焼肉
最近この肉にはまっている。
アメリカ産のカルビで脂が極めて美味しい。
筋も少ないので柔らかく食べられます。
それにメッチャ安価です。
Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ)
Recently, I’ve really gotten into this meat.
It’s American beef short ribs, and the fat is incredibly delicious.
It has very little gristle, so it’s tender and easy to eat.
And on top of that, it’s amazingly affordable.
Concert on the Ferry
On the Ishikari of Taiheiyo Ferry, there is a concert held at night.
On this day, the performance featured jazz music by a band called TriodeJaneiro.
It was absolutely wonderful, and I was truly impressed.
Kushiro City Hall
On the first day of my stay, I visited the business study group to say hello.
They have been taking care of me for the past ten years.
It’s written on the poster:
“Spend the summer in cool Kushiro.”
The average high temperature is 21.5°C
6月29日:アガパンサス:
日にちが前後しますが、
自宅マンションの庭に咲いているアガパンサス。
白の花もとっても綺麗です。
Agapanthus
The agapanthus blooming in the garden of my apartment building is beautiful.
The white flowers are especially lovely as well.
Lake Harutori Nature Center
Lake Harutori is a beautiful oasis of nature right in the heart of Kushiro City.
The people who gather at the Nature Center all share a love for the outdoors and wildlife.
We enjoy relaxing conversations over a cup of coffee while spending time surrounded by nature.
What a wonderful place!
7月5日:フォトウォーク:
動画が見れない人は、ここをクリックして下さい。
春採湖ネイチャーセンター主催のフォトウォークに参加。
写真撮影しながら春採湖の自然をめぐります。
お天気に恵まれて素敵な撮影会になりました。
涼しくて良かったね。
Photo Walk at Lake Harutori Nature Center
I joined a photo walk organized by the Lake Harutori Nature Center.
We explored the beautiful natural surroundings of Lake Harutori while taking photographs along the way.
The weather was perfect, making it a wonderful and enjoyable photography outing.
7月6日:釧路幣舞橋:
釧路の名所です。
毎日良い天気が続いています。
気温は15℃位。南風が冷たくて気持ち良い。
Nusamai Bridge, Kushiro
One of Kushiro's most famous landmarks.
We've been enjoying beautiful weather every day.
The temperature is around 15°C (59°F), and the cool breeze from the south feels wonderfully refreshing.
7月6日:釧路の花:
この夏は花の時期が遅れているようです。
写真はハマナスとコマクサ。
高山植物の女王といわれるコマクサ。
釧路では街中で見られます。
Flowers of Kushiro
It seems that the flowers are blooming a little later than usual this summer.
The photos show Rugosa roses (Hamanasu) and Komakusa, known as the Queen of Alpine Flowers.
In most places, Komakusa grows only in the mountains, but in Kushiro, you can even see these beautiful flowers right in the city.
Late-Night Ramen
Today, I officially joined the Junko Studio Aerobics Academy. I've known many of the instructors there for over 10 years, so it's always a fun and welcoming place.
Tonight's first class was jazz dance. After the lesson, I returned to the hotel and enjoyed a complimentary bowl of late-night ramen.
Hahaha... If I keep doing this every night, I'm definitely going to gain some weight!
Curry Shop Indian, which originated in Obihiro, also has locations in Kushiro.
Their unique style of curry is absolutely delicious. The portions are generous, and the prices are very reasonable.
Enjoying a meal there is one of the highlights of my stay in Kushiro.
7月8日:春採湖フォトウォーク集合写真:
カメラマンの方から記念写真をいただきました。
Harutori Lake Photo Walk ? Group Photo
The photographer kindly sent us this wonderful group photo as a keepsake.
A lovely memory of a fantastic day together!
Lake Harutori Newsletter
The photo walk held on the 5th was featured in the latest newsletter.
There's a photo of me in the article, but I'm probably the only one who can tell which person I am!
I'm the one wearing a white short-sleeved shirt. White is a good choice because it doesn't attract insects as much.
