10 Things to Do in Uryu

10 Things to Do in Uryu

Uryu (雨竜町) is a town in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. Although the name of the town is derived from the Ainu language, its actual origin is unknown. One proposed explanation is Urir-o-pet, which translates to "cormorant river." Conversely, the Japanese spelling of the town's name uses "ateji" or kanji characters that phonetically represent either native or loaned words. Specifically, the first character 雨, meaning "rain," is paired with the second character 竜, meaning "dragon."


For those planning to visit the town of Uryu to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Uryu:

Uryu Manhole Covers

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Uryu. So far, I have seen two unique manhole cover designs that are common in the central part of town.

Uryu Roadside Station

2. Visit the Uryu Roadside Station, which is formally called Roadside Station Den-en-no-sato Uryu (道の駅田園の里うりゅう), and explore a variety of locally produced goods that showcase the town’s agricultural pride. One fun activity here is the 100-yen UFO catcher, where you have a chance to win a premium 300-gram pack of Uryu rice. Speaking of rice, you might want to try the rice-flavored soft cream here, too. Also, don’t forget to collect your stamp as well, as this station is part of the popular Hokkaido Roadside Station Stamp Rally.

Uryu Shrine

3. Visit the Uryu Shrine (雨龍神社). You can pay your respects and offer prayers here at any time of the day. You can also get a goshuin here.

Uryu Rice Art

4. Check out the Uryu Rice Art (田んぼアート) along Route 275. It’s just a few meters away from Uryu Roadside Station. Heads up! You'd see the rice art only in summer. 

Cafe Yōkoso Yōkoso

5. Dine at Cafe Yōkoso Yōkoso (カフェ ようこそ ようこそ). Aside from their excellent coffee, be sure to try the quiche and dry curry, which are local favorites. Do note that the café is located away from the town proper, closer to Uryu’s expansive rice fields, giving it a peaceful atmosphere and a truly scenic countryside ambiance.

Kōreisha Kenkō Fukushi Center Ikiiki-kan

6. Visit the Kōreisha Kenkō Fukushi Center Ikiiki-kan (高齢者健康福祉センター・いきいき館) and take a relaxing dip in its local onsen. It’s very affordable and perfect for a casual soak, though don’t expect a luxury experience, as the facility primarily serves as a community center for residents.

Uryu Town Park Golf

7. Play golf at the Uryu Town Park Golf (雨竜町パークゴルフ). You might be surprised that this place is a 36-hole course.

Uryunuma Wetland, Gate Park Camping Ground

8. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Uryunuma Wetland, Gate Park Camping Ground (雨竜沼湿原ゲートパークキャンプ場). The place can accommodate more or less 20 tents but the parking is limited, so make sure to come early.

Uryu Town Shiseki Park

9. Visit Uryu Town Shiseki Park (雨竜町史跡公園), a peaceful spot perfect for a relaxing stroll surrounded by the calming scent of pine trees. The park also features a quiet pond that adds to its serene atmosphere, as well as the Uryu Town Kaitaku Memorial Museum (雨竜町開拓記念館), where you can learn more about the town’s history. If you plan to visit the museum, it’s best to call ahead to confirm its opening hours.

Uryū-numa Marshland

10. Visit the scenic Uryū-numa Marshland (雨竜沼層湿原). There are elevated wooden walkways that make exploring the marshland a walk in the park. The best time to visit is mid-July.

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Uryu gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this charming town in Hokkaido.

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