Places to visit in winter in East Hokkaido & how to get there
Kushiro

Kushiro is the largest city in East Hokkaido. In this article, we will be introducing sightseeing spots in and around Kushiro, and how to get to those spots by bus for those of you would would like to enjoy sightseeing while staying in Kushiro.

Recommended for those who want to visit Kushiro Marsh

How to get to
Kushiro Marsh Observatory

Kushiro Marsh Observatory

Among the observatories overlooking Kushiro Marsh, the largest marshland in Japan, Kushiro Marsh Observatory is the closest to Kushiro City. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Kushiro Marsh and Kushiro City from the rooftop and the observatory on the third floor, as well as see Kushiro Marsh up close from the satellite observatory located at the end of a promenade that is roughly 1km long.

Access
Near "Shitsugen Tenboudai" bus stop (transit bus)
Operating hours
October to March: 9:00 - 17:00
April to September: 8:30 - 18:00
* Closed during the year-end and New Year holidays.

Bus Timetable
from Kushiro Station to Kushiro Marsh Observatory

Departure from Kushiro Station Arrival at Kushiro Marsh Observatory Notes
8:55 → 9:34 Bus for Green Park Tsurui
10:25 → 11:04 Bus for Green Park Tsurui
13:25 → 14:04 Bus for Green Park Tsurui
14:45 → 15:24 Bus for Green Park Tsurui

* All buses listed above are operated by Akan Bus.

* As of November 2023 * Kushiro Marsh Observatory - Kushiro Station: ¥690

* Kushiro Marsh Observatory Operating Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (October - March)

Bus Timetable
from Kushiro Marsh Observatory to Kushiro Station

Departure from Kushiro Marsh Observatory Arrival at Kushiro Station Notes
10:51 → 11:35 Bus for Kushiro City General Hospital
12:26 → 13:10 Bus for Kushiro City General Hospital
15:16 → 16:00 Bus for Kushiro City General Hospital
16:34 → 17:18 Bus for Kushiro City General Hospital

* All buses listed above are operated by Akan Bus.

* As of November 2023 * Kushiro Marsh Observatory - Kushiro Station: ¥690

* Kushiro Marsh Observatory Operating Hours: 9:00 - 17:00 (October - March)

Sightseeing Tips

A visit to the Kushiro Marsh Observatory takes an estimated 30 minutes if you only visit the marsh observatory, and about 1 hour and 30 minutes if you visit the satellite observatory as well. Note that it takes longer in winter because the promenade is less slippery. You can also enjoy meals such as soup curry at the observatory's rest house (closed on occasion).

Recommended for those who want to see cranes in Tsurui Village

How to get to
Tsurumidai and Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary

Tancho

Kushiro City Red-crowned Crane Natural Park, located in the Akan area to the northwest of Kushiro City, is a facility where visitors can see protected tancho (red-crowned cranes) throughout the year. The Akan International Crane Center offers visitors the opportunity to observe up to hundreds of tancho at the adjacent feeding site (Branch Red-crowned Crane Observation Center).

Access
Tancho Crane Natural Park … Near "Tsuru-koen" bus stop (transit bus)
Akan International Crane Center … About 3 minutes on foot from "Tancho-no-Sato" bus stop (transit bus)

Bus Timetable
from Kushiro Station to Tancho Crane Natural Park and Akan International Crane Center

Departure from Kushiro Station Departure from Kushiro Airport Arrival at Tsuru-koen Arrival at Tancho-no-Sato Notes
10:10 → 10:57 → 11:05 → 11:22 Bus for Lake Akan Hot Springs
14:50 → 15:37 → 15:45 → 16:02 Bus for Lake Akan Hot Springs

* As of November 2023 (only winter timetable is listed)

* As of November 2023 (only winter timetable is listed)

* Kushiro Airport to Tsuru-koen: ¥200
Kushiro Airport to Tancho-no-sato: ¥870

* The bus stops "Tsuru-koen"and "Tanchozuru Shizen Koen"are the same. The Tancho Natural Park is open from 9:00 - 16:00 in winter.

