10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu City

10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu City

Ashibetsu (芦別市) is a city in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. It is theorized that the city got its name from the Ainu word “as pet, " meaning “the river that flows in a shrub”. Aside from that, other historians also believed that it came from the Ainu word “hasi pet” which means “the standing river”. In both theories, the name refers to the Ashibetsu River, which flows through the city.

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

Ashibetsu City manhole covers

1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Ashibetsu. So far, I have seen four unique manhole covers which are common in the central part of the city. There are colored versions of these which are installed along Route 452. There is also a special Anne of Canadian World manhole cover found only in the Canadian World Park.

Hokkaido Dai Kannon

2. Take a photo of the Hokkaido Dai Kannon (宗教法人天徳育成会 天徳院). Sadly, visitors are not allowed to go inside or near it. Regardless, there are several places in the city where you can take amazing photos of the giant statue like at Road Station “Star Plaza Ashibetsu” or the Golf Driving Range at Asahimachi District.

Ashibetsu Shrine

3. Visit the Ashibetsu Shrine (蘆別神社). You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. You can also get a goshuin here.

Asahigaoka Park

4. Visit Asahigaoka Park (旭ケ丘公園) across the Sorachi River and spend some quiet time while enjoying nature. If you visit in spring, you would be able to see the sakura trees in full bloom.

Ashibetsu Roadside Station / Road Station “Star Plaza Ashibetsu”

5. Visit the Ashibetsu Roadside Station / Road Station “Star Plaza Ashibetsu” (道の駅 スタープラザ芦別) and buy locally made products and souvenirs. Aside from that, you should also try the authentic baked pizza at Pizza Ashibetsu which is inside the roadside station. Lastly, don’t forget the roadside station stamp if you’re collecting them.

Village of Shooting Stars Centennial Memorial Hall

6. Learn about the history of Ashibetsu City by visiting the Village of Shooting Stars Centennial Memorial Hall (星の降る里百年記念館). It is just beside the roadside station so parking wouldn’t be an issue.

Kamiashibetsu Park

7. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Kamiashibetsu Park (上芦別公園). It is a free campsite with clean toilets. However, the onsen is several miles away. Regardless, the place is clean and has a beautiful view of the Sorachi River.

Ashibetsu Onsen Starlight Hotel

8. Take a dip in the onsen of Ashibetsu Onsen Starlight Hotel (芦別温泉 スターライトホテル). It is highly recommended that you stay for the night and enjoy the meals. If you come on a clear day, you can watch the stars while you dip in the onsen.

Lake Takisato Auto Camping Ground

9. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Lake Takisato Auto Camping Ground (滝里湖オートキャンプ場). It has a panoramic view of Takisato Lake. As an added bonus, you can also visit Takisato Dam Museum (滝里ダム資料館) and learn about the history of Takisato Dam. 

Canadian World Park / Canadian World

10. Drive northwards until the end of Route 452 and visit Canadian World Park / Canadian World (カナディアンワールド). It’s a former theme park that is a replica of Prince Edward Island's Avonlea which is the setting of the story of Anne of Green Gables. Sadly, it closed in 1997. Currently, it is maintained by volunteers and you could still go inside some of the buildings in the park.

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Ashibetsu gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic city in central Hokkaido.

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Japan Diaries 4: Summary