Kushiro Prince Hotel 「Sunset from one of Hokkaido's three great bridges」
Spanning the lowest reaches of the Kushiro River, Nusamai Bridge is known as one of Hokkaido's three great bridges.
The Kushiro sunset viewed from this bridge is beautiful enough to be counted among the world's three great sunsets.
From the orange glow that bathes the area around the bridge and the Kushiro River at dusk, to the bridge lit up at night, and its fantastical appearance floating in summer mist, its many different faces captivate every visitor.Nusamai Bridge
- Address
- Kitaodori, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 085-0015, Japan
- Business Hours
- 24 hours
About 2 minutes by car in normal traffic -
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Arrival!
Ocean views and sunsets at the hotel
H Kushiro Prince Hotel
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▲From the official website of Kushiro Prince Hotel 「Kushiro Prince Hotel at dusk」
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▲From the official website of Kushiro Prince Hotel 「A view of one of the world's three great sunsets」
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▲From the official website of Kushiro Prince Hotel 「Business corner with coin-operated computers」
From the ocean-view guest rooms, you can take in one of the world's three great sunsets.
After the sun sets, the sky is painted a deep amber during what is known as the magic hour, offering a view so beautiful it feels almost unreal.
If you want to double-check the next day's sightseeing plans on a larger screen, the business corner with its coin-operated computers comes in handy.Kushiro Prince Hotel
- Address
- 7-1 Saiwaicho, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 085-8581, Japan
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DAY2
Head to the Kushiro Marsh! Enjoy the Cool Air and Excitement of Nature
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START
A northern breakfast with an ocean view
H Kushiro Prince Hotel
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▲From the official website of Kushiro Prince Hotel 「Breakfast with an ocean view」
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▲From the official website of Kushiro Prince Hotel 「The bright lobby lounge」
Enjoy breakfast at Top of Kushiro, the restaurant on the top floor.
Breakfast is generally served buffet-style, featuring Hokkaido and local Kushiro ingredients, though a set meal may be served depending on reservations.
Current buffet highlights include a build-your-own seafood bowl and seafood soup curry, offering a distinctly Hokkaido start to the day.
The bright lobby lounge is also a pleasant place to spend the morning. -
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Depart aboard the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train
7 Kushiro Station
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▲Source: Courtesy of JR Hokkaido 「Image of the leisurely Norokko Train」
Board the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train for a leisurely ride through Kushiro Marsh.
The trip to Toro Station takes about 45 minutes under normal operating conditions, with sweeping views of the marsh along the way and, if you are lucky, sightings of wild animals. -
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Enjoy pudding while taking in the marsh views and wildlife from the window
8 Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train
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▲Source: Courtesy of JR Hokkaido 「Rich, creamy milk pudding」
Inside the train, wood-grained box seats for six and pairs of seats line the carriage, and onboard sales offer local specialties such as craft beer made with local skimmed milk powder, kelp harvested in Kushiro Town, and local cider.
A particular favorite is the Norokko Pudding, a milk pudding specially made by a local French restaurant.
Made generously with Hokkaido milk, this pudding is a treat you can only enjoy aboard the Norokko Train.Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train
- Operating Information
- 2026 is the final year of operation for the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train, with the last scheduled Kushiro–Toro service on October 10, 2026. Please check JR Hokkaido's official website for the latest operating information.
- Fares
-
Adults (one way)
Kushiro–Toro: ¥680
*Children aged 6–11 pay half fare.
*All seats are reserved. A separate reserved-seat ticket (¥1,000 one way) is required in addition to the basic fare.
*Reservations are required before boarding. Please check JR Hokkaido's official website for the latest ticketing information.
7-minute walk -
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Arrival!
Take a stroll around the largest lake in the Kushiro Marsh
9 Lake Toro
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▲From photoAC 「The name Lake Toro comes from the Ainu words "to" (lake/marsh) and "oro" (place of)」
Lake Toro is the largest lake in Kushiro Shitsugen National Park.
