釧路湿原川レンジャー
毎年、国土交通省から川レンジャーの認定書をいただきます。
この夏も釧路長期滞在の予定です。
楽しむぞ。
Kushiro Wetland River Ranger
Every year, I receive a certificate of recognition as a River Ranger
from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.
I’m planning another long stay in Kushiro this summer as well.
Can’t wait to enjoy it!
Curry.
The other day, I saw a curry buffet from Beisia featured on TV.
I went right away to a nearby Beisia and picked some up.
I paired it with some Massaman curry I had made before.
I also added Beisia’s prepared tonkatsu on the side.
Of course, I heated everything up so it tasted freshly made.
Nice.
Lawson 50% More!
My favorite Premium Roll Cake now comes with extra filling.
This cream is incredibly delicious.
As soon as it arrives at the store, it sells out right away.
Since Lawson is right next door to our house, I bought a bunch as soon as they restocked. It’s just as tasty as ever.
This past winter, it was 47% more, but this time it’s 50% more. Love it!
Shellfish Platter!
Looks good, right?
There was someone at my local supermarket putting together a display, so I asked if they could make one for me too.
They said it’d cost a bit more, but after thinking for a second, they said “1,000 yen.”
Sold!
Then they told me, “You can take this sample one too since it’s fresh.”
Score!
Sweets.
Ever since I picked up that Premium Roll Cake from Lawson, sweets have just been showing up! A friend brought over the famous Shingen Mochi, and a company from Shizuoka gave me a mandarin orange tart. When it rains, it pours?and honestly, I’m loving it.
I made some eel hitsumabushi!
Took my time and made it with care.
It was seriously delicious.
So soft and melty!
The smell was out of this world.
Finished it off with some ochazuke ? totally hit the spot!
The fresh greenery is beautiful.
The road in front of Kashiwanoha-campus Station is lined with sidewalks and terraces, creating a lovely streetscape.
I love how vibrant the new green leaves look.
Squid
I’ve loved squid ever since I was a child.
I wasn’t very fond of fish, though.
Squid used to be cheap back then, which was nice.
Now it’s a luxury item.
Recently, the price has gone down a little, so I tried cooking some.
With butter and soy sauce, or as ajillo?it’s delicious.
6月14日:盛り過ぎローソン:
ローソンのお得な50%増量イベントです。
とってもいいね。
Lawson’s Going All Out!
Lawson’s running a sweet 50% extra deal.
Love it!
Pizza.
It’s just a 500-yen pizza from the supermarket, but I add my own special touches.
What do you think? Looks super delicious, right?
It’s truly transformed into a luxurious Italian dish.
Midsummer Day
It was hot?terribly hot?today felt like hell.
Even so, I go out every day.
Just a short outing today.
This hat is funny, isn’t it?
It’s fun?I wonder if anyone can tell who I am.
Ōshō’s Great Thanksgiving Festival
This is an event held at Gyoza no Ōshō locations nationwide.
Incredibly, you receive a 250-yen discount coupon for every 500 yen you spend.
Everyone seemed to know about it ? there were so many customers, people were lining up!
Jamon Serrano
I’m a big fan of this Spanish ham.
Had it today with some chilled Chinese noodles and a big toast loaded up like a honey toast dessert.
Using that thick-cut bread from Sokoichi makes it extra fun!
A Cappella Concert
A fun performance by students from the University of Tsukuba's a cappella groups!
They held the concert right in the restaurant of our senior apartment building.
Can you believe the university has 15 a cappella groups? Three of them came to sing for us.
It was such a nice change of pace?being around young people really lifted my spirits.
6月24日:アガパンサス:
この季節に豪華に咲き乱れます。
南アフリカ原産、大好きな花。
Agapanthus
In this season, they burst into splendid bloom,
A lavish display of nature’s grace.
Born in South Africa,
They are among the flowers I love most.
Jamón Serrano Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce
A refined finale to 200g of exquisite Spanish cured ham.
Delicately layered over al dente pasta,
the rich, savory notes of Jamón Serrano harmonize
perfectly with a silky tomato cream sauce.
An indulgent, unforgettable flavor experience.
Meat and rice heaven!
I love this steak place.
The sirloin is super tender and tasty.
You get all-you-can-eat rice and side dishes too.
And those garlic rice balls. Totally amazing.
Can you believe it’s just 1,000 yen? I wanna go every week!
Hot Day, Hotter Ramen
Man, it was a scorcher today.
So I hit up Men-Oh Kashiwanoha for some piping hot mabo ramen.
Used a coupon and scored a free seasoned egg?all for just 500 yen!
Totally delicious, totally boiling!
6月27日:暑い日:
スカイツリーがぼやける。
湿度が高い。蒸し暑い。
On Hot Days, the Skytree Looks Hazy
The humidity is high. It’s hot and muggy.
Pacific Ferry
Getting away from the summer heat!
This year, I'm taking the Pacific Ferry to Tomakomai.
We're riding the Ishikari, which even won Ferry of the Year.
Dinner was a buffet?ate way too much!
At night, there was a concert that was a lot of fun.
