Kushiro: Art Museums and Nature at Lake Harutori

Kushiro offers art at two distinct venues and nature at Lake Harutori. When comparing hotels in the city, you can plan your stay around the central waterfront area, the city art museum or walks in Harutori Park. Check your hotel’s location in relation to your preferred destinations separately.

City Art Museum on the Hill

Kushiro City Art Museum is on the third floor of the Manabotto Nusamai Lifelong Learning Center. Located in Nusamaicho, it sits on a hill overlooking the city. The museum collects and researches art with regional connections. Its exhibition program includes presentations by artists from Kushiro.

If art is a focus of your stay, it is worth checking the current exhibition program in advance. Special exhibitions and collection displays cover different topics; check the visiting hours and the subject of each exhibition before setting a date.

Hokkaido Kushiro Art Museum on the Waterfront

Another venue is the Hokkaido Kushiro Art Museum in the central waterfront area. In addition to exhibition rooms, its facilities include an art hall for concerts and lectures, an art space open for public use and a design studio. Its cultural focus also encompasses the Kushiro and Nemuro areas.

The two art museums should therefore be distinguished when planning your visit: the city museum is in the learning center on the hill, while the prefectural art museum is in the waterfront area. The presence of an event space does not mean a concert takes place on every day the museum is open; choose based on the current program.

Harutori Park: Lakeside Path, Birds and History

At Harutori Park, you can observe plants and wild birds throughout the year. A path around Lake Harutori is used for walking and jogging. The park is in the eastern part of the city and combines nature observation with historic sites: the Harutori Plateau Pit Dwellings and the Harutorucharan-ke Chashi site are nationally designated historic sites.

The park also has a nature center, a birdwatching hut and a lookout point. The city lists the nature center’s season as mid-April to the end of October; confirm its current operating status before visiting. For families, it is worth noting that the city’s park description does not mention any play equipment. Plan your outing as a walk or nature-watching trip accordingly.

More destinations: Bibai, Shintoku, Abashiri District, Iwamizawa, Nayoro, Tokachi District, Kameda District, Engaru.

For the main travel overview: Hokkaido.