There are two observation decks overlooking the lake: Sarubo Observation Deck, close to Toro Station, and Sarurun Observation Deck, a further 40-minute walk beyond it.
Both are excellent photo spots, and with good timing you may catch sight of the Norokko Train passing by.
With well-maintained walking trails, the nature walk to the observation decks is one of the pleasures of the visit.Lake Toro
- Address
- Toro, Shibecha-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido 088-2261, Japan
- Business Hours
- 24 hours
- Admission Fee
- Free
Travel time varies depending on the tour operator. -
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Arrival!
Experience Kushiro's magnificent nature by canoe
10 Summer Canoeing Experience
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▲From the official website of Kushiro Prince Hotel 「Popular canoeing experience on the Kushiro River」
Canoeing is one of the best ways to experience Kushiro's natural beauty.
One highlight is the chance to encounter rare wildlife such as red-crowned cranes.
Setting out early and paddling through the marsh's characteristic morning mist can also make for an unforgettable experience.
On many tours in Kushiro Marsh, the guide does the paddling, so even travelers who are not confident in their stamina can take part comfortably.
Look for a tour that suits your interests.Summer Canoeing Experience
- Address
- Shibecha-cho, Kawakami-gun, Hokkaido 088-2261, Japan
- Business Hours
- Varies by tour operator
- Price
-
Varies by tour operator
Reference: From ￥9,000
- About 12 minutes by car in normal traffic
Takkobu Auto Campsite1-hour walk -
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Arrival!
The magnificent Kushiro Marsh, seen from a hilltop observation deck
11 Yumegaoka Observation Deck
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▲Source: Courtesy of the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park Liaison Council 「A Senmo Line train running along the Kushiro River」
From Takkobu Auto Campsite, follow a 2.3 km trail each way, passing natural springs and clusters of yachibouzu tussocks, to reach Yumegaoka Observation Deck in about an hour.
From this lesser-known viewpoint, you can see the meandering Kushiro River and, if the timing is right, a train traveling along the Senmo Line in the same panorama.Yumegaoka Observation Deck
- Address
- Takkobu, Kushiro-cho, Kushiro-gun, Hokkaido 088-2141, Japan
- Business Hours
- 24 hours
- Admission Fee
- Free
About 6 minutes by car in normal traffic -
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Arrival!
Arrive at an unstaffed station in the middle of the Kushiro Marsh
12 Kushiro Shitsugen Station
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▲From photoAC 「A charming log cabin-style station building」
Surrounded by rich nature, this wooden station building resembles a log cabin.
This is Kushiro Shitsugen Station, a stop on the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train.
At the quiet, unstaffed station, listen for the calls of wild birds.
Inside are a vending machine (except in winter), a table, and benches, making it a convenient place to rest.Kushiro Shitsugen Station
- Address
- Minami 5-sen, Toritoushi-gen'ya, Kushiro-cho, Kushiro-gun, Hokkaido 088-0600, Japan
- Operating Information
- 2026 is the final year of operation for the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train, with the last scheduled Kushiro–Toro service on October 10, 2026. Please check JR Hokkaido's official website for the latest operating information.
- Fares
-
Adults (one way)
Kushiro–Toro: ¥680
*Children aged 6–11 pay half fare.
*All seats are reserved. A separate reserved-seat ticket (¥1,000 one way) is required in addition to the basic fare.
*Reservations are required before boarding. Please check JR Hokkaido's official website for the latest ticketing information.
About 5 minutes by car in normal traffic -
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Arrival!
A spectacular panorama overlooking the Kushiro Marsh and surrounding mountains
13 Hosooka Observation Deck
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▲From photoAC 「A popular observation deck on the eastern side of the Kushiro Marsh」
After visiting several viewpoints over Kushiro Marsh, you will arrive at Hosooka Observation Deck, also known as Daikanbo ("Grand View"), the best-known of them all.
