Kushiro

Japan

Witness the haunting beauty of the Kushiro Marshlands, Japan's largest wetland sanctuary teeming with rare cranes and pristine nature.

Currency Japanese Yen (JPY)

Language Japanese

Time Zone JST (UTC+9)

Best Time to Visit Apr–May

Typical Duration 25-29 nights

Price Range $1,779–$23,034 per person

Port Type Port of Call

Tender Port No

Gateway to Japan's stunning Hokkaido region, offering access to pristine natural landscapes, cultural experiences, and as a departure point for Alaska and North Pacific cruises.

Cruises that visit Kushiro

Build Your Day in Kushiro

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM

Usually about 9 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

kushiro WASHOU market Really fun experience of choosing your own sashimi to make your own donburi. Seafood market · ★ 3.9 · 7k Closed · Opens 8 AM

Kushiro Marsh Observatory A photograph taken at the Kushiro Marsh Observatory (釧路市湿原展望台). Observation deck · ★ 3.6 · 4k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM

IZUMIYA Popular restaurant serving well prepared food at reasonable prices. Western restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 4k Closed · Opens 11 AM

Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO There is a Japanese candy shop that sells very cheap childhood candy. Shopping mall · ★ 3.5 · 3k Closed · Opens 10 AM

イオン釧路昭和店 Spacious retail mall with shops & food Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 3k Closed · Opens 8 AM

AEON Kushiro Store A bit empty like all Kushiro but very nice shops. Supermarket · ★ 3.8 · 3k Closed · Opens 8 AM

Hosooka Observatory Overall, this is one of the most scenic viewpoints in the Kushiro area. Observation deck · ★ 4.5 · 2k Open 24 hours

Kushiro City Tanchōzuru shizen-kōen (Red-crowned Crane Natural Park) This reserve is home to a number of Red Crowned Cranes or Japanese Cranes. Park · ★ 4 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM

KUSHIRO ZOO Great zoo, the monkeys were super entertaining. Zoo · ★ 4 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

Senchan Shokudo Fresh seafood reasonably priced and excellent service. Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM

Robata Renga We tried many different foods and results were best with seafood. Seafood restaurant · ★ 3.8 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Nusamai Bridge Probably the most iconic landmark in Kushiro city. Bridge · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open 24 hours

おでんと炉端と釜飯笑店釧路店 All you can eat·All you can drink·Private dining room Izakaya restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Kushiro City Museum Has a lot of local history, native people artifacts, plants and animals. Museum · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM

Robata From the food, to the service and atmosphere. Japanese restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Kushiro City Children's Learning Center Inside, the exhibits though mostly in Japanese were self explanatory. Children's museum · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Fri

Uomasa Excellent Colin fish with rice in front of the canal Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM

Torimatsu Order of bone in zangi was 650yen. Chicken restaurant · ★ 3.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Ganpeki Robata it was fun picking your own food and then grilling it yourself. Barbecue restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM

ちく半 Their seafood curry is the best seafood curry that i have ever tried!! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM

MI PLAZA marui imai mitsukoshi 釧路昭和 Gift shop · ★ 3.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM

つんどら食堂 Excellent food, very friendly customer service for us non-Japanese speakers. Japanese restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 6 AM

Kushiro Club Great view, great food, great service! Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Sat

「Cool KUSHIRO」文字モニュメント Great place for shooting photos Landmark of Kushiro Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open 24 hours

港の屋台めしどき Dine-in·Takeout·No delivery Food court · ★ 3.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM

成吉思汗ダイニングゼロイチ There is an English menu with instructions on everything. Yakiniku restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM

炭焼き×osteria BAMBU I particularly enjoyed the pork chop which was very delicious. Italian restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Fri

和食直（Japanese Kappo Dining restaurant in Kushiro） Incredible omakase. Japanese restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM

Kushiro-shitsugen tanshō hodō trail Hiking area · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Kushiro

About Kushiro

Kushiro serves as a compelling port of call for cruise travelers exploring Asia and beyond, with four premium cruise lines including Seabourn, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises, and Explora Journeys calling here regularly. With 32 upcoming cruises and itineraries spanning from extended 29-night voyages to Japan and Alaska, Kushiro attracts discerning travelers seeking authentic experiences in Japan's less-visited regions. The port sees peak activity during spring and early autumn months, when favorable weather makes exploration particularly rewarding.

As a port of call rather than an embarkation point, Kushiro offers cruise passengers a genuine glimpse into everyday Japanese life and natural beauty. The surrounding Kushiro region is renowned for its pristine wetlands and abundant wildlife, while the city itself provides access to local markets, traditional cuisine, and cultural experiences that reveal the authentic character of Hokkaido. Whether you're embarking on a longer Asia-focused itinerary or enjoying a brief stop during an Alaska-bound voyage, Kushiro delivers memorable encounters with Japan's northeastern coast.

Explore Kushiro Wetlands National Park

Discover Japan's largest pristine wetland ecosystem, a UNESCO-designated sanctuary teeming with rare cranes, migratory birds, and native flora. Take a scenic boardwalk tour or boat excursion through this breathtaking landscape where you'll witness untouched nature and learn about conservation efforts protecting this ecological treasure.

Savor Fresh Kushiro Seafood Delicacies

Indulge in Kushiro's renowned seafood at local restaurants and markets, particularly fresh Pacific saury, scallops, and sea urchin prepared in traditional Japanese styles. Visit the bustling Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf to sample grilled catches and authentic sashimi while enjoying harbor views and the vibrant energy of working fishermen.

Visit Historic Kushiro Shitamachi District

Wander through this charming old merchant quarter featuring traditional wooden buildings, nostalgic shops, and cultural landmarks that showcase Kushiro's rich trading heritage. The atmospheric streets offer authentic glimpses into Meiji-era Japan, with local artisan shops and small museums celebrating the city's important maritime history.

Shop Kushiro's Unique Local Markets

Browse the Kushiro Morning Market and specialty shops selling regional crafts, fresh produce, and traditional Japanese goods you won't find elsewhere. Discover local artisan products, fresh flowers, and handmade souvenirs while interacting with friendly vendors eager to share stories about Kushiro's distinctive culture and traditions.

Experience Traditional Crane Observation Culture

Visit the Akan International Crane Center to observe the majestic red-crowned cranes that winter in Kushiro's wetlands, a symbol of Japanese culture and longevity. Learn about these endangered birds through interactive exhibits and observation platforms, gaining insight into Kushiro's vital role in wildlife preservation and Japanese spiritual traditions.