Kushiro offers art in two distinct venues and nature by Lake Harutori. For a trip of discovery, choose among the central waterfront area, the municipal art museum on the hill, and walks in Harutori Park according to your interests. Compare the location of your accommodation with your desired destinations separately.

Municipal Art Museum on the Hill

The Kushiro City Art Museum is located on the third floor of the Manabotto Nusamai Lifelong Learning Center. Its location in Nusamaicho 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 you are planning an art-focused stay, it is worth checking the current exhibition program in advance. Special exhibitions and collection displays have different focuses; check visiting hours and the topic of each exhibition before setting a date.

Hokkaido Kushiro Art Museum by the Water

Another venue is the Hokkaido Kushiro Art Museum in the central waterfront area. In addition to exhibition spaces, its facilities include an arts 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: the municipal 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

Throughout the year, you can observe plants and wild birds in Harutori Park. 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 bird-watching hut, and a viewpoint. The city lists the nature center’s season as mid-April through the end of October; confirm current operations before visiting. For families, it is worth noting that the city’s park description does not mention any playground equipment. Plan your outing accordingly as a walk or nature-watching trip.

More destinations: Kenbuchi, Rishirifuji, Urahoro, Hakodate, Samani, Muroran, Toyotomi, Shinhidaka.

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