The Backpack Adventures

10 Things to Do in Esashi Esashi ( 枝幸町 ) is a picturesque coastal town in the Soya Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan . Renowned for its abundant seafood, the town is particularly famous for its horsehair crab, salmon, and scallops. The surrounding waters, enriched by marine plankton brought by drift ice from the southern Okhotsk Sea during winter, create ideal conditions for marine life. Esashi boasts one of Japan’s largest horsehair crab harvests, achieved through crab trap fishing. The town’s name originates from the Ainu word " Esaushi ," meaning " cape " in a geographical sense. For those planning to visit this scenic coastal town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Esashi :   Esashi ( 枝幸町 ) manhole covers 1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Esashi . So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. Both are commonly found around the town.   Esashi Itsukushima Shrine 2. Visit Esashi Itsukushima Shrine ( 枝幸厳島神社 ) , the m...

Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks ( ウスタイベ千畳岩 ) is a popular destination for viewing sunrises and drift ice, located on the northern outskirts of Esashi. It is situated in Misakicho, within the town of Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks Details Located on the northern outskirts of Esashi, Usutaibe Senjoiwa   Rocks  are a stunning natural landmark and a designated part of the North Okhotsk Prefectural Natural Park . Known for its unique rock formations that resemble stacked tatami mats, this picturesque site offers visitors a rare glimpse into the serene beauty of Hokkaido’s coastline. Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture A Landscape Like No Other The striking rock formations at Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rocks are a natural masterpiece, shaped by centuries of weathering and erosion. Appearing like a cape jutting out into the Sea of Okhotsk , the area provides a tranquil escape, perfect for those seek...

Esashi Itsukushima Shrine ( 枝幸厳島神社 ) is the main shrine of the town of Esashi. It is located at 536-1 Shineicho in the town of Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Esashi Itsukushima Shrine Esashi Itsukushima Shrine Details Esashi Itsukushima Shrine traces its beginnings to 1829 when Fujino Shirobei , a fishing contractor from Aomori Prefecture, enshrined a branch of the spirit of Itsukushima. This act was deeply connected to the faith of his master, the Fujino family, and led to the establishment of a small shrine, laying the foundation for Esashi's spiritual legacy. Esashi Itsukushima Shrine - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture Growth and Recognition as a Village Shrine In 1894, volunteers solidified the shrine's location and appointed Hoshino Jukuichi as the shrine manager. By 1895, after repairs and the addition of a shrine office, Esashi Itsukushima Shrine gained official recognition as a village shrine , cementing its role as a community pillar. ...

Okhotsk Museum Esashi ( オホーツクミュージアムえさし ) is a local museum with numerous exhibits about the town. It is located at 1614-1 Mikasacho in the town of Esashi, Esashi District, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan . Okhotsk Museum Esashi Okhotsk Museum Esashi Details Okhotsk Museum Esashi is a must-visit destination for history and culture enthusiasts. Housed in a striking, castle-like building, the museum offers visitors an immersive experience of the region's natural and cultural heritage, with free entry making it accessible to all. Okhotsk Museum Esashi - Esashi town, Hokkaido Prefecture Established in 1999, the Okhotsk Museum Esashi is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and natural history of the Esashi area and the Sea of Okhotsk coast. Its extensive collection includes the nationally significant Artifacts Excavated from the Menashidomari Site , a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan . Outside the Okhotsk Museum Esashi Lavenders were at full bloom wh...