Kushiro Travel Guide

Was it my imagination or Kushiro actually has a much greater concentration of 'night clubs' (the bussiness-men type) than any other city in Japan? I was surprised to see not less than four 'hostesses wanted' signs posted on the street, in the short time I spent walking around there.
But, on the other side, I found a few youngsters playing the guitar and singing for change on a corner. Something typical in European cities but still a rare view in Japan, especially when the air temperature is below zero, like that night!

If you're in Sapporo, the cheapest option to get to Kushiro is probably the overnight bus from the Chuo Bus Terminal behind the Sapporo Tower (Odori Park). One way is 5 000yen. The bus leaves at 11.30pm and arrives at Moo / EGG in Kushiro at about 6am. So you get to save on anights accomm too. The bus has only about 30 seats that recline all the way back with plenty of leg room and and aisle between you and the next person. There's also a bus back to Sapporo at 11.30pm from Moo.

A large department store with a mall, food fair and grocery store as well as the only movie theatre in Kushiro.

What to buy: Food is discounted near 5pm and cheap veggies and fruit are found in the produce section near the seafood area (in big green wagon bins).

This is sushi rice topped with Hokkaido's specialty seafoods: sliced raw salmon, boiled crab legs and "ikura" salmon roe, with a side of pickled aubergine/eggplant and wrapped seaweed with a little shredded scrambled egg. The cost is a little on the higher end of the "ekiben" spectrum, due to the use of fanciful fishes. These sorts of ingredients, however though special to Hokkaido (and probably relatively cheaper) is also widely available elsewhere in Japan, so I think there is a somewhat lessened effect of eating a "uniquely local specialty". But still it's quite tasty!

Generally, it is available for purchase only in this area, primarily at Kushiro Station.

Manufactured by local company KK Senshokan which was founded in the year 1953.

You are likely to experience at least one earthquake if you are in Kushiro for 2 weeks or longer. We experienced dozens including the rather jarring 8.5 earthquake in September 2003.

The Japanese are very prepared when it comes to earthquakes though, and we experienced little significant damage in our house.

Don't forget to duck and cover!