Information about Kushiro and Hokkaido
Kushiro ----- Tokyo (One hour and 40 minutes by air)
Kushiro ----- Sapporo (40 minutes by air or 4 hours by train)
Summer temperature: 16 ~ 23 degrees centigrade, Winter temperature: -15 ~ 5 degrees centigrade
ABOUT HOKKAIDO
The island of Hokkaido covers an area of about 78,500 sq. km., which is about 21% of Japan's total land area. Hokkaido is Japan's second largest island after Honshu, the main island of Japan. Due to its northerly location, Hokkaido is considerably cooler than much of the rest of Japan. But the climate varies remarkably from district to district because of the influence of the cold and warm currents surrounding the island. The average winter temperature is 8 degrees centigrade lower than Tokyo's average temperature. More than 60% of this vast island is covered with primeval forests. From quite early times this part of Japan provided refuge to the Japanese fleeing from war or famine and is actually Japan's version of the Wild West. You will notice that there are many differences between Hokkaido and the rest of Japan. There is little aura of age and tradition. In fact, many American residents of Japan find that Hokkaido reminds them of the U.S., since there are many wide open fields with silos and barns that resemble those of the Midwest and northern New England . Things also tend to be more spread out in Hokkaido than the rest of Japan, the roads are wider and yards are bigger than what you find in large cities like Tokyo and Osaka. There are many National Parks, which offer spectacular scenery. Much of the fascination of Hokkaido lies in the multifaceted charms of its changing seasons. Hokkaido draws many tourists from the rest of Japan throughout the year. The population of Japan is about 120 million. Hokkaido only contains about 5.5 million and people, about 6% of the total population. It is the fifth most populous prefecture in Japan (there are a total of 47 prefectures) but it is the least densely populated of all.
Yonemachi Park, Downtown Kushiro area, Downtown at night.
Kushiro Marsh, the largest in Japan.
Tancho Cranes (Japanese red-crowned cranes) inhabit in Kushiro Marsh.
Kushiro harbor.
ABOUT KUSHIRO
Kushiro is a port city which is located in Eastern Hokkaido along the Pacific Ocean. It has a population of approximately 189,239 and a total area of 1,362.75 square km. It is a quiet city, and there aren't many foreigners living here. But, Kushiro has a lot to offer, especially to those who enjoy nature and are looking for a unique cultural experience.
You should find everything you need in Kushiro, and the cost of living is low. There are many restaurants, bars, grocery stores, bakeries, fitness centres, and so on. There is also a movie theare called WARNER MYCAL which usually has a couple of English movies playing.
Kushiro's weather is not always easy. The winters are quite cold (sometimes reaching -10 C), but the sun shines almost every day. In spring and summer, the temperatures are cool (usually less than 25 C), and there are many days, consisting of fog, rain and a dreamlike mist, from which Kushiro gets its name "City of Mist". Most of the locals say that fall is their favorite season, with lots of sunshine and warm temperatures.
Kushiro is surrounded by nature, so it is a great place for hiking, camping, skiing, fishing, canoeing, etc. There is also plenty to see and do within the city. Here are some of the highlights;
-The waterfront if the most scenic part of the city, with the Nusamai Bridge, street-lamps and bronze statues representing the four seasons. It is the perfect place for an evening walk in any season.
-Along the wharf is the MOO, an interesting building with shops, restaurants, a swimming pool, a fitness centere and a greenhouse called the EGG.
-There is an excellent seafood market, The Washo Market, located downtown across from the train station. It is known for its "Katte Don", a bowl of rice topped with raw fish (Kushiro has amazing seafood).
-Lake Harutori is another nice place to walk and observe nature. Next to the lake is the Kushiro City Museum.
-Lifelong Learning Centre has many events taking place, and it is located in the Manabotto Nusamai building in the centre of downtown. The Kushiro Museum of art is also located near MOO by the river.
-The Yamahana Onsen is a hotspring resort, which is about a 30-minute drive from the city (next to the Kushiro Zoo). It has both indoor and outdoor baths and a restaurant with reasonable prices.
-And last, but not least, the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park - the largest peatland in Japan - is a must see for anyone coming to Kushiro.
Kushiro is also a convenient home base for travel around the rest of beautiful Hokkaido. Many day trips are possible from Kushiro: you can see Red-crowned cranes (symbols of love, fidelity and longevity) in the Tsurui and Akan areas, stare in awe at the mysterious Lake Mashu (a lake formed in an old volcano), eat oysters in Akkeshi and watch the waves crash against shore at Kirittappu Cape. When you have more free time, you can explore all of Hokkaido if you want, and go to places such as Hakodate, Sapporo, Asahikawa, Biei, Furano, Obihiro, Shiretoko, Nemuro or even north to Wakkanai. You will never be bored in Hokkaido.
