Kushiro

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
Getting around:
kushiro WASHOU market Such a fun experience. Seafood · ★ 3.9 · 7k
Kushiro Marsh Observatory Worth the admission for the exhibits! Observation deck · ★ 3.6 · 4k
IZUMIYA Popular restaurant serving well prepared food at reasonable prices. Western · ★ 4.1 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO In the evening, the 2nd floor is open to the public. Shopping mall · ★ 3.5 · 3k
AEON Kushiro Store A bit empty like all Kushiro but very nice shops. Supermarket · ★ 3.8 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
イオン釧路昭和店 Spacious retail mall with shops & food Shopping mall · ★ 3.8 · 3k 🕐 Open · Closes 10 PM
Kushiro City Tanchōzuru shizen-kōen (Red-crowned Crane Natural Park) Great place for crane-watching! Park · ★ 4 · 2k
Hosooka Observatory You don't miss too much if you skip this. Observation deck · ★ 4.4 · 2k
KUSHIRO ZOO (Photos of the owl and the bear were retouched to replace the background) Zoo · ★ 4 · 1k
Tsurumidai (Crane Observatory) Hence I would recommend this option for a half day activity. Scenic spot · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Don Quijote Kushiro Big mall area with all the standard stuff you will find in don quijote. Discount store · ★ 3.7 · 1k 🕐 Open · Closes 12 AM
Senchan Shokudo Very good food and nice service. Seafood · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Nusamai Bridge From the start to now, it went through a 1 century journey. Bridge · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Kushiro City Museum Great exhibits and will laid out. Museum · ★ 4.2 · 1k
Kushiro City Children's Learning Center Great place for kids playing and learning science as well as engineering Children's museum · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Robata From the food, to the service and atmosphere. Japanese · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Uomasa There are seats where you can view the river while you eat too. Syokudo and Teishoku restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 1k
Ganpeki Robata it was fun picking your own food and then grilling it yourself. Barbecue · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
EGG (Ever Green Garden) It’s a very unique and beautiful garden. Park · ★ 3.9 · 0k
Kushiro Club The food was excellent, comforting but also refined. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
おでんと炉端と釜飯 笑店 釧路店 Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Izakaya · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
「Cool KUSHIRO」文字モニュメント Great place for shooting photos Landmark of Kushiro Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Bar C+MARKET Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
Kasei (Mars) Twist One of the top 10 meals of my life, hands down. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Sakuma The bar was very good, nice chat with owner as well. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
Shisha Cafe & Bar Lucky Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Hookah bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
ケーズバー(Ks・BAR) If we ever come back to this city we will for sure visit this bar again. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
Beer Bar RAW The smallest, and one of the best bars we have ever been to. Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
日常にBARを。 Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 PM
Kushiro-shitsugen tanshō hodō trail Hiking area · ★ 4.6 · 0k
隠れ場 X-ONE Good environment & friendly staff ! Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM
柚子と琥珀 Dine-in·No takeout·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
under bar Nice owner and food is good. Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 PM

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

Reasons to Visit

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

Cruise Lines at Kushiro

Cruises Departing From Kushiro

Cruises Visiting Kushiro

Ship Schedule at Kushiro

Kushiro Location

Other Cruise Ports in Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kushiro known for?

Kushiro is known as the 'town of mist' and a historic fishing port.

What is Kushiro Shitsugen?

Japan's largest marshland, home to cranes and diverse flora and fauna.

Where is Kushiro located?

Kushiro is in southeastern Hokkaido, Japan, on the eastern Pacific coast.

Why is Kushiro's port important?

It is an official port with an ice-free harbour supporting year-round marine activity.