* The Akan International Crane Center, which is adjacent to "Tancho-no-sato", is open from 9:00 - 17:00 in winter.

Bus Timetable
from Akan International Crane Center and Tancho Crane Natural Park to Kushiro Station

Departure from Tancho-no-Sato Departure from Tsuru-koen Arrival at Kushiro Airport Arrival at Kushiro Station Notes
11:03 → 11:21 → 11:30 → 12:20 Bus for Kushiro Station
16:43 → 17:01 → 17:10 → 18:00 Bus for Kushiro Station

* As of November 2023 (only winter timetable is listed)

* Kushiro Station to Tsuru-koen: ¥920
Kushiro Station to Tancho-no-sato: ¥1,480

* Kushiro Airport to Tsuru-koen: ¥200
Kushiro Airport to Tancho-no-sato: ¥870

* The bus stops "Tsuru-koen"and "Tanchozuru Shizen Koen"are the same. The Tancho Natural Park is open from 9:00 - 16:00 in winter.

* The Akan International Crane Center, which is adjacent to "Tancho-no-sato", is open from 9:00 - 17:00 in winter.

Sightseeing Tips

Please note that bus options for visiting both Kushiro City Red-crowned Crane Natural Park and Akan International Crane Center are limited. Tancho-no-sato, located near the Akan International Crane Center, has a roadside station, restaurants, and hot spring facilities, allowing visitors to relax and complement their sightseeing experience with dining and bathing in the hot springs.

Recommended for those who want to enjoy Kushiro's magnificent nature in winter

How to get to
Lake Akan Hot Springs

Tancho

Lake Akan Hot Springs is located in the Akan-Mashu National Park, surrounded by magnificent nature, in the northwestern part of Kushiro City. In winter, visitors can experience fishing for wakasagi (Japanese smelt) on the frozen Lake Akan, and see the area's unique nature in winter, such as the "frost flowers" that bloom on the lake in the early morning (depending on weather conditions the night before).

Access
Lake Akan Hot Springs Hotels (along the lakeside) …
10-20 minute walk from Lake Akan Bus Center.
* We recommend you check with your hotel if pick-up and drop-off services are available.

Bus Timetable
from Kushiro Station/Kushiro Airport to Lake Akan Hot Springs

Departure from Kushiro Station Departure from Kushiro Airport Departure from Tancho-no-Sato Arrival at Lake Akan Bus Center Notes
10:00 → 10:17 → 11:15 Akan Airport Liner for Lake Akan Hot Springs
10:10 → 10:57 → 11:22 → 12:10 Bus for Lake Akan Hot Springs
14:50 → 15:37 → 16:02 → 16:50 Bus for Lake Akan Hot Springs
17:15 → 18:02 → 18:27 → 19:15 Bus for Lake Akan Hot Springs

* As of November 2023 (only winter timetable is listed)

* Kushiro Station to Lake Akan Hot Springs: ¥2,750
Kushiro Airport to Lake Akan Hot Springs: ¥2,190

* Tancho-no-Sato to Lake Akan Hot Springs: ¥1,650

* The Akan International Crane Center, which is adjacent to "Tancho-no-sato", is open from 9:00 - 17:00 in winter.

* The Akan Airport Liner stops at hotels in the hot springs district of Lake Akan Hot Springs.

