Fun things to do in Kushiro: 10 fun attractions and activities

We visited with little time, so we couldn't visit all the bulding nor walk the entire trail. Nevertheless we could enjoy the autumn foliage and do some birdwatching, although considering the season, the trail was very silent. I'd definitely come back with more time as the place looks promising!

We had a brief stay here, paid the entrance fee for the marsh observatory view from the roof top. Exhibition in the building is a small one to introduce the wetland ecosystem. We didn’t paid much attention into that. Building will close at 18:00 during summer time The trail will be closed at 17:30 because of possible appearance of the black bear. Trail walk itself don’t not require ticket but the roof top observatory and the exhibition requires a ticket (¥480/adult)

We took a walk looping the Broadwalk. The weather was very conducive though there are parts of the Broadwalk that requires some amount of maintenance. It’s about 2.5km short walk, great for a stopover stretching and deep breathing exercises in a self drive holiday.

Nice hike through the marsh up to Onnenai Visitor Center and back. There are no famous cranes here, but it is still nice to see the local flora and fauna. I was lucky and somebody was at the archeological site so I could have a look inside one of the pithouses.

Seemed a long walk to get to the lookout. Just coming out of winter when we visited, so the ground was brown unfortunately, with not much to see. Japan's largest wetlands (around 300 ha). Akan Mountains can be seen from observation deck.

The observatory - sadly - is very bad. There‘s no view of the marsh, just the industrial area closeby. I wouldn’t even recommend it for free, let alone 480 yen per person - a ripoff. The exhibition includes some fish in a tiny tank. :( 1 extra star for the friendly reception staff.

Wonderfull view in the marsh. Elegant architectural interior.

We are in the off season so focused more on the cranes in captivity. One of the cranes looked really stressed out with its beak deformed from all the squeezing it is doing on the fence. There's also a pair of red crowned crane with netting above them and curiously one without; which we learnt that the crane was born in captivity (and actually not a good idea to release it into the wild) and has it's feathers removed such that it can't take flight, probably since it's birth. The facilities in the center look a little old (though informative enough) and there's also a small children's play area. Overall an interesting area to see the cranes in captivity.

Good place to drive out to the place but nothing much to see. There were only three enclosures to see the cranes. Can’t take clear picture due to wired barrier in between and other one were hiding inside the shade due to heat in the day we visited. It would be a good place to visit in winters when migrating birds also lands here. There are good spots to set up your camera inside and click the pics when the snow is covered in winters. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable but if the birds are not there then it’s a waste of driving out to the place so far.

My visit coincided with the off-season, we could see a few flying pass. It's important to note that if you're planning a visit specifically to see the cranes, it would be best to research the appropriate time of year to ensure you catch a glimpse of these graceful birds. Do note that are also other areas to observe the cranes . Entrance fee is 480 yen to this place , and there is also a bundle package if you decide to visit the Marsh Observatory .

There are two cranes in the cave and 3 in open cage. The weather is very nice and quite warm. I'm very happy to visit this place.

Only just found out that the wild cranes only come in during winter... but still managed to see a few in captivity, and learnt a lot more in the museum! Very informative though quiet place :)

Free to visit crane center. Behind the center building is a large meadow where the cranes congregate in winter. There is a raised viewing deck with a better then from ground level. The center building is currently undergoing renovation so the 2nd floor doesn't offer its usual view.

We did only see the cranes in the fences. We support the work for bettering the life for the cranes. Beautifull birds!

It is definitely worth to visit. The view over wetland is magnificent 👍🏻 it is also good to spend around 2 hours to walk around the park as well. Don’t pay to go to the observatory tower, it is just a small area on top of the tower, not worth it.

Need to walk for 40-50 minutes for a round trip. The lookout at the park is so beautiful. Very enjoyable.

Big park and good to visit in summer time

Beautiful natural park. Loved the drive through the forest and enjoyed the footpaths. The visitor center is a cozy log building with a small display of photos of the area, and some nice souvenirs.