From here, you can take in a sweeping panorama of the marsh, including the meandering Kushiro River and Mt. Meakan and Mt. Oakan in the distance.Hosooka Observation Deck
- Address
- 22-9 Takkobu, Kushiro-cho, Kushiro-gun, Hokkaido 088-2141, Japan
- Business Hours
- 24 hours
- Admission Fee
- Free
- About 37 minutes by car in normal traffic
Kushiro Prince Hotel11-minute walk -
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Arrival!
Return to the city and enjoy seafood for dinner at the birthplace of robatayaki
14 Robata
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▲Source: From the official Instagram of Robata 「A charcoal-grilling food culture loved for generations」
Step through the door, and a nostalgic space unfolds before you.
Robata is said to be the birthplace of robatayaki, the style of grilling ingredients over charcoal.
Fresh seafood and vegetables, slowly cooked with heat adjusted to suit each ingredient, release a delicious aroma that stirs the appetite.Robata
- Address
- 3-1 Sakaemachi, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 085-0013, Japan
- Business Hours
-
5:00P.M.–11:00P.M.
Last Order: 10:30P.M.
Closed: Irregular holidays - Budget
- Average budget: ￥4,000–￥5,000
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DAY3
On Your Final Day, Browse for Souvenirs and Spend Time with the Animals
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START
Shop for souvenirs and mementos
15 Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO
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▲From photoAC 「The Kushiro River and Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO」
Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO is a waterfront shopping and dining complex.
Its first three floors are home to a variety of restaurants, while the first floor also features a shopping area selling Kushiro specialties such as fresh and dried seafood, pottery and Ainu crafts from the region, and MOO-chan character goods.
As your trip draws to a close, it is a convenient place to pick up any last souvenirs.Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO
- Address
- 2-4 Nishikicho, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 085-0016, Japan
- Business Hours
-
[MOO 1F Shopping Zone]
Regular: 10:00A.M.–7:00P.M.
July–August: 9:00A.M.–7:00P.M.
December 31, January 2, January 3: 10:00A.M.–5:00P.M.
[MOO 2F Kushiro Port Food Stalls]
Lunch (select shops): 11:30A.M.–2:00P.M. (Last Order 1:45P.M.)
Dinner: 5:00P.M.–12:00MID. (Last Order 11:30P.M.)
2F closed: December 31
[MOO 3F Kushiro Kiri no Beer Garden]
Lunch: 11:30A.M.–2:00P.M.
Dinner: 5:00P.M.–9:00P.M.
[EGG Opening Hours]
April–October: 6:00A.M.–10:00P.M.
November–March: 7:00A.M.–10:00P.M.
[Gampeki Robata]
5:00P.M.–9:00P.M. (Last Order 8:40P.M.)
*Operating period: Third Friday of May through the end of October
*May close temporarily or early without notice in cases such as strong winds or storm surge warnings.
Building-wide closure: January 1 - Budget
- Varies by shop.
About 28 minutes by car in normal traffic -
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Arrival
Hokkaido's largest zoo, home to creatures unique to the northern land
16 Kushiro City Zoo
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▲Source: Courtesy of Kushiro City Zoo 「A Blakiston's fish owl parent and chick」
Kushiro City Zoo, the largest zoo in Hokkaido, is also home to animals that hold an important place in Ainu culture, including the Blakiston's fish owl, Steller's sea eagle (kapacir kamuy), and Siberian flying squirrel (ak kamuy).
These animals, along with the white-tailed eagle, a designated Natural Monument, can be seen in the zoo's Hokkaido Zone.
After meeting Hokkaido's native wildlife, be sure to visit the red-crowned cranes as well.Kushiro City Zoo
- Address
- 11 Shimoninishibetsu, Akancho, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 085-0204, Japan
- Business Hours
-
April 10–October 14: 9:30A.M.–4:30P.M. (Last entry at 4:00P.M.)
*There are no closed days during this period.
October 15–April 9: 10:00A.M.–3:30P.M. (Last entry at 3:00P.M.)