  • ・ In addition to the above buses, the "White Pirika" bus departs from Kushiro in the morning and goes to Lake Akan after Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo.
  • ・The "Marimo Express Kushiro" is a shuttle bus service operating between Kushiro Station and Lake Akan Hot Springs exclusively for guests staying at Tsuruga Group hotels and Hotel New Akan in Lake Akan Hot Springs.
    (scheduled to operate from late January to March, one round trip per day, paid service)

Bus Timetable
from Akan International Crane Center and Tancho Crane Natural Park to Kushiro Station

Departure from Lake Akan Bus Center Departure from Tancho-no-sato Arrival at Kushiro Airport Arrival at Kushiro Station Notes
7:30 → 8:13 → 8:40 → 9:30 Bus for Kushiro Station
10:20 → 11:03 → 11:30 → 12:20 Bus for Kushiro Station
11:50 → 12:45 → 13:10 Akan Airport Liner - Kushiro Airport
16:00 → 16:43 → 17:10 → 18:00 Bus for Kushiro Station

* As of November 2023 (only winter timetable is listed)

* Kushiro Station to Lake Akan Hot Springs: ¥2,750
Kushiro Airport to Lake Akan Hot Springs: ¥2,190

* Tancho-no-Sato to Lake Akan Hot Springs: ¥1,650

* The Akan International Crane Center, which is adjacent to "Tancho-no-sato", is open from 9:00 - 17:00 in winter.

* The Akan Airport Liner stops at hotels in the hot springs district of Lake Akan Hot Springs.

  • ・The "Marimo Express Kushiro" is a shuttle bus service operating between Kushiro Station and Lake Akan Hot Springs exclusively for guests staying at Tsuruga Group hotels and Hotel New Akan in Lake Akan Hot Springs.
    (scheduled to operate from late January to March, one round trip per day, paid service)

Sightseeing Tips

In winter, "Iceland Akan", where visitors can enjoy fishing for wakasagi (Japanese smelt) and riding snowmobiles, is open on Lake Akan. Visitors can take a day trip from Kushiro to enjoy a fun and unique winter experience at Lake Akan. We also recommend you alight at Tancho-no-Sato and stop by the Akan International Crane Center when taking the bus from Kushiro Airport to Lake Akan.

Recommended for those who want to see cute animals in Kushiro

How to get toKushiro Zoo

polar bears

Kushiro Zoo is the largest zoo in Hokkaido. Here, visitors can see polar bears, Amur tigers, and rare birds such as Blakiston's fish owl, which is a must-see for travellers to Hokkaido.
* The zoo's amusement park is closed during the winter.

Access
Lake Akan Hot Springs Hotels (along the lakeside) …
10-20 minute walk from Lake Akan Bus Center.
* We recommend you check with your hotel if pick-up and drop-off services are available.

Bus Timetable
from Kushiro Station/Kushiro Airport to Kushiro City Zoo

Departure from Kushiro Station Arrival at Kushiro City Zoo Notes
9:30 → 10:26 Bus for Yamahana Hot Springs Refresh
10:10 → 10:57 Bus for Yamahana Hot Springs Refresh

* All buses listed above are operated by Akan Bus.

* As of November 2023

* Kushiro Station to Kushiro City Zoo: ¥890

* Kushiro Zoo operating hours: 10:00 - 15:30, last admission at 15:00 (15 October - 9 April)

Departure from Kushiro Airport Arrival at Kushiro City Zoo Notes
11:02 → 11:13 Bus for Yamahana Hot Springs Refresh
13:02 → 13:13 Bus for Yamahana Hot Springs Refresh

* All buses listed above are operated by Akan Bus.

* As of November 2023

* Kushiro Airport to Kushiro City Zoo: ¥260

* Kushiro Zoo operating hours: 10:00 - 15:30, last admission at 15:00 (15 October - 9 April)

* There is an airport shuttle bus that operates between Kushiro Airport and Kushiro Station.

Bus Timetable
from Kushiro City Zoo to Kushiro Station/Kushiro Airport

Departure from Kushiro City Zoo Arrival at Kushiro Station Notes
16:06 → 16:48 Bus for Kushiro City General Hospital

* All buses listed above are operated by Akan Bus.

