10 Things to Do in Shibetsu City

10 Things to Do in Shibetsu City

Shibetsu (士別市) is a city in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. Shibetsu got its name from the Ainu word Sipe which means “great river”.

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

Shibetsu City manhole covers

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Shibetsu City. So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. The colored manhole covers are installed near the roadside station. The one that is not can be seen all around the city.

Shibetsu City Pokemon manhole cover

2. Take a picture of the Shibetsu Pokemon manhole cover. It is installed outside the roadside station. The Shibetsu Pokemon manhole cover features Vulpix and Mareep.

Shibetsu Shrine

3. Visit the Shibetsu Shrine (士別神社). It’s the main shrine of the city of Shibetsu. 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 are collecting them.

Shibetsu Roadside Station

4. Visit Shibetsu Roadside Station, formally called Roadside Station Sheep Town Samurai Shibetsu (道の駅 もち米の里・なよろ). You can buy produce and souvenirs harvested or made in Shibetsu. The special product of Shibetsu, which is lamb meat, is also sold here. If you collect roadside station stamps then this place is a must-visit.

Iwaonai Dam Observatory

5. Visit Iwaonai Dam Observatory (岩尾内ダム管理支所) and view the beauty of Lake Iwaonai. There is also an exhibition room on the second floor of the building where you can learn about the history of the Iwaonai Dam.

Tsukumosuigo Park Camping Ground

6. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Tsukumosuigo Park Camping Ground (つくも水郷公園キャンプ場).  It is inside the vast Tsukumosuigo Park. You can pitch your tent on the open grounds or in the forested area. There is a playground in the campsite in case you decide to bring kids. There is also a restored steam engine on the park grounds

Hinata Onsen

7. Take a refreshing dip at Hinata Onsen (日向温泉). It’s a nice and affordable day trip onsen facility (450 yen per adult) that is located on the northwestern outskirts of the city. It’s a perfect place to go after skiing at Shibetsu City Hinata Ski Area (士別市日向スキー場).

Shibetsu City Museum

8. Visit Shibetsu City Museum (士別市立博物館) and learn about the rich history of the city.

Sheep of the World Museum

9. Visit the Sheep of the World Museum (世界のめん羊館). It is located inside the Sheep and Cloud Hill grounds. This museum houses several species of sheep. You can touch them and feed them. If you have an extra budget, you can buy clothes made from wool. It’s a bit pricey but it’s the real deal.

Sheep and Cloud Hill

10. Visit Sheep and Cloud Hill (羊と雲の丘観光㈱). This scenic hill has several facilities like the Sheep of the World Museum, a souvenir shop, Sheep and Cloud Hill Observatory, and a café. However, this place is a must-visit because you can go inside the ranch and feed the sheep while enjoying the beautiful view. You can buy 100 yen food packs at the entrance of the ranch. What’s even more amazing is that the entrance and parking in this place is FREE.

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

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Japan Diaries 4: Summary