6 Must-Visit Indoor Attractions in Kushiro for a Rainy Day

Kushiro in Hokkaido is famous for its rich natural landscapes, including wetlands and lakes. If you visit Kushiro to see its beautiful nature and suddenly encounter unexpected rain, don't worry. This guide introduces several indoor attractions in Kushiro that are perfect for a rainy day. Surprisingly, Kushiro offers many indoor attractions that can be enjoyed even with children. You don’t have to give up sightseeing just because it’s raining! There are plenty of spots where you can still enjoy Kushiro’s nature and delicious food indoors. Use this guide to make the most of your rainy day in Kushiro!

1. Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO

Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf MOO is a multi-purpose commercial facility located in Kushiro. It was designed by architect Kiko Mozuna, who hails from Kushiro. The facility consists of the commercial area "MOO" and the all-weather botanical garden "EGG."

The five-story building houses restaurants, shopping malls, and public institutions such as a fitness center run by Kushiro City, a job placement office, and the board of education. The facility truly embodies a complex. "MOO" is divided into several zones, as follows:

◆ Shopping and Gourmet Food Zone

The zone is packed with the best of Kushiro, featuring 17 stores offering fresh seafood, dried fish, sweets, liquor, and miscellaneous goods, along with 8 restaurants where you can enjoy delicious meals.

◆ Kishibe Robata (Open from Mid-May to Late October)

A spot where both adults and children can enjoy seafood freshly caught in Kushiro, grilled over charcoal. It’s a tented stall set up behind the MOO building, offering a romantic view to enhance your dining experience.

◆ Tourist Interaction Corner

This corner offers guidance on Kushiro’s history and culture and also functions as an event space. It’s a convenient facility where visitors can learn more about the city.

◆ Port Yatai (Food Stalls)

For those who love to experience local food stalls while traveling, "Port Yatai" offers a collection of stalls where you can casually enjoy Kushiro’s gourmet food.

◆ EGG

Additionally, the "EGG" is located next to the "MOO" building, characterized by its fully glass-walled, round shape. In Kushiro, where winters are long, it offers a rare space where you can enjoy flowers, greenery, and sunlight all year round. It’s a spot beloved by both tourists and locals. Concerts are also held here on weekends. Even if it rains, you can spend the entire day enjoying the facilities and shopping for souvenirs. If you're uncertain, this is the place to go!

2. Kobunkan Historical Museum

Kobunkan, a museum built in 1993, is a replica of the former Kushiro Newspaper Company building. In 1908 (Meiji 41), when the original building was constructed, renowned poet Takuboku Ishikawa worked there as a newspaper reporter for 76 days. Due to this historical connection, Koubunkan now features various exhibits related to Takuboku Ishikawa. Although Ishikawa is often associated with Iwate Prefecture, it’s a delightful surprise to discover his connection to Kushiro.

The museum is located along the scenic Kushiro River, directly across from "Kushiro Fisherman's Wharf MOO," which was mentioned earlier. In addition to the exhibit areas, there is a café and rest area, and entry is free. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a peaceful moment. Why not take some time to reflect on Takuboku’s life, surrounded by Kushiro’s beautiful nature?

3. Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center

Chuurui Island, a small island on Lake Akan, is home to the Marimo Exhibition and Observation Center, operated by the Akan Sightseeing Cruise Company.

This facility provides an in-depth look at the marimo, a rare natural treasure, allowing visitors to observe them closely while learning about their fascinating ecology—sure to captivate both adults and children alike.

Accessible via sightseeing and high-speed boats, the center also features a large indoor aquarium that mimics the bottom of Lake Akan, where the natural marimo rests peacefully.

To those unfamiliar, marimo may look like plants, but their resting form has an undeniable charm. You might even spot a surprisingly large one! Since you’re already in the lush, natural environment of Kushiro, why not spend some time learning about the wonders of Lake Akan’s nature, even on a rainy day?

4. Kushiro Children's Museum (Kodomo Yūgakukan)

The Kushiro Children's Museum is an interactive facility where you can enjoy both a science museum and a children's museum. The facility consists of several areas: "San-san Plaza," "Asobirand," "Fushigirand," "Monoshirirand," and a planetarium.

At "San-san Plaza," there's a large indoor sandbox! This allows children to play even on rainy days or during the cold winter months, making it a valuable play space for kids in Kushiro during the harsh winter season. Additionally, there is a table-like sandbox designed for children using wheelchairs, allowing them to play with sand while seated. Tools like shovels and buckets are freely available for use.

In "Asobirand," there is a rock-climbing playset and a library, while "Fushigirand" features corners where children can easily learn about physics. "Monoshirirand" is a space where children can gather materials using the internet, engage in crafts, or conduct experiments. With so many activities, kids can stay entertained all day long! It's a highly recommended facility for families with children.

5. Ainu Kotan Village at Lake Akan

In the Akan-ko Onsen town on the shore of Lake Akan in eastern Hokkaido, you'll find "Akan Lake Ainu Kotan," a village of traditional crafts and dances. "Kotan" means "village" in the Ainu language, referring to a settlement. Among Ainu Kotan villages, the Akan Lake Ainu Kotan is the largest, with 36 households and about 120 residents.

For those unfamiliar with Ainu people, this place will feel like a refreshing experience. Here, you can witness traditional Ainu folk dances, which have been passed down through generations. This is the only dance in Hokkaido that is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government, making it a significant part of Hokkaido's cultural history.

You can also buy Ainu crafts here. These unique and high-quality items are highly sought after and have long been popular as souvenirs representing Hokkaido. In addition to souvenir shops, there are restaurants where you can enjoy northern flavors and rare Ainu cuisine, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in Ainu culture.

At "Akan Ainu Theater Ikoro," you can watch traditional dances, puppet shows, and performances of the "Iomante Fire Festival." Additionally, the Ainu Life Memorial Hall offers an opportunity to learn about the traditional life and culture of the Ainu people. When it rains at Akan Lake Onsen, don't just soak in the hot springs – take the time to explore and experience Ainu culture.

6. Natural Hot Spring Taikiyu Harutori

When it starts raining and it gets cold, taking a dip in a hot spring is the best, isn’t it? In such times, why not visit "Taikiyu Harutori," a popular day-use hot spring in Kushiro? The hot spring water, gushing up from a depth of 1,300 meters underground, contains a lot of calcium. Upon examining the composition of the hot spring’s minerals, it was found to come from Cretaceous strata, dating back approximately 153 million to 65.5 million years ago!

This ancient hot spring, continuously flowing from deep underground, is expected to have a positive effect on cold sensitivity. It also contains sodium ions, which are beneficial for ailments such as muscle pain, joint pain, bruises, sprains, and chronic gynecological disorders. Additionally, it contains calcium ions, believed to help with stomach ulcers, rheumatism, post-surgery recovery, itching from atopic dermatitis, chronic eczema, and acne. Soak in this water from the Cretaceous period, when dinosaurs roamed, and relax your body while thinking of these ancient creatures.

◎ Summary of the Tourist Spots in Kushiro that can be Enjoyed even in the Rain

In Kushiro, it’s easy to think, "I must explore the great outdoors!" But rainy days can also offer unique experiences. Let this article guide you to enjoy Kushiro in a different light, even when the weather isn’t perfect.