7月12日:厳島神社例大祭:
この時期、釧路では毎週のようにお祭りがある。
フィッシャーマンズワーフ周辺はとても賑やかになります。
Itsukushima Shrine Grand Festival
At this time of year, festivals are held almost every weekend in Kushiro.
The area around the Fisherman's Wharf becomes lively and filled with people, creating a wonderful festive atmosphere.
7月12日:釧路耐震岸壁:
釧路には沢山の港があります。
その中でも一番賑やかな耐震岸壁。
フィッシャーマンズワーフに隣接している。
Kushiro Earthquake-Resistant Wharf
Kushiro has many ports and harbors.
Among them, the earthquake-resistant wharf is one of the busiest.
It is located right next to the Fisherman's Wharf.
Concert
The weekends in Kushiro are packed with exciting events.
This concert was held at EGG, the waterfront complex connected to the Fisherman's Wharf.
This time, the performers were a woodwind ensemble and their friends.
Since my dance studio is closed on Sundays, I have plenty of time to enjoy events like this.
Hakuba Valley Season Pass
Sales for the 2027 Hakuba Valley Season Pass are about to begin. Planning my schedule for the winter is quite a challenge because there are so many things to fit in. Then again, making plans for skiing is always a pleasure!
I've already booked my accommodation well in advance, so there's nothing surprising about getting ready this early.
Matsuriya
Matsuriya is one of Kushiro's most popular sushi restaurants.
My favorite dish is the surf clam salad, which is both delicious and reasonably priced. The deep-fried oysters are served piping hot and are absolutely wonderful.
When you come to Kushiro, you simply have to enjoy its fresh seafood!
Cherries
These cherries are grown in Hokkaido.
They are sweet, delicious, and surprisingly affordable. At the supermarket, they were selling like hotcakes.
Junko Studio Aerobics Academy
These are the wonderful instructors at the dance studio where I take classes every year.
I'm lucky to be surrounded by such amazing teachers while taking on their energetic and challenging dance lessons.
Since they are never all together at the same time, I asked AI to combine several different photos into this group picture. I think it turned out to be a wonderful keepsake.
Common Green Darner (Ginyanma)
Someone caught a beautiful Common Green Darner at the shore of Lake Harutori.
After receiving a call from a fellow insect collector saying one had been spotted by the lake, he quickly closed his shop and rushed over. He was so excited because he had finally managed to catch it.
Sennosuke Main Store
Sennosuke is one of Kushiro's best-known seafood stores.
During this three-day holiday weekend, the main store is celebrating its 8th anniversary with a special event. They offered three cans of seafood to the first 300 customers for free, but the line was so long that I couldn't get any.
This king crab was incredibly inexpensive. It was a little dry, so I changed the flavor with tartar sauce and a few seasonings.
The result was amazing?it turned into an absolutely delicious dish.
Plants of Lake Harutori
The wild roses are now in full bloom.
The giant lily (Ōubayuri) is a remarkable plant that takes seven to eight years to bloom. After flowering just once, it withers and dies.
At the Nature Center, signs are placed to protect and manage these plants.
In Kushiro, many people truly care about preserving nature, and their dedication helps protect the area's rich natural environment.
Asuka III
The luxury cruise ship Asuka III has once again arrived at the earthquake-resistant wharf in the Port of Kushiro this year.
She enters the harbor through a narrow channel from the open sea, makes an impressive U-turn, and then carefully backs up to the wharf. Watching such a massive ship maneuver with such precision is truly fascinating.
You can admire her up close at the wharf, or enjoy the view from Nusamai Bridge and the opposite bank of the Kushiro River.
Just walking around this huge wharf adds up to about 10,000 steps. It's incredibly spacious! With the temperature around 20°C (68°F), it's the perfect weather for a pleasant walk.
Kiri Festival
Yesterday, the cruise ship Asuka III was berthed at the earthquake-resistant wharf.
Today, the same wharf is hosting the Kiri (Fog) Festival, and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer Yahagi is on display.
