Kushiro Discovery & Akan National Park

Discover the charm of nature on this well-designed Kushiro shore excursion. Get a glimpse of the unique culture at Lake Akan & Ainu Village or get a scenic view and spectacular varieties of animals, plants thrive in Kushiro Marshland. Stop at Washo Fish market to feast your eyes on the large area of super fresh seafood. Complete the tour at Cranes Nature Park to learn about the preservation of red-neck white cranes.

Full Itinerary

In the morning, a local guide and driver will pick you up at the Kushiro port and transfer you to the Lake Akan & Ainu Village. You will have an amazing opportunity to enjoy traditional dance beautifully presented with English explanations. It helps foreign visitors understand more about Ainu dance and culture. Also, you can find various shops selling Ainu arts, crafts and souvenirs along the path of the village. Pay a short visit to the famous Akan lake admiring the scenic view and strolling leisurely around.

Your shore trip continues on to Kushiro Marshland, home to tancho, Japan’s iconic red-crowned cranes. It is the largest marshland in Japan with an overall area of 183 square kilometers. You will go to an Observatory Deck to enjoy the iconic views of the marsh, Kushiro River and birdwatching. Moreover, you can stop at shops and restaurants to take a short rest before continuing the tour.

Next, you will be driven to the Washo fish market which is opened in 1949 and is one of the three biggest markets in Hokkaido. You will be impressed by over 60 stalls selling fresh seafood, dried products, meat, and vegetables. Also, you can taste a bowl of sashimi and sushi at many stalls inside the market.

The rest of our time on this shore excursion will be spent visiting Cranes Nature Park, a sanctuary for endangered red-neck white cranes. You will get a closer look into the magnificent birds that symbolize longevity in Japan. You'll increase your chance of seeing flocks flying and frolicking in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled and you might just get to witness the cranes' attractive mating dance. Trip ends at a good time and your driver will drop off you at the port.