Closed days from October 15 to April 9: Wednesdays in December, December 29–January 2, and Wednesdays in January and February (excluding holidays)
*The West Gate is closed for winter from November 4 through April 9 of the following year, so please enter through the Main Gate.
- Admission Fees
-
High school students and older: ￥580
Visitors exempt from the admission fee
1. Students in the senior division of special-needs schools
2. Students of special-needs schools, and students in special-needs classes at elementary and junior high schools, along with their accompanying companions
3. Children and students of junior high school age or younger
4. Holders of a Physical Disability Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, or Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate, along with an accompanying companion
5. Persons certified as requiring long-term care under the long-term care insurance system, and their caregiver (in principle, one accompanying caregiver's admission fee is waived per certified person). Persons certified as requiring support
*Please apply for the fee exemption in advance, or present the relevant certificate or long-term care insurance card upon entry.
About 8 minutes by car in normal traffic -
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Arrival
Head to a facility where you can observe red-crowned cranes
17 Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park
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▲Source: Courtesy of the Kushiro City Greening Promotion Association 「Red-crowned cranes relaxing freely within the park」
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▲Source: Courtesy of the Kushiro City Greening Promotion Association 「Red-crowned cranes relaxing freely within the park」
At Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park, where red-crowned cranes are raised in an environment close to their natural habitat, you can observe this Special Natural Monument bird all year round.
The park also features exhibits where you can learn about the characteristics and ecology of red-crowned cranes.
Be sure to check out the gift shop, which carries crane-themed souvenirs.Kushiro City Tancho Crane Nature Park
- Address
- 112 Tsuruoka, Kushiro-shi, Hokkaido 084-0926, Japan
- Business Hours
-
Summer hours (April 10–October 14): 9:00A.M.–6:00P.M.
Winter hours (October 15–April 9): 9:00A.M.–4:00P.M.
Closed: December 31–January 3 - Admission Fees
-
General (high school students and older): ￥480
Elementary and junior high school students: ￥110
Visitors exempt from the admission fee
1. Students of special-needs schools, and students in special-needs classes at elementary and junior high schools, along with their accompanying companions
2. Persons with disabilities as defined under the Basic Act for Persons with Disabilities, and their accompanying companions
3. Residents of Kushiro City aged 65 and over
4. Children and students of junior high school age or younger
*Please apply for the fee exemption in advance, or present a Physical Disability Certificate, Mental Disability Health and Welfare Certificate, Rehabilitation Certificate, or similar upon entry.
About 5 minutes by car in normal traffic -
-
Arrival
Head home by plane from Kushiro Airport
18 Tancho Kushiro Airport
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▲From photoAC 「An exterior designed after Hokkaido's bird, the red-crowned crane」
After enjoying a trip full of great food, nature, and activities, head to Tancho Kushiro Airport.
Return your rental car, and check the souvenir shops one more time in case you've forgotten anything.
There are also restaurants offering Kushiro's local ingredients and dishes, so if you have room in your stomach and schedule, it's worth stopping by. -
Summary
For Enjoying Summer in Kushiro, Stay at Kushiro Prince Hotel
This article introduced a 2-night, 3-day itinerary featuring some of Kushiro's highlights.
Even within Hokkaido, Kushiro is known for its cool, comfortable climate.
Its appeal goes beyond the scenery, with opportunities to observe wildlife and learn about the region's history and culture.
If you want to spend more time enjoying sights such as Kushiro's famous sunset and the magic hour, Kushiro Prince Hotel is a convenient place to stay, with guest rooms offering views of the surrounding scenery.
Make the hotel your base and enjoy a memorable summer trip to Kushiro.
Accommodation Plans
- Introduction
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- *The photo is for illustrative purposes only. The actual content may differ.
- *The content may be subject to change.
The best views are at Prince.
Experience breathtaking scenery with all your senses.
Take in sweeping panoramas from your room.
Unwind in hot springs beneath a sky filled with stars.
Savor dinner surrounded by enchanting night views.
Discover scenic experiences found only here—moments that make your trip truly special.
Come immerse yourself in unforgettable natural beauty.