Kushiro, Hokkaido
Just a Little Longer Until the Sunset Reflects on the River In autumn, step out of the car for a riverside stroll with a view of Nusamai Bridge
Nusamai Bridge is a Kushiro landmark, spanning the lower reaches of the Kushiro River. On an autumn evening, I want to leave the car and take my time on the riverside path, watching the sky and water change with the bridge in view.
Coat on, I head to the riverside for a walk as the autumn sun sinks toward the far side of the bridge.
AutumnOctober, evening
A riverside walk, watching the bridge and waiting for sunset
One October evening, I parked in Kushiro and walked to the riverside, where Nusamai Bridge came into view. I’d thought about crossing it, but when I saw the sunset reflected on the water, I wanted to stop right here. The bridge was just ahead, and the water seemed to stretch almost to my feet. From here, I could see a side of Kushiro I never get to see from the road.
I walked slowly along the path marked with diagonal white stripes, and the light on the water kept changing shape. One long ribbon of reflected light broke into tiny fragments in the ripples, then seemed to join up again. I reached for my bag to get my camera, but couldn’t bring myself to pull it out just yet. The water in front of me kept shifting, and I just wanted to watch for a little longer.
Facing the river, I felt the wind slip in at the front of my coat. My cream-colored sweater kept me warm, but my cheeks were a little cold. I tucked one hand into a pocket while the other held the strap of my bag. I looked up at the sky, then back at the bridge, and saw the sunset light reach all the way beneath it. I’d only just arrived, but I was already growing fond of this place.
The current bridge is the fifth to be built here. Once I learned that local residents helped plan it and create its statues, I could see how much it means to the people who cross the river every day. I’m admiring it from the riverside today, but next time I’d like to walk across it. As the sun sank lower, the row of streetlights came on, and the riverside took on a different feel.
I’m starting to get hungry, and now I want Kushiro’s famous zangi for dinner. Apparently you can get some at Fisherman’s Wharf MOO, right next to Nusamai Bridge, so it’d be nice to have dinner sorted for after my walk. But first, just a little longer. I warmed my hands in my coat pockets and watched the sun sink a little farther behind the bridge.
The story sections are fiction inspired by this location. For accurate information, please consult official tourism and information websites.
Local specialty
Kushiro Zangi
Kushiro zangi is one of the city’s local specialties. You can try it at Fisherman’s Wharf MOO, next to Nusamai Bridge, and I’d love to have some after my evening stroll.
Highlights
An evening view right in the city
Nusamai Bridge crosses the lower reaches of the Kushiro River. Walking along the river at sunset, I watched the reflections keep changing and wanted to stay and take them in instead of getting my camera out.
A fifth-generation bridge shaped by local residents
The current bridge was completed in 1976 (Shōwa 51). Local residents helped plan it, and donations paid for the statues representing the four seasons.
Access at a glance
To Nusamai Bridge
- By car from Kushiro Station
- About 3 minutes
- On foot from Kushiro Station
- About 15 minutes
From JR Kushiro Station, head into the city centre. I’d like to make time both to cross the bridge and to walk along the river.
In the evening, I want to park the car and take a leisurely walk, looking at the bridge and the water.
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