Making the most of Kushiro
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Kushiro has a new, earthquake-resistant cruise-ship terminal.
The terminal is in the town centre, beside Fisherman's Wharf, a distinctive all-in-one visitor complex with a market, souvenir shops and restaurants. Larger passenger vessels unable to reach the Cruise Ship Terminal berth at the 4th wharf in the West Area.
Take the printable map ashore.
Kushiro is the Kushiro subprefecture's capital and eastern Hokkaido's most populous city. It occupies both banks at the mouth of the Kushiro River. The natural harbour has developed into an extensive commercial and fishing port serving the nearby coalfield.
Kushiro City Museum is well worth a visit; its building resembles a Japanese Crane opening its wings.
Getting around
Eat, browse and unwind at Fishermans Wharf before walking to Nusamai Bridge, whose romantic street lights and bronze statues represent the four seasons. Stroll and relax beside Lake Harutori, the largest lake within a city, then consider Kushiro City Zoo, reached by a fifty-minute bus journey from the centre.
A trip aboard the Kushiro Shitsugen Norroko-go public transport system is worthwhile.
Nearby places
Passengers step ashore to beautiful scenery and rich forests. Begin at Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean and protects a rare Japanese crane species. Scientists believed the crane extinct seventy years ago, but it survives under the park's protection.
Money
Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO is a bustling waterfront complex for shopping and dining.
Japan's currency is the yen. Its notes are denominated at ¥10,000, ¥5,000 and ¥1,000, while coins come in ¥500, ¥100, ¥50, ¥10, ¥5 and ¥1 values.
ATMs in Japan are increasingly useful, and most accept withdrawals from overseas accounts; they are also found in post offices. Major cards work at most shops and restaurants in large urban centres, but visitors spending time in the countryside should carry enough cash. Japan remains a cash-oriented society, and some shops, hotels and restaurants decline cards wherever they are located.
Avoid tipping because it is regarded as rude.
Opening Hours and
Japanese shops and department stores usually open every day, including national holidays other than New Year's, from 10:00 or 10:30am until 7:30 or 8:00pm. Some specialist shops close on Sundays and national holidays. Department stores may shut for one irregular day each week, but differing closure days mean shoppers can always find somewhere open.
See information about Public Holidays in Japan.