Kushiro

Kushiro, known as the town of mist, stands out as a cruise port because it blends a thriving maritime heritage with extraordinary natural and cultural treasures that few ports can rival. Just north lies Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan's largest marshland and a sanctuary for the Tancho cranes, where guided boardwalks reveal a living landscape that makes every shore excursion feel like a personal encounter with Japan's wetlands. The port's status as the region's only ice-free harbor on Hokkaido's eastern Pacific seaboard means ships can call reliably year-round, unlocking access to a city that is as much a working fishing hub as a gateway to wilderness and culture. Signature experiences include exploring old streets that still echo Kushiro's early-20th-century fishing boom, visiting bustling markets to sample ultra-fresh marine products, and learning about the area’s rich literary heritage inspired by Takuboku Ishikawa. Onboard, guests enjoy accommodations and services that reflect Kushiro's maritime heart—culinary programs spotlighting fresh crab, salmon, and other coastal specialties, informative talks linking shipboard life to local ecology and history, and cultural performances that bring regional crafts and stories to life before you step ashore. The port also caters to a diverse fleet with modern, well-equipped berths, efficient turnaround facilities, and the capacity to welcome mid- to large-size ships, ensuring smooth calls that leave guests with a vivid impression of Japan's eastern frontier and a desire to return to Kushiro’s misty horizons.