10 Things to Do in Horokanai

10 Things to Do in Horokanai

Horokanai (幌加内町) is a town in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. It gets its name from the Ainu word ''horka-nay'' (reversing river). This is owing to the Horokanai River's current, which passes through the southern side of town and flows in the opposite direction as the Uryu River.

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

Horokanai manhole cover

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Horokanai. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is commonly seen around town.

Horokanai Shrine

2. Visit the Horokanai Shrine (幌加内神社). It’s the main shrine of the town of Horokanai. 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.

Soba Dining Soba no Sato 

3. Eat the famed buckwheat soba at Soba Dining Soba no Sato (蕎麦ダイニング そばの里). It is located inside the Horokanai Roadside Station. If you’re lucky, you might be able to watch the soba maker do his craft.

Horokanai Roadside Station

4. Visit the Horokanai Roadside Station, formally called Roadside Station Mori-to-Mizuumi-no-sato Horokanai (道の駅 森と湖の里ほろかない) and try the buckwheat soba in its restaurant. You can also buy produce and souvenirs harvested or made in Horokanai. If you collect roadside station stamps then this place is a must-visit.

Horokanai Soba Flower Observation Deck

5. Visit the Horokanai Soba Flower Observation Deck (幌加内町・そばの花 展望台). August is the best time to see the buckwheat flowers in full bloom.

Concafe Moshiri

6. Eat at Concafe Moshiri (コンカフェMoshiri). You’ll be shocked to discover that the restaurant is made from a repurposed shipping container and is only managed by one man. Regardless, the food he serves is superb. It is said that the pizza here is the most delicious in Horokanai.

Shumaranai Lake Camping Ground

7. Pitch a tent at Shumaranai Lake Camping Ground (朱鞠内湖畔キャンプ場). There are several camping grounds in the area but this one is easily accessed by car and has plenty of parking space. It is also nearest the public toilet and the coin shower.

Horokanai Seiwa Onsen Luonto

8. Take a refreshing dip at the onsen of Horokanai Seiwa Onsen Luonto (幌加内せいわ温泉ルオント). You may choose to avail of the day trip onsen (500 yen per adult) or stay overnight for a longer bathing experience.

Moshiri Crystal Park

9. Visit Moshiri Crystal Park (母子里クリスタルパーク). This park gained fame when Japan's coldest temperature (41.2 degrees) was recorded on February 17, 1977. You can avail of a certificate that you visited the coldest region in Japan at the management building for 100 yen.

Shumarinai Lake

10. Visit and enjoy the view of Shumarinai Lake (朱鞠内湖). You can camp at the campsites in the southwestern part of town. You can also rent a boat to tour you around the lake. The lake is also popular with fishermen and kayakers. However, it is forbidden to swim in the lake.


I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Horkanai gave you an idea and inspiration to visit one of Japan’s least populated towns located in Hokkaido.

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