Kushiro Sightseeing
Our final stop before heading out into the Pacific Ocean was Kushiro Japan. Kushiro is located in eastern Hokkaido and is most well known for the marshlands which are outside the city. Here you can see wild Japanese red-crown cranes which are quite rare. Of course, you would need to do a ship’s excursion or tour to see these but if you are keen on wildlife watching then this is a must-do. Instead, we decided to explore the city on foot.
We were informed that we had to do face-to-passport immigration in order to leave Japan so this was scheduled for the afternoon. Unfortunately, we were woken at 8 am by the captain’s dulcet tones over the loudspeaker in our cabin telling us that we were not able to get into Kushiro as it was too windy and the channel was narrow.
Instead, we waited offshore until the winds died down. Eventually, we docked around lunchtime and so headed ashore after lunch. Both the ship and passengers were welcomed into Kushiro by this band. A nice touch!
Fortunately, this still gave us time to see the town of Kushiro. Firstly, we walked along the river which heads inland from the dock area. It’s a pleasant walk but then I like walking along rivers. There is something about wandering along with water at your side which appeals to me.
Evergreen Garden (EGG)
Shortly, we discovered a strange building called EGG – which apparently stands for Evergreen Garden. Basically, it is a large greenhouse but inside is rather pretty with trees and plants including some pretty blossoms. We watched as some tourists dressed up in traditional Japanese costumes for photos so it seems a popular spot. It was also nice and warm inside which was rather nice as outside was getting quite chilly.
Nusamai Bridge
It is worth walking as far as Nusamai Bridge as it’s only a short walk from where the ship docks. You can get a good view across the harbour area from here and it also has some interesting bronze statues. At night it lights up although we didn’t see that as we left earlier in the day.
Washo Market
Nearby is a market so we had a look around. We found a lot of our fellow passengers there sampling the local delicacies but we just looked. When we’re on a cruise the last thing we need is more food although I understand the temptation to sample local foods. If you like seafood then we are reliably informed that it is well worth trying it here.
Port Area
We enjoyed a stroll around the port area of Kushiro. Of course, we had 7 days at sea ahead of us so we were keen to stretch our legs on dry land before we set off.
As you can see, it’s a clean, well laid out area and idea for walking along the water.
Goodbye to Japan
As we boarded the Volendam for our long trip across the Pacific Ocean we were a bit sad to leave Japan. It’s one of those bucket list destinations and although we saw some fantastic sights there is so much more to see. We will definitely be back again.
For a recap of all our adventures in Japan, click on any of the image links below.
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27 comments
I’ve never been to Japan before but Kushiro sounds like a great place to visit one day. I love the photos and it looks amazing.
These places sounds great to visit.. Thanks for sharing. I will keep this for future reference.
So many great places to explore in Japan, these itineraries sounds so great, thanks for sharing..! I’m so inlove with Japan.
I have never been to Japan but hopefully someday. It looks like a great place to see. Thanks for sharing.
Japan such a beautiful and peaceful places to visit Kushiro would be my added on my list when I go to Japan love this photos!
I ve been there, its so beautiful. Especially the cleaniness of the people.
Loved it
I have never been to Japan and Kushiro seems like a great place to visit. I will make this place on top of my bucket list and hope to visit it on this coming year.
I think I’d probably spend most of my time just walking around and eating in Washo Market!
I want to visit Japan so badly! I know you had to have a great time. It looks like a great experience. I’ll have to plan a trip there soon for myself.
Japan has always been on my bucket list! I hope to visit them soon maybe two years from now. I really love to go to the countryside instead of the big city though. This look like a perfect place for me.
Gorgeous pictures. I love following your trips. Simply incredible and educational.
Kushiro seems like such a fun place to go with my family. Thanks for the inspiration.
Japan Is 10000% on my TO VISIT list – and I just cannot wait!
this look like a great place to visit.
Such a nice trip! I think listening to a band on-board a boat is quite a different experience.
My daughter went to Japan twice while she was in high school. The pictures and stories she came back with were amazing. I love your photos, thanks for sharing your trip!
This place looks beautiful! I would really love to visit there someday. Maybe I will get the chance!!
I’ve never been here. Will need to add this to my bucket list!
I’ve been dying to go to Japan. This looks like a great place. I haven’t heard of Kushiro before now. The evergreen garden seems quite interesting.
I have yet to explore Kushiro nor Hokkaido and I have been in Japan for 8 years. I want to visit Hokkaido in the summer because it is so amazing and beautiful.
I would love love love to go to Japan soon, such a beautiful country. Next year i hope.
This is so neat, Looks like you had a really great time, I love exploring!
Everything looks so amazing! I wish to visit maybe one day!
It looks like beautiful city to visit. I love the look of the garden x
Laura
Your trip looks absolutely amazing!! Definitely adding to my bucket list of places to visit! Love the photos!
My son loves Japan so much he has made the whole family fans. We still haven’t been but it is still on my family’s bucket list. Kushiro looks beautiful in the pictures. Looks like you enjoyed your stay.
Kushiro looks like a lovely place to spend the day. I have never heard of Kushiro! It looks like you had a lot of fun! I happy you got to cross Japan off your bucket list.