Hokkaido Official Tourism Site HOKKAIDO LOVE!

Tancho Kushiro Airport is the gateway to Eastern Hokkaido’s breathtaking nature. With direct flights from Haneda, New Chitose, and Okadama, it offers easy access to the stunning Kushiro Marsh. In the port town of Kushiro, savor fresh seafood and robata-yaki (charcoal-grilled seafood and vegetables). Start your adventure here, surrounded by nature, flavor, and warmth.

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, Japan’s largest wetland, spans about 220 square kilometers. It’s home to rare wildlife, including the red-crowned crane. Protected as a National Natural Monument and designated under the Ramsar Convention, the park preserves Hokkaido’s untouched beauty. From its observatories, enjoy panoramic views of this magnificent marshland.

Hosooka Observatory, also called "Daikanbo," offers stunning views over the vast Kushiro Marsh. On clear days, Mt. Meakan and Mt. Oakan appear in the distance, and at sunset the marsh glows golden. From the parking area, follow the trail past Hosooka Visitors Lounge to reach the observation plaza, where an unforgettable panoramic view awaits—a must-see highlight in Hokkaido.

Sarubo Observatory offers panoramic views of five lakes, including Lake Toro, Sarurunto, Ponto, Eoruto, and Makunto. The lakes provide a peaceful habitat for wild birds, and in summer the green forests and blue waters create stunning scenery. Free telescopes are available, and nearby observatories like Sarurun and Kottaro offer more breathtaking perspectives of Kushiro Marsh.

Kushiro City Museum, with its crane-inspired design, showcases the nature, history, and culture of Kushiro. Explore wetland plants and animals, learn the city’s history from prehistory to modern times, and enjoy dioramas of red-crowned cranes and Ainu culture. The unique architecture and rich exhibits make it a must-visit for understanding Kushiro’s charm.

Spanning the Kushiro River from JR Kushiro Station, Nusamai Bridge is one of Hokkaido’s three great bridges. First built in 1889 and rebuilt in 1976, it features bronze statues of the four seasons. The sunsets over the Pacific are breathtaking, and the “Kushiro Sunset Highball” adds a local flavor to the view.

Located by the iconic Nusamai Bridge, Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO is a lively waterfront spot blending local flavors and culture. Fresh seafood and specialties fill the first floor, while the second floor’s “Minato no Yatai” offers casual Kushiro cuisine. On the third floor, enjoy local beer and juicy lamb BBQ at “Kushiro Kiri Beer Garden.” In summer, the open-air “Ganpeki Robata” invites you to savor charcoal-grilled seafood with local sake by the sea.

A stay in the port city of Kushiro offers warm hospitality and nostalgic charm. Hotels near JR Kushiro Station and the Nusamai Bridge provide easy access to dining and sightseeing. From ocean-view rooms, admire the breathtaking “world’s top three sunsets” over the Pacific, and unwind as sea mist drifts through the night. Let the calm rhythm of Hokkaido embrace you in this peaceful coastal retreat.

Founded in 1954, Kushiro Washo Market is one of Hokkaido’s three major markets, along with Hakodate Morning Market and Sapporo’s Nijo Market. Just a 5-minute walk from JR Kushiro Station, it’s home to about 50 stalls selling fresh seafood, local delicacies, fruits, and meats. Its signature dish, the Katte-don, lets you build your own seafood bowl with seasonal ingredients like salmon, saury, crab, and more. Dive into Kushiro’s vibrant food culture and savor the true taste of Hokkaido.

Tokachigawa Hot Spring is known for its rare moor hot spring, rich in plant-based organic minerals. The amber-colored water deeply warms the body and leaves the skin soft and smooth, earning its reputation as a “beauty hot spring.” The area offers everything from luxury inns with open-air baths to large, family-friendly hotels. Enjoy scenic hot-air balloon rides over the Tokachi Plain or the magical winter light festival Sairinka for an unforgettable stay.

Held at Obihiro Racecourse, Banei Keiba is the only race of its kind in the world. Massive draft horses, each weighing around one ton, pull heavy iron sleds over a 200-meter track with steep slopes, showcasing incredible strength and endurance. The sport preserves the spirit of Hokkaido’s pioneering era, when powerful workhorses supported daily life. Next door, Tokachimura offers local specialties like pork rice bowls and sweets made from Tokachi’s fresh ingredients—perfect for savoring the region’s flavor after the race.

Founded in 1933, Rokkatei Main Shop Obihiro is a beloved confectionery in Tokachi, Obihiro. Signature treats like the Marusei Butter Sandwich and exclusive sweets such as Sakusaku Pie and Yuki-kon Cheese can be enjoyed on-site. On the second floor, the café serves seasonal desserts and pizza, offering a cozy space to savor Hokkaido’s flavors and sweet, relaxing moments.

Manabe Garden, Japan’s first conifer garden, showcases hundreds of trees from North Europe, Canada, and beyond. Spanning 25,000 tsubo, the garden features ancient trees and varied landscapes including Japanese, Western, and scenic gardens. From June to July, Rosa rugosa and Ezo hydrangeas bloom, and visitors may even spot wild Ezo squirrels while enjoying seasonal beauty.

Staying in Obihiro lets you enjoy the vast Tokachi Plains and local ingredients. City hotels offer convenient access to sightseeing and gourmet spots, while suburban hot spring inns and resorts provide tranquil stays surrounded by nature. Relish breakfast and dinner made with local produce and experience the unique relaxation that Hokkaido offers.

Spreading across the Tokachi Plains, Shichiku Garden is a 60,000-square-meter flower paradise created from one woman’s wish “to spend the whole day with flowers.” Around 2,500 varieties bloom in changing colors through the seasons, delighting visitors with every step. The garden also features a restaurant and a gardening shop, where you can enjoy local flavors and souvenirs surrounded by blossoms.

True to its name, Kofuku (“Happiness”) Station is a place that instantly lifts your spirits. In the 1970s, it became famous nationwide with the slogan “From the Land of Love to Happiness,” sparking a huge boom. Today, the site has been transformed into a park where the original wooden station building, platform, and two diesel cars have been beautifully preserved, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past. Visitors can ring the “Bell of Happiness,” a popular photo spot said to bring good fortune to those who sound it. Whether you come for the charm, the story, or simply the smiles, Kofuku Station is the perfect place to start your own happy journey.

In the 1970s, Aikoku (“Land of Love”) Station rose to fame alongside Kofuku Station under the romantic slogan “From the Land of Love to Happiness.” Once part of the former JNR Hiroo Line, the station building has been renovated and now serves as a transportation memorial museum. Inside, visitors can see old tickets, historical panels, and a powerful steam locomotive that evokes the golden age of rail travel. Outside, the heart-shaped fountain and “Ticket to Happiness” monument make for perfect photo spots. Just being here fills you with warmth—a place where love and happiness truly come together.

Tokachi Obihiro Airport is the convenient gateway that marks the finale of your Tokachi journey. With direct flights to Haneda Airport, it offers smooth and comfortable access as you continue your travels. Inside the terminal, you can browse local specialties and souvenirs—perfect for savoring Tokachi’s flavors and memories one last time before departure. As your plane ascends, take in the sweeping views of the Tokachi Plains and carry the warmth of your Hokkaido adventure with you into the sky.