* As of November 2022

* Kushiro Station to Kushiro City Zoo: ¥890

* Kushiro Zoo operating hours: 10:00 - 15:30, last admission at 15:00 (15 October - 9 April)

Departure from Kushiro City Zoo Arrival at Kushiro Airport Notes
10:50 → 11:00 Bus for AEON SC
14:00 → 14:10 Bus for AEON SC

* All buses listed above are operated by Akan Bus.

* As of November 2023

* Kushiro Airport to Kushiro City Zoo: ¥260

* Kushiro Zoo operating hours: 10:00 - 15:30, last admission at 15:00 (15 October - 9 April)

* There is an airport shuttle bus that operates between Kushiro Airport and Kushiro Station.

Sightseeing Tips

In winter, when it is very cold, it is recommended that you spend 1-2 hours at the zoo. Since there are few buses operating between Kushiro Station and Kushiro City Zoo, it is also recommended that you consider traveling via Kushiro Airport(an airport shuttle bus operates between Kushiro Airport and Kushiro Station in line with flight arrival and departure timings). You can also take a day trip to Yamahana Hot Springs Refresh, a 10-minute walk from the zoo, to enjoy a meal and a soak in the hot springs.

Recommended for those who want to know about the nature, history, and culture of Kushiro.

How to get to
Kushiro City Museum

Kushiro City Museum

Kushiro Museum is a general museum where visitors can learn about Kushiro's nature, history, industry, as well as Ainu culture. A huge mammoth skeleton welcomes visitors at the museum's entrance, and the approximately 4,100 exhibits on display are well worth seeing for yourself.

Access
Kushiro City Museum .. about 5 minutes on foot from "Kushiro City General Hospital" bus stop (transit bus)

Bus Timetable
from Kushiro City Museum to Kushiro Station/Kushiro Airport

During the day, there are at least two buses every hour from the bus terminal in front of Kushiro Station to "Kushiro City General Hospital" bus stop, the closest bus stop to the museum.

Click here for more details(Japanese Only)

Recommended for those who want to travel to the easternmost point of Japan

How to get to
Nemuro and Cape Nosappu from Kushiro

Cape Nosappu

Located at a longitude of 145.49°E, Cape Nosappu is the easternmost point of Japan that is currently open to the general public. It can be reached by taking a bus or a JR train from Kushiro to Nemuro Station, and then transferring to a transit bus.

Access
Tancho Crane Natural Park … Near "Tsuru-koen" bus stop (transit bus)
Akan International Crane Center … About 3 minutes on foot from "Tancho-no-Sato" bus stop (transit bus)

Bus Timetable
from Nemuro to Kushiro

Departure from Nemuro Station Departure from Attoko Station Arrival at Hamanaka Arrival at Kushiro Station Notes
5:35 → 6:15 → 6:32 → 8:20 *Operates on weekdays
9:00 → 9:50 → 10:07 → 11:55 *Operates on weekdays
17:30 → 18:20 → 18:37 → 20:10 *Operates on weekdays
7:30 → 8:20 → 8:37 → 10:10 *Operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
15:30 → 16:20 → 16:37 → 18:10 *Operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

* The buses listed above are operated by Kushiro Bus or Nemuro Transport.

* As of November 2023

* Kushiro Station to Hamanaka: ¥1,420 Kushiro Station to Attoko Station: ¥1,760 Kushiro Station to Nemuro Station: ¥2,290

* You cannot board the bus at Attoko Station, Hamanaka.

Bus Timetable
from Kushiro to Nemuro

Departure from Kushiro Station Arrival at Hamanaka Arrival at Attoko Station Arrival at Nemuro Station Notes
5:40 → 7:11 → 7:26 → 8:08 *Operates on weekdays
13:10 → 14:56 → 15:11 → 15:53 *Operates on weekdays
16:00 → 17:46 → 18:01 → 18:43 *Operates on weekdays
7:45 → 9:16 → 9:31 → 10:13 *Operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays
15:45 → 17:16 → 17:31 → 18:13 *Operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays

* The buses listed above are operated by Kushiro Bus or Nemuro Transport.