Tonight, there will be a spectacular laser show.
The only thing missing... is the fog!
Gyoza no Ohsho
It's been a while since I last visited Gyoza no Ohsho.
There's a branch in Kushiro as well.
The food was served piping hot and tasted absolutely delicious.
I have a coupon that gives me one free serving of gyoza every month.
JS Yahagi
As part of the Kushiro Fog Festival, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force took part in the event.
Visitors were able to tour the inside of the destroyer JS Yahagi, making it a memorable experience.
7月26日:誕生祭:
フィッシャーマンズワーフMOOの37回誕生祭だそうです。
Anniversary Celebration
The Fisherman's Wharf MOO is celebrating its 37th anniversary.
Long-Term Visitors' Networking Gathering
I attended a networking gathering hosted by the Kushiro Business Research Association.
The gentleman standing in the center is the Mayor of Kushiro.
A total of 32 long-term visitors took part in the event, and interestingly, the mayor was the youngest person there!
River Rangers Study Session
We visited the upper reaches of the Kushiro River in Shibecha to examine the water quality and survey aquatic life.
We studied together with local elementary school students, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
Every test result confirmed that the Kushiro River is an exceptionally clean and beautiful river.
The temperature reached 25°C, making it a little warmer than Kushiro City, but it was still a wonderful and rewarding day of learning.
Harutori Lake Photo Walk
This was the Nature Center's photo walk event for August.
The weather was perfect?clear blue skies and a pleasant 20°C. It was an ideal day to enjoy the outdoors, something Kushiro is famous for.
We also stopped by a nearby stone Buddhist statue and took a commemorative photo inspired by Senju Kannon, the Thousand-Armed Goddess of Mercy.
White-tailed Eagle
This magnificent bird is designated as a National Natural Monument of Japan.
When I parked my car at AEON Mall Harutori Lake, I kept hearing the loud calls of a large bird outside. I looked up and found a White-tailed Eagle perched on top of a high-voltage transmission tower near Nishimatsuya.
It was an incredibly powerful and awe-inspiring sight.
Kushiro Port Festival Dance Practice
Every year, I have the pleasure of learning from Juhōki Hanayagi of the Kushiro Hanayagi School.
She is incredibly graceful and impressive.
Every movement of her hands and feet, as well as her posture, is beautifully refined.
There is so much to learn from watching her perform.
Kushiro Minato Festival
This is the biggest summer festival in Kushiro.
There is a spectacular fireworks display from the earthquake-resistant quay, as well as a lively dance parade along Kita-Odori Street.
Unfortunately, I came down with a cold, so I had to watch the fireworks from my hotel room.
I’m taking lots of medicine and hoping to get better soon.
I also couldn’t take part in the dance performance that I had practiced for.
Oh well… hehe!
8月10日:コスモス:
釧路の道路際の花壇に咲いていました。
釧路は、もう秋・・・!
Cosmos
These cosmos flowers are already blooming in a roadside flower bed in Kushiro.
Summer in Kushiro seems to be in a hurry…
Autumn is already knocking on the door!
Coco's is the only nationwide family restaurant chain in Kushiro.
For me, it's a reliable place where I know I'll always find something delicious.
And this beef hamburger steak is especially good!
Plant Watching
A nature study session organized by the Kushiro City Museum.
We learn about plants from Kato-san, one of the museum’s curators.
Harutori Lake is full of beautiful nature.
Even the deer are peacefully grazing on the grass.
Birdwatching Walk
This is a study session organized by the Kushiro City Museum.
We learn about the wild birds of Lake Harutori from the museum’s curators.
Lake Harutori is home to a wide variety of wild birds, making it a popular spot for birdwatching.
Kushiro Hokkai Bon Odori
More than 1,000 people take part, dancing for an hour along Kita-Odori Street.
It’s so much fun!
I’m always grateful to Juhouki Hanayagi?or rather, Karin-chan!
She gets mad if I call her a “Yankee” (a Japanese delinquent girl). She is an absolutely amazing dancer.