Summer is hot! Unless you like it. Too hot as very hard to find shade from trees. Nothing much to see except you are natural lovers!

We visited in early May. The first visitor centre we went to was closed, with no signage for self-guided walking. The second centre was not very appealing and the observatory was closed. All a bit of a let-down.

Good tourist destination... the largest wetland in Japan...

Really sad place. These animals are kept in tiny cages. They are depressed. The zoo needs to transfer the animals to sanctuaries and conservation areas. They don’t deserve to live like this for our entertainment and for the zoo to make money. Please, don’t support by visiting.

Disappointed..animals in the zoo sparse place are badly maintained Not really worth visiting

I visited this zoo in Kushiro and was very unhappy seeing the animals who were really sad, depressed and stressed.. I reallly don’t know how do the care taker takes care . Was totally unexpected from Japanese zoo authority . Lions and tigers were kept in small cage and there was no water for them . They were literally looking at us and roaring and asking for help . Please look at the reviews and take action against them .. looking at them I was sad and unhappy . Not a good experience.

Big zoo with lots of attractions for children and a wide range of animals. However, most animals are sick, don't look happy at all and are kept in very sad, small and unadapted cages. Polar bear, brown bear, tigers, giraffe.. all clearly displaying signs of great stress. The zoo really needs to redo more than half of their enclosures.. very depressing visit and i felt bad afterwards..

Situated on route 666 not sure if they’re taking the piss the animals are living in actual squalor and hell. Most run down depressing zoo I have ever seen. Anyone who thinks this place is great must be living in worse conditions I wouldn’t let these people near my pet let alone wild animals. Absolute torture! I only had to look at the pictures to know how bad this place is but had to see for myself ! First and last zoo I will ever visit in Japan. DO NOT SUPPORT THIS. Animal cruelty is getting beyond a joke!

Just don't go here if you've ever been to a zoo in America. It's just too sad by comparison. The animals are in very small enclosures with little stimulation.

It is sad to see animals confined in such small spaces. Many of them display the repetitive behaviour of sheer boredom.

We have an English interpreter since the guide explains in Japanese. The museum is very informative. There is an elevator in case one is not healthy enough to take the stairs.

A thoroughly enjoyable museum that is well laid out across three floors. It explains the history of the area, from fishing and animals to culture and transport. About two-thirds of the captions are in Japanese but there’s a fantastic online guide in English (and other languages) that can be accessed using a QR code and free WiFi. Definitely access this because almost every cabinet has a thorough explanation and the English is excellent. The gardens are nice and there’s a good view of the river/lake. Parking is free outside and there are toilets inside.

A very informative experience. Compared to many other japanese museums, it also shows a lot of explanations in English.

This is one of the better museums in Hokkaido. The inside has been rebuilt and the dioramas and exhibits are fantastic. The museum looks at the local flora & fauna plus the Ainu culture and the Jomon period.

👍🧐🇯🇵

An awesome museum. Everything is organized very nicely! Great experience! Thank you! It was interesting to know history of Kushiro. We will come again. Not all can be watched in one go (with a small kid :D). Better come a couple of times.

A surprisingly good museum. Great museum by Akao am standards, especially the first floor which covers the geological and natural history of Kushiro. Lots of English and videos with subtitles. Other areas of focus are the modern local culture, and Ainu history. Worth a stop by, plan on 1-2 hrs.

we went around 12 pm and had the place all to ourselves. perhaps the tourists were watching theatre performances. Nice town mainly souvenir shops. if you venture future in, there is. a nice garden trail. Beautiful pier view too!

The village is too touristic, mainly shops. The products the shop sell are really pretty and mostly handmade, there are just too many shops. The story of the anui is intresting and inspiring but the village is not about them, its about the shops. Also why is there a parking lot in the middle of the village? There is so much space in the area, yet the cars are parked here. So weird...

