10 Things to Do in Bifuka

10 Things to Do in Bifuka

Bifuka (美深町) is a town in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. Bifuka was originally called Shimonayoro Village, but it changed to its current name on June 1, 1920, when Chiebun Village was separated from it.

The current name was originally taken from the place name “Piwka'', which refers to the gravel riverbed of the Teshio River near present-day Bifuka Station, and is derived from the Ainu word “piwka'' (stoney place).


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

Bifuka colored manhole covers

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Bifuka. So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. These can be seen in the town along Route 40.

Bifuka Shrine

2. Visit the Bifuka Shrine (美深神社). It’s the main shrine of the town of Bifuka. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you collect them.

Bifuka caviar

3. Buy the Bifuka caviar. It’s one of the town’s rare special products. You can buy some at the roadside station but heads up, it’s quite a popular product so there would be times that it is out of stock.

Bifuka Roadside Station

4. Visit Bifuka Roadside Station (道の駅 びふか). You should try the korokke and the sheep milk. You can also buy produce and souvenirs harvested or made in Bifuka. The special product of Bifuka, which is the caviar, is also sold here. If you collect roadside station stamps then this place is a must-visit.

Bifuka Onsen

5. Take a refreshing dip at Bifuka Onsen (森林公園 びふか温泉). You may choose to avail of the day trip onsen (450 yen per adult) or stay overnight for a longer bathing experience.

Forest Park Bifuka Island

6. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Forest Park Bifuka Island (森林公園びふかアイランド). It is near the Bifuka Roadside Station so there are extra parking spaces available. If you are coming in by car, there is a free parking area near the campsite. There is also an onsen nearby.

Bifuka Station

7. Check out the Bifuka Station (美深駅). This beautiful station doubles as a museum. It houses the museum of the Former JNR Miyuki Line.

Bifuka Ski Area

8. Ski at Bifuka Ski Area (美深スキー場). This ski resort is sometimes used for competitions but there is also an area for beginners.

Bifuka Sturgeon Museum

9. Visit the Bifuka Sturgeon Museum (美深チョウザメ館) to learn more about this unique-looking fish. This is the only museum/aquarium in Japan dedicated solely to the breeding and information dissemination about sturgeon fishes. You can get feeds at the gatchapon machine for only 100 yen. What’s nice about this place is that the entrance is free and it is near the campsite and onsen of Bifuka.

Bifuka Matsuyama Wetlands

10. Head out on a lengthy stroll until you reach the Bifuka Matsuyama Wetlands (松山湿原). From the jump-off point, you need to go through a forested area until you reach the vast open marshlands. There is an elevated walkway to let you explore the place. Make sure to bring a bear bell as there are bear sightings in the area.


I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Bifuka gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this beautiful town in the north-central part of Hokkaido.

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Japan Diaries 4: Summary