I heard the yangqin (a kind of hammered dulcimer) for the first time?its sound was amazing!
Kushiro City Hall Business Research Group
They help out with all kinds of things for long-term visitors.
I’ve been relying on them for over ten years.
Really appreciate it!
Tomamu Ski Resort ? A Glimpse of the Bubble Era
Tomamu Ski Resort is a legacy of Japan’s bubble economy days, and it still shows. Towering high-rise hotels?four of them?stand proudly against the mountains, and a stylish shopping and restaurant mall adds to the resort-town vibe.
I snapped this shot from the expressway, and even from there, the scale and setting were impressive. A place where luxury meets nature?definitely worth a stop.
7月2日:ネモフィラ:
釧路ではこの時期、ネモフィラが満開です。
Nemophila in Bloom
In Kushiro, this season brings a sea of blue?
Nemophila flowers in full, delicate bloom.
A gentle reminder that summer has quietly arrived.
Matsuriya
It’s one of the most popular sushi spots in Kushiro.
Even though it’s a conveyor belt sushi place, the sushi doesn’t actually go around anymore.
You just order from a tablet.
Super fresh and really tasty!
Exercise
At the training gym in Kushiro Super Arena,
I move gently?rehabilitation more than exertion.
Through wide windows, the vast Kushiro Wetlands stretch out before me,
a peaceful landscape that heals as I strengthen.
In the rhythm of daily effort, health quietly returns.
Let's Go See the Summer Trees
This is a study program organized by the Onnenai Visitor Center.
Participants will observe the area around the Kushiro Wetland boardwalk and learn about the evolution of trees.
Enjoying nature is always fun, but don't forget to take precautions against insects, bears, and heatstroke.
Let's Go See the Summer Trees
The morning was cloudy and cool, but by noon the sun came out and it got hot.
Thanks to the low temperature, the shade under the trees felt pleasant.
Walking the boardwalk in the wetland was, as expected, quite hot.
Back in the city of Kushiro, it was 21°C with a chilly breeze.
Harutori Lake Nature Center
Harutori Lake is located right in the city of Kushiro.
It’s well known for wildflower and bird watching.
At the Nature Center, you can learn about the environment with the help of nature guides.
Enjoying a cup of coffee and chatting there is part of the fun too.
Kushiro’s Temperature
This is the view of the Kushiro Wetlands from the arena gym on July 7th.
The sun was blazing, and the heat felt intense.
However, the breeze was pleasantly refreshing.
Even in Hokkaido, only Kushiro stays cool.
The daytime high was 25°C, and by evening, it dropped to 20°C.
The cold ocean current off Kushiro cools down the southern winds.
That’s why more people choose to stay in Kushiro during the summer.
Gyoza no Ohsho
Gyoza no Ohsho is located in the Aeon Mall in Kushirocho.
After working up a sweat at the gym and taking a shower, the meal tastes absolutely amazing.
Harutori Lake Nature Center
A rare visitor from France came by today.
Even though they didn’t speak much Japanese, they were boldly traveling around?so impressive!
It was a fun and memorable time.
Junko Studio
This is an aerobics dance lesson studio that I’ve been attending every year.
Lately, I’ve been taking a break due to some health issues, but I’m hoping to gradually return this summer.
Thank you in advance, Junko-sensei and Kei-chan-sensei ? I’m looking forward to seeing you again!
Coco’s
This is the only nationwide family restaurant chain in Kushiro.
We’re used to the flavors of places like this, so it tasted great.
Exercise well, eat well ? that’s the way to go!
By the way, it’s 13°C today, July 11th, in Kushiro.
They even had the stove on at the Harutori Lake Nature Center.
That’s Kushiro for you ? absolutely the best!
Hotel Service
The complimentary services at the Dormy Inn Premium Kushiro where I'm staying.
If I had this kind of service every day, I'd definitely gain weight.
That's why managing my own body is so important.
This "Yonaki Ramen" is delicious too, but...
7月13日:フライドチキン:
中札内の鶏肉を使ったフライドチキン。
半身分で1167円。
ブランドチキンにしてはリーズナブル。
香りがとても良い。
もちろん美味です。
Big Houseのお惣菜です。
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken made with chicken from Nakasatsunai.
A half portion costs 1,167 yen ? quite reasonable for a brand-name chicken.
It has a wonderful aroma.
And of course, it tastes great.
This is a prepared dish from Big House.
Melodies of Woodwinds Amid Dripping Green
A concert was held at EGG in the Fisherman’s Wharf.
This venue, nestled within a botanical garden, frequently hosts concerts.
It’s conveniently located just across from the hotel, making it easy to attend.
Kushiro Seismic-Resistant Wharf
Kushiro is a port town.
During this season, many sardine fishing boats are docked here.
This is the wharf at Fisherman’s Wharf.
A concert is being held right next door.
Sanma Kabayaki Bento
This is a bento from Seicomart’s HOT CHEF (prepared in-store).
It’s only available during this time of year.
I always wonder?does the fact that they use frozen sanma from last year really mean that the fish stocks are that low?
Maybe it’s actually better to keep the catch at about this level.