She’s my favorite dance teacher, and I adore her!
Kushiro Hokkai Bon Odori
I received these photos from the staff of the Long-Stay Club.
Thank you so much for all your hard work, as always.
I truly appreciate it. Thank you very much!
Kuchoro River Nature Restoration Tour
I joined a tour organized by the Hokkaido Government to learn about nature restoration efforts in the Kushiro Wetland.
We were blessed with beautiful weather, and the vast wetland looked absolutely stunning.
By managing the rivers that flow into the wetland, efforts are being made to protect this precious natural environment.
We observed various plants and animals, wrote our names on signs, and even planted trees.
And, amazingly, four hunters were there to keep us safe during the tour!
Arpa Concert
Two couples who are friends from our skiing days came to Kushiro in their camper vans. One of the wives was here to perform in a concert at Fisherman’s Wharf EGG.
The arpa, or Paraguayan harp, is a traditional Paraguayan musical instrument. Its strings are plucked with the fingernails, giving it a brighter, more sparkling sound than a classical harp.
We enjoyed the wonderful music while feeling the refreshing breeze from Kushiro Port.
Thank you for the beautiful performance, and well done!
Strolling Through Kushiro’s Historic Streets
This was a historical walking tour of Kushiro’s old town, organized by the Kushiro City Museum.
For about two hours, we walked through the historic streets of Kushiro and explored its past.
From the end of the Edo period through the prosperous coal-mining and fishing eras?and even the time of Takuboku Ishikawa?Kushiro played an important role in Japan’s modern history.
It was fascinating to discover how much history is hidden in the streets of Kushiro.
Washo Market is one of Kushiro’s most famous traditional markets. This particular shop is especially popular with local customers.
The lady who usually served us retired when she reached the mandatory retirement age, but another lady at the shop remembered us.
That made us very happy.
And these scallops were absolutely delicious!
Restaurant Escal, in the Government Office Building
Today’s two daily specials were chili shrimp and Akank pork rice bowl.
For just 680 yen per meal, they were surprisingly delicious.
I think I’m going to become a regular here!
Saury Fishing Boat
A fishing boat is moored beneath Nusamai Bridge.
It’s incredibly bright, and the blue lights are so beautiful!
I took this photo from my hotel window.
Asuka II
Following the arrival of Asuka III, Asuka II has now docked at Kushiro Port’s West Port.
Kushiro’s port is enormous, with many piers and wharves.
And amazingly, there are lots of people fishing for salmon from the pier across the water.
That’s so Kushiro!
Saba Baguette
This is one of the specialties from Bakery Mon Coeur.
Apparently, it’s a popular Turkish dish.
I wanted to enjoy it fresh from the oven, so I bought it at 10:00 a.m.
It was unbelievably delicious?truly a taste that moved me.
After spending more than ten years in Kushiro, this is by far one of the most memorable foods I’ve ever had here.
BBQ at Midorigaoka Park
I had a BBQ at Midorigaoka Park with a couple who are friends from my skiing days in Hakuba.
That morning, I asked one of the ladies at Washo Market to help me out, and she arranged some wonderfully fresh seafood for us at a very special price.
Around lunchtime, we were hit by about 30 minutes of torrential rain and strong winds.
But even so, we managed to enjoy all of this delicious food grilled over charcoal.
Everything was absolutely delicious!
Harutori Lake Water Festival & FM Kushiro Festival
These two festivals are held very close to each other in my neighborhood.
I love the beautiful natural surroundings of Harutori Lake.
At the Ice Arena, figure skaters were practicing on the ice.
Piano Concert
Yoko Ogawa’s solo piano concert was held at Fisherman’s Wharf EGG.
With Nusamai Bridge and a saury fishing boat in the background, it really feels like Kushiro.
EGG is a large glass-domed building, so I wonder if the acoustics are good for a piano concert.
Restaurant Escal is the cafeteria inside the Kushiro Government Building.
Today’s set meal was really delicious!
At just 680 yen, you get this much food for the price.
You really can’t complain!