* As of November 2023

* Kushiro Station to Hamanaka: ¥1,420 Kushiro Station to Attoko Station: ¥1,760 Kushiro Station to Nemuro Station: ¥2,290

* You cannot board the bus at Attoko Station, Hamanaka.

Bus Timetable
from Nemuro to Cape Nosappu

Departure from Nemuro Station Arrival at Cape Nosappu Notes
6:40 → 7:24 *Unavailable on weekends, public holidays, and replacement holidays
8:20 → 9:04
11:05 → 11:49
13:35 → 14:19
16:10 → 16:54

* Operated by Nemuro Transport as of November 2023

* Nemuro Station to Cape Nosappu: ¥1,090

* The Nemuro City Northern Territories Memorial Museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00.

* The operating hours of the Nemuro City Northern Territories Museum and the Boukyo no Ie Museum are 9:00 to 17:00 (closes at 16:30 from November to February).

Bus Timetable
from Cape Nosappu to Nemuro

Departure from Cape Nosappu Arrival at Nemuro Station Notes
7:29 → 8:13 *Unavailable on weekends, public holidays, and replacement holidays
9:55 → 10:39
12:40 → 13:24
15:10 → 15:54
17:20 → 18:04

* Operated by Nemuro Transport as of November 2023

* Nemuro Station to Cape Nosappu: ¥1,090

* The Nemuro City Northern Territories Memorial Museum is open from 9:00 to 17:00.

* The operating hours of the Nemuro City Northern Territories Museum and the Boukyo no Ie Museum are 9:00 to 17:00 (closes at 16:30 from November to February).

Sightseeing Tips

The "Limited Express Nemuro" bus (no reservation required) operates between Kushiro and Nemuro (three round trips on weekdays, two round trips on weekends and holidays). Please noe that the timetable of each bus is different. Sightseeing at Cape Nosappu takes roughly 40-50 minutes. It is recommended that you return to Nemuro Station on the same bus service that you used to travel to Cape Nosappu.

Recommended for those who want to see the most spectacular scenery in East Hokkaido

How to get to
Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu is a myserious lake with the clearest water in Japan and the second-clearest water in the world after Lake Baikal. During the dead of winter, Lake Mashu sometimes freezes over. The Lake Mashu Rest House reopened as "Lake Mashu Kamui Terrace" in July 2022. Visitors can now enjoy the view of Lake Mashu from a warm, indoor space even during the winter.

Access
Lake Mashu … Near "Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1" bus stop (transit bus)
Mashu Station is about 80 minutes by JR line from Kushiro Station.

Bus Timetable
from JR Mashu Station to Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1

Departure from Mashu Station Arrival at Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1 Notes
10:30 → 10:55 *Bus for Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1

* All buses listed above are operated by Akan Bus.

* Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1 to Mashu Station: ¥570 (as of November 2023)

  • ・In addition to the buses listed above, you can also take the "East Hokkaido Express Bus No. 4", which departs from Kushiro Station, Kushiro Airport, and Lake Akan, and goes to Abashiri and Shiretoko Utoro after traveling through Lake Mashu and Bihoro Pass.
  • ・In addition to the buses listed above, you can also take the "White Pirika", a regular sightseeing bus that departs from Kushiro in the morning and travels to Lake Mashu and Lake Kussharo.

Bus Timetable
from Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1 to JR Mashu Station

Departure from Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1 Arrival at JR Mashu Station Notes
11:25 → 11:55 *Bus for Mashu Station

* All buses listed above are operated by Akan Bus.

* Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1 to Mashu Station: ¥570 (as of November 2023)

Sightseeing TIps

Visiting Lake Mashu Observatory No. 1 takes about 30 minutes, but it will take longer if you would like to go shopping or have a meal.