Kuriyama(Japan) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Kushiro Town, the top choice for families is Kusunoki Onsen Resort, a charming retreat blending traditional Hokkaido wooden architecture with modern comforts. Nestled in the heart of the Tokachi Plain, it offers private hot springs, farm-to-table meals featuring local Tokachi beef, and interactive experiences like milk-pouring demonstrations and handmade tofu workshops. Nearby, "Kaze no Sato" homestay provides cozy, family-sized rooms with seasonal events such as snow lantern tours and local cooking classes, making it ideal for immersive rural life. Both properties prioritize safety, child-friendly amenities, and quiet surroundings for peaceful relaxation.

The optimal area for lodging in Kushiro Town is near Kushiro Station, offering easy access to public transport and major attractions. This residential zone blends tranquility with convenience, just minutes from Tokachi River walking trails and the Kushiro Wetland Center. Stay at Kushiro Town Exchange Center Guesthouse, which features minimalist design and direct access to nature paths. For a more secluded experience, consider the onsen cluster along National Route 239, where family-run inns offer private baths, homemade breakfasts, and warm hospitality—perfect for travelers seeking authenticity and serenity in Hokkaido’s countryside.

Visitors to Kushiro Town can immerse themselves in authentic Ainu cultural practices, including wood carving workshops led by indigenous artisans who teach symbolic designs inspired by nature spirits. The annual Tokachi Farm Festival allows guests to participate in rice planting and harvesting, gaining insight into Hokkaido’s agricultural rhythms. During winter, join the Snow Fire Festival, where locals gather around bonfires under starlit skies to share oral legends while savoring steaming miso ramen with venison skewers. These experiences deepen understanding of local heritage and foster meaningful connections with the community.

Top onsen hotels in Kushiro Town include Seiryu-so at Tokachi River Onsen, renowned for its open-air baths overlooking the scenic river valley, especially magical during winter when steam rises above snow-covered trees. The property uses traditional wood construction and features Ainu-themed murals, along with daily herbal compress treatments. Another standout is Sakura no Yado, a boutique ryokan offering private baths in each room, complemented by locally sourced tofu desserts and wildflower bath salts. Both hotels emphasize eco-conscious design and offer smoke-free environments, ideal for wellness-focused travelers.

Photographers should visit Aozora Hill, where cherry blossoms meet golden wheat fields in spring, creating a breathtaking contrast. In winter, capture the ethereal beauty of the lonely wooden post office blanketed in snow. Stay at "Light & Shadow Lodge," a former schoolhouse converted into a boutique guesthouse with floor-to-ceiling windows and rooftop viewing platforms perfect for sunrise shots. The lodge lends out tripods and wide-angle lenses free of charge and hosts night sky photography sessions, ideal for capturing the Milky Way arching over the Tokachi Plain—a rare and stunning visual gem.

Kushiro Town’s cuisine centers on premium Tokachi beef, best enjoyed in a rich sukiyaki or grilled steak. Don’t miss handmade soba noodles made from local wheat, served in wild vegetable broth. Try the signature Kushiro black bean rice, a sweet-savory dish made with fermented beans and regional grains. At morning markets, sample fresh red bean mochi and milk pancakes. For an authentic taste, book a family-style kitchen experience at Tanata House, where you’ll learn to make fermented cheese and plum wine—delicious souvenirs to bring home.

The highlight cycling route is the Tokachi River Greenway, a 18-kilometer scenic path through rice paddies, forests, and wetlands, well-marked with rest stops. Stay at Bicycle Home Kushiro, a bike-friendly inn offering free rentals, GPS devices, and curated maps for custom routes. The property includes a solar-powered charging station and shared tool kits for long-distance riders. Along the way, stop at White Heron Lake Birdwatching Platform for aerial shots of waterfowl, or enjoy a coffee at the Old Farm Café, serving homemade pumpkin pie. Perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Winter brings the enchanting Snow Lantern Festival, where thousands of handcrafted paper lanterns illuminate parks and bridges across Kushiro Town. Stay at Yuki no Mori Cabin, a cozy wooden lodge with indoor fireplaces, heated tatami floors, and panoramic snow-view windows. Guests receive guided snowshoe hikes to hidden ice caves and enjoy warming snacks like hot sake with venison jerky. The inn also offers stargazing sessions under clear Arctic skies, making it a dream destination for photographers and nature enthusiasts seeking solitude and magic in the snowy wilderness.

For families, Kodama Farm Resort stands out with its mini-farm where children can feed goats, milk cows, and participate in cheese-making workshops. The property features a sand pit, swings, and a dedicated storytime room with local folklore books. Nearby, Nature School Homestay offers educational activities like insect collection and plant specimen crafting, run by former teachers. All rooms are equipped with non-slip flooring and child-safe outlets. The dining area serves allergy-friendly kid meals, ensuring a safe and joyful stay for young explorers.

Travel from Sapporo Station via JR Hakodate Main Line to Kushiro Station, taking approximately 1 hour 40 minutes with up to 6 daily trains. Upon arrival, pick up a free shuttle bus ticket at the Tourist Information Center for transfers to most lodges and attractions. For those driving, take the Douto Expressway then switch to Route 278, covering about 120 km through vast Tokachi Plains. Some top inns like Kaze no Sato offer complimentary airport or station pickup—just reserve in advance. Avoid weekends for smoother travel and fewer crowds.