We've been to Akan many times, and it never disappoints. But I have to say that Autumn is the best time to visit. The Onsen town is interesting to walk around in, with Ainu souvenir shops and dainty cafes lining the roads. You can take a boat to tour the Lake, and if you're lucky and the weather is good, you'll be able to see the autumn foliage around the small islands.

The village is quite small but beautiful. There was a beautiful 3-legged fox in town. One of the local shopkeepers explained that it likely wouldn't survive the winter, as its immune system has been compromised by tourist food. Don't feed the wildlife, people!

This tourist spot brings together Ainu traditional crafts, restaurants, and a theater. The scale is larger than expected, offering a deeper cultural experience.

It’s conveniently located at akan lake so it’s worth to visit during a trip to lake akan to experience Ainu culture. It’s mostly souvenir shops and museum.

When it comes to winter the view is very beautiful, like in the movie Frozen. the road is a little slippery so be careful. there are many knick-knack shops that must be visited. There are many choices of stamps in the museum 😆❄️

Great spot to see the red crowned cranes. Also saw deer and fox but they were really far away. You have to stand behind a fence, but the cranes come really close. Someone came and fed the cranes at 9 am.

Probably the best location to observe and photograph the red-crowned cranes. The distance to the cranes was just perfect for observation and photography. I was lucky to witness numerous courtship dances, which was truly amazing. If you're planning to go, make sure to arrive earlier than the 9am feeding time. This way, you can watch the birds landing and ensure you have a good spot for photography. There are lots of photographers who set up their tripods early, so you'll want to make sure you're there in time. Overall, it was a great experience. Highly recommended.

Brilliant. One of the most beautiful looking crane species I have ever seen. The cranes around 8:30am and some people come just to admire them and take pictures. This place is very rural and I would recommend renting a car if you do want to come here. PS - Interested to see the cranes through binoculars? Check out the short video here 👇 https://youtu.be/gDO4fpQ_e-c?si=zTLk7nFeOyVqqn9s

The entry is free. They feed the red crown cranes with sweet corn scattered on the fields so you are sure to always see these magnificent creatures. The very knowledgeable, gentle and helpful guides in the centre answer any questions and provide in-depth information on these cranes. A great place for all your photos but be prepared to wait for them to fly in for that great shot with their wings open.

A chance to get close with the wild cranes and observe them. The drive is long as you will need to use some roads that are narrow and unlit at nite. Would not recommend if you want to drive here during winter with heavy snow. Staff at the conservation center are also very friendly. Not recommended for people who are rushing from point to point.

The red-crowned cranes here are not raised in captivity, but wild red-crowned cranes, so there are no cages or fences. Great location for bird photography, can get quite busy though. Lots of cranes at a perfect viewing distance. There is parking and restrooms.

A Red-Crowned Crane santuary that you should visit if you want to see the beautiful Crane. Feeding time is 9am and 11am. You should be there around these two times if you want to get good photos of these cranes. These cranes are considered to be good luck cranes by the Japanese and is also a symbol of love for them. The cranes normally pair for life. I have numerous photos of them including a young Crane where the head feathers are brownish as compared to the adult Crane which is black. If you want to have good photos of the cranes flying, you have to be patient and wait for a long time to catch that perfect shot. Good luck.

Museum showcasing some artworks by local artists.

