An unsung gem in eastern Hokkaido, historical Kushiro offers an attractive balance of culture and surrounding natural beauty. In the city, Kushiro City Museum and Kushiro Art Museum are top choices, and foodies won’t want to miss the bounty of fresh seafood at Kushiro Washo Market. Try donburi, a rice bowl dish topped with fish, or sample renowned Hokkaido crabs. Flanked by national parks, Kushiro is a gateway to stunning Lake Akan and Akan-Mashu National Park, where you can visit hot springs, go canoeing, and learn about the indigenous Ainu culture at the village of Ainu Kotan. Also nearby, the largest wetland in Japan at Kushiro National Park is home to the graceful Japanese red-crowned crane – a prized symbol of longevity.
