10 Things to Do in Naie

10 Things to Do in Naie

Naie (奈井江町) is a town in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. The name Naie comes from Naie River which flows through the town. According to Shuzo Yamada, a researcher of the Ainu language, the name could have been derived from “naye” or “nay” which simply means “river” in the Ainu language.


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

Naie manhole covers

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Naie. So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. They are common around town. There is a colored manhole cover which is displayed inside the Naie Town Hall.

Naie Onsen (currently closed)

2. Take a dip at the onsen of Naie Onsen (奈井江温泉). However, it closed its doors in 2019. I still included it here because as of this writing the official website of the town Naie announced that the facility is open for bidding and hopefully it will attract private companies to acquire it and open it again to the public in the near future.

Sandan Falls

3. Check out Sandan Falls (三段の滝). However, it’s on the outskirts of town and according to those who recently visited, the pathway was not maintained.

Fureai no Mori

4. Visit Fureai no Mori (ふれあいの森) during spring. It has numerous Yoshino cherry trees and is considered one of the most popular and accessible cherry-viewing places in town.

Naie Shrine

5. Visit the Naie Shrine (奈井江神社). You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. You can also get a goshuin here.

Ramen Gantetsu

6. Try the miso ramen at Ramen Gantetsu (らあめんがんてつ). It is located inside the roadside station grounds. It is by far, one of the most delicious in town.

Roadside Station Hausjärvi Naie 

7. Visit the Naie Roadside Station / Roadside Station Hausjärvi Naie (道の駅 ハウスヤルビ奈井江) and buy locally-made products and souvenirs. Aside from that, you should also try the soft cream which is highly recommended by those who visit. Lastly, don’t forget the roadside station stamp if you’re collecting them.

Naie Town Social Education Center 

8. Visit and learn more about Naie at the Naie Town Social Education Center (奈井江町社会教育センター) which serves both as the library and local museum of the town.


9. Experience the Naie Industrial Festival held at the square in front of the Naie Town Hall every August 19th. There are numerous events in the morning and a fireworks display at night.

Niwayama Forest Natural Park

10. Visit Niwayama Forest Natural Park (にわ山森林自然公園) and spend some quiet time while enjoying nature and the scenic panoramic view of Naie. If you visit in spring, you will be able to see the sakura trees in full bloom. Don’t miss out on the Monster Wolf display in the park. 

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Naie gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this small but scenic town in central Hokkaido.

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Summary