“Do you have any favorite places and souvenirs from your town?”
People that know the town best are probably the locals. For this feature, we have conducted a survey on people that live in Kushiro. In addition to their hobbies and personal perspectives, we asked people about places and souvenirs of Kushiro they recommend.
＼Person giving recommendations on Kushiro／
Shogo Sato Graphic Designer
Born in Otaru City, Hokkaido. Works at an advertising agency. Relocated from Otaru to Kushiro in April 2018 due to business. The scenery has changed from one overlooking the Sea of Japan to that facing the Pacific Ocean. Despite being warned by those around him that he could not survive without a car in Kushiro, he decided to get around by bike or foot due to being an inexperienced driver. Not having a car has given him a fresh perspective on the grand landscape and the wonderful opportunity to discover the appeals of Kushiro by getting involved with the local community as an outsider. He recently experienced a mishap with the shower, which broke down due to frozen pipes.
instagram:ss.shogo
Places recommended by Sato
Co-working Space HATOBA Nishikimachi
This co-working space is run by a local company that issues Kushiro’s free magazine Field Note offering deep, local information. In addition to the shared office space, the place has a theater and hosts many attractive events! When I attended a talk show event “Human Electrical Power Plant,” I made friends with many people of the same generation wishing to stir things up in Kushiro and eastern Hokkaido. Carrying a variety of local free magazines on tourist information and events in the area, it is a perfect place for someone new to the area like me to gather information and have an office outside the office.
HATOBA Nishikimachi
2F Nishikimachi Yutaka Building, 5-1 Nishikimachi, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0016 （GoogleMap）
Hours of operation: 10 AM to 6 PM from Tuesdays through Fridays, 12 PM to 6 PM on Saturdays (closed on Sundays, Mondays and national holidays)
Tell：0154-23-9458
http://hatoba946.com/
http://fieldnotekushiro.com/
Café Bolounge
This café is located at the far end of Suehiro where bars and pubs line up. The place has a retro feel, and it feels as if time passes slowly. I have been going to this café regularly ever since I moved to Kushiro. The owner, affectionately called Kobayuka, is someone that I turn to for advice, not just about information on eastern Hokkaido but also for private guidance. With just five counter seats and one table for three, it is a small place yet the friendly ambience makes it perfect for new customers, especially single travelers. My favorite is their almond au lait.
Café Bolounge
3-2-17 Suehirocho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0014 (inside Inari Koji) （GoogleMap）
Hours of operation: 2 PM to 12 AM (closed on Thursdays and Sundays)
Tell： 0154-45-1203
https://www.instagram.com/bolounge.coffee/
PULP WAGON
Great shop for those who like simple yet stylish fashion. In addition to clothing, miscellaneous items and lifestyle products are procured not just from across Japan but all over the world. The owner is well versed with fashion as well as anything that has to do with Kushiro so you may spend more time than you planned. (I must confess, there was a time I got so absorbed in the conversation that I ended up staying two hours after the shop had closed….) If you like fashion, this place is a must go.
PULP WAGON
1F Habaguchi Building, 5-1 Nishikimachi, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0016 （GoogleMap）
Hours of operation: 12 PM to 7:30 PM (irregular holidays)
Tell： 0154-22-1136
http://pulpwagon.tumblr.com/
Earthquake-Resistant Cruise Ship Terminal (Kushiro Port)
Kushiro has been utilized as the port for luxury cruise ships and large vessels. On the way to work, I cross the Nusamai Bridge and see some kind of ship docking at the port. I especially enjoy seeing the luxury cruise ships that make a dramatic departure in which the locals come to see the ships take off. It is my favorite place to observe people meeting and parting and witness the beginning of a new adventure. Having this place nearby is definitely one of the perks of living in a seaport town.
Earthquake-Resistant Cruise Ship Terminal (Kushiro Port)
4-1 Saiwaicho, Kushiro, Hokkaido 085-0017 （GoogleMap）
https://www.city.kushiro.lg.jp/sangyou/umisora/minato/senpaku/0002.html
Favorite souvenirs
Kujirasuku
Made by Patisserie CORNET, these chocolate rusks, or twice-baked biscuits, are inspired by Kushiro’s past history of being the country’s largest base for whaling. In contrast to the rather old-fashioned packaging (no offense), the rusk bursts of bitter chocolate and gives off a pleasant crunch! They may sell out depending on the season.
Patisserie CORNET Facebook
Mina Nicori
Mina Nicori is a yogurt-flavored liqueur made by Fukutsukasa Brewery.
It has a rich texture that becomes very refreshing when chilled.
With 6% alcohol, Mina Nicori goes down smoothly even for those who are not fond of the taste of alcohol (myself included). It makes a perfect gift.
- Shogo Sato
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Born in Otaru City, Hokkaido. Works at an advertising agency. Relocated from Otaru to Kushiro in April 2018 due to business. The scenery has changed from one overlooking the Sea of Japan to that facing the Pacific Ocean. Despite being warned by those around him that he could not survive without a car in Kushiro, he decided to get around by bike or foot due to being an inexperienced driver. Not having a car has given him a fresh perspective on the grand landscape and the wonderful opportunity to discover the appeals of Kushiro by getting involved with the local community as an outsider. He recently experienced a mishap with the shower, which broke down due to frozen pipes.
instagram:ss.shogo