(Translated by Google) When I was walking on the last day, I was attracted by the tall cedar trees at the door and entered this sunny art museum. I experienced a film darkroom for the first time, and had the opportunity to sit down and read page by page of Daido Moriyama's "Hokkaido". "He has the gaze of a stray dog, and the subject matter and angles of his works show a wandering traveling and shooting technique." It was the first time I got the impactful beauty of his photos. The words next to each work in the exhibition hall also touched me very much, making people feel that art can be so simple and my way of viewing can be so free. "But don't you think it's interesting? Because they are presented in such a simple form, the audience is free to use their imagination" "Let's imagine together! We will also introduce the fun and enjoyment of "unintelligible pictures"" Finally, I would like to thank the two staff members at the souvenir shop. I bought a postcard and forgot to take it with me. They looked for me everywhere in a hurry. Thank you very much. Thank you. The packaging bag of the postcard is a reused leaflet from a previous exhibition, which is very environmentally friendly, and it happens to be "Silver Spoon", which I like very much. How lucky~ (Original) 最后一天散步时，被门口高大的杉树吸引，进了这间洒满阳光的美术馆。 我第一次体验了胶片暗房，还有机会坐下来一页一页翻完了森山大道的《Hokkaido》，“拥有流浪狗般的目光，其作品的题材与角度都呈现出一种如游走一般的旅行与拍摄手法”，第一次get到他照片带来的冲击美。 展厅里每幅作品旁边的话也很打动我，让人觉得原来艺术可以这么简单，我的观看方式可以这么自由。 “不过，你不觉得很有趣吗？因为它们是以如此简单的形式呈现，所以观众可以自由地发挥他们的想象力” “一起尽情想象吧！我们还将介绍『看不懂的图片』的乐趣和享受” 最后还要感谢纪念品商店两位工作人员，买了一张明信片忘记带走，她们很着急地到处找我，太感谢了，谢谢你们。 明信片的包装袋是重复利用以前展览的宣传单，很环保的做法，而且正好是我非常喜欢的《银之匙》，好幸运呀～

(Translated by Google) This was my first visit to this place, and although there wasn't enough parking for 10 cars inside the museum, I happened to be able to park there, and I was able to enjoy the photo exhibition in the quiet interior of the museum. I would like to visit again when there is an exhibition that interests me. (Original) 初めてこちらを訪問しましたが館内の駐車場が10台分無いくらいですがたまたま停めることができ、静かな館内で写真展を楽しめました。 また興味がある展示の時は訪問したいと思います。

(Translated by Google) It was a short walk from MOO and looked nice on a sunny day (though I didn't go inside). (Original) MOOから歩いてすぐで、晴れていると良い感じでした（中には入っていませんが）。

(Translated by Google) I went because I wanted to see Sakana-kun's paintings, and each painting had detailed information about the fish, so I learned a lot of things I didn't know. It's typical of Sakana-kun, and all the paintings were wonderful. (Original) さかなクンの絵 見たかったので 行ってきましたが 絵 1つ1つに その魚に関する詳しいことが書いてたので 知らなかったこともあり 勉強になりました さすが さかなクンですね 素晴らしい絵ばかりでした

(Translated by Google) Honestly, I think this is the most complete collection of any prefectural art museum. I've been told that it's the newest of the prefectural art museums, but I still feel like it has a collection that's in keeping with the ``current'' times. I got a ticket the other day and went to see it, and of course there was a wide range of exhibits, from paintings to sculptures to photographs. The collection may be small, but it is displayed well. I also think it's wonderful that Daido Moriyama's photos have been added to the collection. Apparently there will be an exhibition by Kimura Ihei after this, which is wonderful. Last year, I saw Kimura Ihei at the Museum of Photography in Tokyo, and I was moved to tears. I'm just so jealous that I can see this kind of work in Kushiro. Also, whenever I go to this museum, there is always some sort of event going on. This is a wonderful facility where you can feel that culture is born here. (Original) 正直、道立の美術館での所蔵では一番充実しているように思う。話によると道立の美術館では１番新しいそうだけど、それでも「今」の時代に合ったコレクションをしている気がする。 先日、チケットを頂いたので見てきたのだけど、もちろん絵画から彫刻、写真など幅広く展示していた。コレクション数が少ないのだろうけど、これをうまく展示してる。 森山大道の写真をコレクションに加えたあたりも素晴らしいと思う。このあと木村伊兵衛の展覧会があるようで、素晴らしい。昨年、東京の写真美術館で木村伊兵衛を見てきたけど、見ていて涙がでてきた。こんな作品を釧路で見ることができるのは、ただただうらやましい。 また、ここの美術館に行くと必ず、何かイベントを開催している。こうして、ここから文化が生まれていくのだなと感じる素晴らし施設。

