Nemuro and Kushiro area, with its overwhelming and magnificent natural beauty, is also one of Hokkaido's largest open terrains, where the frontier spirit lives on.
The nature and culture of the Konsen region are fascinating. In addition to experiencing nature, visitors to the area can enjoy many fun activities, such as learning about the local history.
●Click on an area to discover scenic spots around the region.
Nemuro City is famous as the easternmost town in Japan, with one of the largest fishing ports in the country. It is a city of Okhotsk culture and the Far North.
Located at the eastern tip of Nemuro, Cape Nosappu is famous as a mecca for the earliest sunrise in Japan, and is visited by many people every year.
In Nemuro City, there are 32 "chashi sites", or hilltop fortifications, that were built by the indigenous Ainu people in the Edo Period (1603-1868), and 24 of them (known as Nemuro Peninsula Chashi Sites) are designated as an important historic site by the national government.
The Nemuro Peninsula is home to some 370 bird species, making it the number one bird sanctuary in Japan and attracting many photographers and birdwatchers.
It is home to two national parks, Kushiro Shitsugen National Park (referred to as Kushiro Marsh below) and Akan-Mashu National Park, and is a rare area in Japan where the great outdoors and Ainu culture coexist.
The sunset at Nusamai Bridge, famous as one of the world's three most beautiful sunsets, is just a few enchanting minutes of sun and sky.
With an area of about 28,000 hectares, it is the largest wetland in Japan, and its central part is registered under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. Visitors can observe the red-crowned crane, which is recognized as a national special natural treasure.
Located in Akan-Mashu National Park, Lake Akan Onsen has long been a popular hot spring destination for travelers seeking to relieve their fatigue. The Ainu village of Lake Akan Ainu Kotan is located within this hot spring resort area.
Dairy farming is the focus of the town. Nakashibetsu Airport is located here, and Shiretoko, Abashiri, Lake Mashu, and Lake Akan are easily accessible, allowing visitors to experience the magnificent nature.
This is the only view of its kind, a panorama at 270 meters above sea level. Looking down from there, you will see an expanse of pastureland that can be described as a "carpet of green."
The Milk Road is so named because of the "straight road along which tankers carrying milk are driven". Driving along this road, you can experience the grandeur of Hokkaido.
From the top of Mt. Musa (Musa-dake), the symbol of Nakashibetsu Town, you can see the lattice-like "Konsen Plateau Windbreak Forest" which is a Hokkaido heritage site, Kunashiri Island, and Notsuke Peninsula.
It is a dairy farming kingdom with more cows than the town's population and the largest production of raw milk in Japan. The town also has a thriving fishing industry and is famous for its salmon.
Cows graze leisurely on the land that stretches gently beyond the horizon. This peaceful and tranquil scenery is a sight to behold.
It is the largest sand spit in Japan, 28 km long, with various attractions such as Todowara, Narawara, Flower Road, and native flower gardens in the area. The spit is registered under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance.
The former Okuyukiusu Station was abandoned when the JR Shibetsu Line was discontinued in 1989. Today, this area, where three transportation heritage sites of the former Japanese National Railways station are concentrated, has been developed as a historic site park.
The town's core industries are dairy farming and fishing, including autumn salmon, which is one of the largest catches in Japan, in a magnificent and rich natural environment typical of Hokkaido.
The Salmon Science Museum serves as a tourist attraction as well as an educational venue so visitors will better understand our local salmon culture and coexistence with nature.
The largest ancient ruins in Japan and the nature of Shibetsu Wetland are preserved together in this open-air museum. There is also a visitor center and a pioneer village with restored buildings from the pioneer days.
Rausu Town has been recognized as a World National Heritage Site due to its abundant marine resources. Visitors can enjoy unspoiled nature to the fullest.
Whale watching from a boat is a powerful experience. You can see whales, including killer whales, that arrive with the arrival of early summer in Shiretoko.
From the Rausu Kunashiri Observation Tower on the hilltop, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the grandeur of Kunashiri Island. There is also an exhibition corner about the Northern Territories in the facility.
The town is blessed with great nature, including the world-class Kushiro Shitsugen National Park and the Akkeshi-Kiritappu-Konbumori National Park on the Pacific coast.
Canoe down the Kushiro Marsh and experience the splendor of nature. If you are lucky, you will see wild animals such as Ezo sika deer and owls.
At the car campground located on the banks of Lake Takkobu, you can enjoy camping while feeling the great nature of Kushiro Marsh up close. Firefly watching is possible in summer, and canoeing on the lake is also available.
Surrounded by the Kushiro Marsh, Tsurui Village offers nature-based tourism, such as watching red-crowned cranes, as well as experience-based tourism in harmony with nature.
You can see many red-crowned cranes, which are also recognized as a special natural treasure. You will be impressed by their beautiful and dignified appearance.
Work vacations are popular as a way to get in touch with nature while working. In Tsurui Village, you can spend time with your family and friends, and work while enjoying the great outdoors.
Akkeshi, the "City of Flowers, Taste, and History," has been a town of Shinto shrines in the east of Hokkaido since the Edo period (1603-1868). It is also famous as a town for oysters.
The 456.5-meter-long Akkeshi Bridge is the symbol of the town. Near the bridge sits a seated statue of Benzaiten, the god of seafood and fishing safety.
Located in the Akkeshi Kiritappu-Konbunmori National Park, the magnificent marshland can be seen from the train windows of the Hanasaki Line. You can also enjoy water birds, river fish, and flowers by canoe.
It is blessed with numerous tourist attractions, including the Kiritappu Wetland and Cape Kiritappu, and in recent years has become famous as the town in the manga and animation series Lupin III.
Located on a hill to the south of the Kiritappu Wetland, it offers 360-degree visibility and a panoramic view. Looking back, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.
At the eastern tip of the Kiritappu Peninsula, sea otters and seals can be seen near the cape. From the observatory, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the coastline.
The three major rivers, Kushiro, Bekanbeushi, and Nishibetsu, have marked the history of industry and pioneering development in the area.
Experience the grandeur of Hokkaido's nature at Tawadaira, surrounded by an unobstructed, 360-degree horizon. At night, a star-filled sky meets the earth.
You can enjoy wakasagi (smelt) fishing at Lake Toro in winter. All equipment is available for rent and lectures are given, so it is popular among beginners. You can eat freshly-caught wakasagi deep-fried.
The town harvests a variety of seafood throughout the year. In particular, the town is famous for shishamo (Japanese smelt), hairy crabs, and salmon roe.
The lake is surrounded by rich nature and greenery. Rainbow trout fishing can be enjoyed, and an autumn foliage walk is held in the fall, making it a popular tourist spot in Shiranuka Town.
Behind the "Koitoi Roadside Station" on National Route 38, there is Koitoi Beach where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. It is a popular spot for couples and tourists to take commemorative photos with Koitoi Beach in the background.