Yakiniku
This is a lunch menu from the restaurant Gyuta.
Delicious and affordable.
After working out at the gym and taking a shower, I was starving?perfect timing for some yakiniku.
It doesn’t get any better than this.
Jolly Pasta
I’m really happy that Jolly Pasta finally opened in Kushiro.
They offer free large portions for lunch.
At this restaurant, you can freely use olive oil, Parmigiano, and Tabasco?just the way Italian food should be.
By the way, in summer, their vegetable-loaded capellini with Caesar dressing is a perfect choice.
Wildflower Watching
This was a study session held along the shore of Lake Harutori, organized by the City Museum.
Our guide was Dr. Kato, an agricultural scientist and curator.
When a potentially dangerous plant, Baikal Hogweed, was discovered in Sapporo, she appeared on TV explaining that a similar-looking species, Large Hogweed, also grows around Lake Harutori. Because of their similar appearance, she cautioned that it's difficult to conclusively identify it as Baikal Hogweed. In fact, the plant in question has still not been definitively identified.
I also met Kyoko-chan, who helps out every year.
We spotted some Japanese walnut trees bearing fruit near the Nature Center.
There was also coverage by a reporter from the Hokkaido Shimbun.
Kushiro Wetland Tour
Joined a fun lecture for KIWC’s 30th anniversary!
Learned how the wetland formed, its cool plants & animals, and how it’s protected.
Loved the part about bladderwort ? a tiny underwater plant that eats plankton!
Nature is amazing.
Sunset in Kushiro
It was unusually hot in Kushiro today, the 23rd.
The temperature rose to 29°C.
But since the humidity was low, it didn’t feel too uncomfortable.
Most homes in Kushiro don’t have air conditioners, so for the locals, this kind of heat is tough.
The news even warned people to stay indoors, so the gym was nearly empty.
The spacious arena was fully air-conditioned and felt great.
And the sunset was beautiful.
7月23日:業務スーパーのキンパ:
初めて業スーの太巻きを買った。
このキンパはやばいほど旨い。
Korean Sushi Roll from Gyomu Super
I bought a futomaki roll from Gyomu Super for the first time.
This kimbap is insanely good.
The free nighttime ramen at Dormy Inn Premium Kushiro has changed to shio (salt-based) ramen. It's a Hakodate-style shio ramen. The broth is light yet rich in flavor. I really enjoyed it.
Hot Sandwich for Breakfast
I make hot, toasty sandwiches easily with an electric sandwich maker.
They're delicious!
8月26日:霧フェス:
動画が見れない人は、ここをクリックして下さい。
釧路名物の霧が出ず、レーザー光線ショーは今一歩。
本当ならレーザー光は長く尾を引きます。
耐震岸壁に停泊している船舶の光も美しい。
ドーミーインプレミアム釧路から撮影しました。
Kiri Festival (Fog Festival)
Unfortunately, the famous Kushiro fog didn’t appear, so the laser light show was a bit underwhelming.
Normally, the laser beams would leave long, trailing lights in the mist.
Still, the lights from the ships docked at the earthquake-resistant wharf looked beautiful.
This photo was taken from Dormy Inn Premium Kushiro.
Kushiro Wetland Introductory Course
To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Kushiro International Wetland Center (KIWC), I attended the second session of a course exploring the formation of the Kushiro Wetland, the flora and fauna that inhabit it, and ongoing conservation efforts.
This time, the session was held in the Takkobu area, located on the eastern side of the Kushiro Wetland ? the opposite side from Onnenai, which we visited last time.
Hoso'oka Observatory
This observatory offers the most beautiful view of the Kushiro Wetland.
Since large buses cannot access this area, it’s not easily reachable for tour groups.
That makes it a perfect spot to quietly enjoy the serene beauty of the wetland.
7月27日:Irish Music Live:
釧路はお手軽に音楽を楽しむ事が出来ます。
とても珍しい楽器と音楽。楽しい気分になりました。
なんとハンマーダルシマー(洋琴)の演奏は今月2回目です。
午前中は釧路湿原で自然を観察、午後はコンサート。
釧路は楽しいね。
Irish Music Live
In Kushiro, it’s easy to enjoy live music.
We experienced rare instruments and unique music ? it truly lifted our spirits.
Amazingly, this was the second time this month we’ve heard the hammered dulcimer performed!
Nature observation in the Kushiro Wetland in the morning, and a concert in the afternoon ?Kushiro is such a fun place!
River Ranger Event
I joined an educational event with elementary school students in the Shibecha area, upstream of the Kushiro River.
We measured the water quality and caught aquatic creatures to observe the current state of the river.
On July 29, the temperature was 22°C?slightly chilly, but it was a fun observation session.
The result showed that the Kushiro River is clean and in excellent condition.
Tsunami Warning
Kushiro made the news today, though not in a good way.
Because of the tsunami warning, almost all the stores were closed?even the convenience stores.
Tourists must have had a tough time.
But surprisingly, one supermarket was still open!
In the evening, they started selling everything at half price.
I couldn’t resist and ended up buying some. It was delicious.