(Translated by Google) No photography is allowed inside. Various exhibitions are changed regularly, and the exhibition space is not large. (Original) 內部不得拍照。定期更換各式展覽，展覽空間不大。

We were a bit unlucky with the weather so we couldn't fully experience Akan National Park and its famous stargazing experience but we truly enjoyed the beautiful hike up Mount Mokoto and the stunning view on the volcanic lake and it's characteristic central island.

Must visit when you go to Kushiro. Beautiful even in the summer.

I thought Shiretoko might be the most beautiful national park in Hokkaido, but after visiting Akan-Mashu... well, maybe it was the weather that we were blessed with! A must-visit in Hokkaido! I had already visited in winter, but it was completely transformed in summer.

It's a beautiful and majestic site , usually not crowded , excellent facilities, recommend visiting

Sea of clouds, big&beautiful lake, spiritual pond, mountains, and etc are awsome

Caldera lakes, an active volcano, oodles of onsens; this is a must-visit in Hokkaido.

Lake Kussharo is awesome

(Translated by Google) I think it was built when I was in elementary school... Well, anyway, the building is old... The changing rooms are old too... This is the closest place for the kids to go, so I use it, but... I wonder if they should renovate the changing room floor to make it a little nicer... (Original) 私が小学生の頃に出来たんだったかな…まぁ、とにかく建物としては古い…更衣室も古い…子供達が行ける距離としては、ここが1番近いので利用はしますけど…もう少し更衣室の床綺麗に改築とかしないかな…

(Translated by Google) I visited on my way back from Obihiro. ・Adults: 500 yen, fees apply from 4 years old ・Lockers cost 10 yen and cannot be returned after use. ・Currency can be exchanged at the ticket machine - Do not enter the pool with glasses on ・The heating room is hot ・Shower temperature is too hot ・There are toys that can be played for free such as elephants and watering cans. ・It seems like the toddler pool is somehow cloudy...? I would compare it to Simpia in Obihiro. I was in trouble because I couldn't wear glasses. Of course, Simpia is not suitable for swimming, but glasses can be used for other purposes. They will lend you a neck strap to keep your glasses from falling off. I think it's good to have that kind of consideration. I also felt that the price was high. (Swimpia is free for junior high school students and under) It was helpful that the receptionist told me before I used the locker that it would cost 10 yen and that it was a non-returnable type. (I didn't have a 10 yen coin in my wallet so I was able to exchange money in advance) I came here for the first time in about 10 years, but I can't deny that it's aging. The kids had fun, so please do your best in sales (^^) (Original) 帯広からの帰省中に訪問させていただきました。 ・大人500円、4歳から料金かかる ・ロッカーが10円で、使用後戻らないタイプ ・発券機で両替できる ・眼鏡をかけたままプールに入れない ・採暖室が熱め ・シャワーの温度も熱め ・ぞうさんジョウロなど無料で遊べるおもちゃ有り ・幼児プールがなんか濁ってたような…？ 帯広のスインピアと比較しちゃうんですが、、 眼鏡の使用不可が困りました。スインピアだと泳ぐ場合はもちろんダメですが、それ以外なら眼鏡の使用可です。眼鏡が落ちないようにネックストラップを貸してくれます。そういう配慮はあってもいいような。 料金も高めだと感じました。(スインピアは中学生以下無料) 受付の方が使用前にロッカーは10円かかります、戻らないタイプですと教えてくれたのは助かりました。(財布に10円玉がなく事前に両替することができた) 10年ぶりくらいに来たけど、老朽化が否めない、、 子供は楽しんでたから営業頑張ってください(^^)

(Translated by Google) The staff's response...there was nothing particularly wrong with it. We received a courteous response. Locker…10 yen per use. There are many places where the key won't turn or is missing. The shower...It was hot in the hallway and in the shower room. It's cruel to children. Pool...I only used the children's pool, but it wasn't too cold to play in. However, I thought that the children's (large) section was dangerous as children practicing swimming and children playing on the large play equipment were mixed together. Play equipment: 100 yen for single-person floats, 200 yen for 2-person dolphins, etc. There were quite a lot of them. The vending machine...I was disappointed that the chocolate coolish was sold out. The eye washing area was no longer available. No body soap etc. There is a hair dryer. There is a baby cot, but there is nothing on it, so if you want to use it, please ask the receptionist to lend you a bath towel. I arrived at 10am on a light rainy day and there were already a lot of people there. I wonder if I could have a relaxing time if I could go when there was less time. The facility itself is old and some parts are dirty, but the children seemed to have a good time. (Original) 職員さんの対応…特に不可もなく。丁寧な対応をしていただきました。 ロッカー…1回10円。鍵が回らないor無い箇所が多い。 シャワー…通路のも、シャワー室のも熱かったです。子供には酷です。 プール…子供用プールのみ使用しましたが、冷たすぎず遊べました。ただ、子供用(大)の方は泳ぐ練習の子と大型遊具で遊ぶ子がごっちゃになってて危ないなと思いました。 遊具…1人用浮き輪などは100円、2人用のイルカなどは200円。結構たくさんありました。 自販機…チョコのクーリッシュが売り切れてて残念でした。 目の洗い場は使用不可になっていました。 ボディソープなどは無し。ドライヤーあり。 ベビーベッドがありますが何も敷かれていないので、利用する人は受付に声をかけてバスタオルを貸してもらいましょ。 小雨の日に10時着で行きましたがすでに人が大勢いました。少ない時行けたらゆったり遊べたかな。施設自体古いので汚いところなどもありますが…子供達はそこそこ楽しんでいたようです。

(Translated by Google) The building is certainly old and the disinfection and shower temperatures are high. Personally, I have no complaints because I can come and exercise whenever I want. I think everyone is having a good time while giving in to each other. I think Kushiro should have more municipal sports facilities like this. I'll do my best to attend 💪 (Original) 建物は確かに古いし消毒やシャワー🚿も温度高いです。 私的には、好きな時に来て気ままに運動できるので文句はありません。 譲り合いながら皆さん好きな時間を過ごされてると思います。 釧路にはこういう市営の運動施設がもっとあってもいいと思うんですけどね。 頑張って通うぞ💪

(Translated by Google) When there are many people? There are people on the slow course as well as on the speed course, so all you can do is walk. Elderly people stopping and talking gets in the way of walking and swimming. I thought that if you wanted to have a conversation, you should sit on a chair. I'm careful about people with children and young people, but I don't see them being careful about elderly people, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to rely on them if something happens... (Original) 人が多い時？はゆったりコースにもスピードコースの人がきて歩行しか出来ません。 年配の方が立ち止まって話をするのが歩行や遊泳の邪魔。談話したいなら椅子に座ってやって欲しいと思いました。 お子さん連れや若い方には注意したりしますが、年配の方に注意してるのを見ないので何かあった時に頼りになるのか不安かな･･･。

(Translated by Google) There are three types of pools: a regular pool, and a shallow pool for babies and children. The building is not that new, so I wish the changing rooms and showers were a little cleaner. (Original) 普通のプールと、赤ちゃん用、子供用の浅いプールの3種類あります。 建物はそんなに新しくないので、脱衣所やシャワーは、もうちょっとキレイだといいなと思います。

(Translated by Google) The woman at the reception didn't say a word and was unfriendly. (Original) 受付の女性が一言も喋らず無愛想だった。