10 Things to Do in Esashi

10 Things to Do in Esashi
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:

 

manhole covers of Esashi (Soya), Hokkaido
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.

 

枝幸厳島神社
Esashi Itsukushima Shrine

2. Visit Esashi Itsukushima Shrine (枝幸厳島神社), the main shrine of the town of Esashi. Open to visitors throughout the day, it's a peaceful place to offer prayers and pay your respects. You can also receive a goshuin (shrine seal) here.

 

ホテル ニュー幸林
Hotel New Kohrin

3. Stay at Hotel New Kohrin (ホテル ニュー幸林) and dine at Umiake, also called Kaishu Restaurant (食事処海朱). It is known for its crab dishes, like crab curry. The sashimi and katsudon are also a must-try.

 

道の駅 マリーンアイランド岡島
Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima"

4. Make a stop at Roadside Station "Marine Island Okashima" (道の駅 マリーンアイランド岡島) and try the seafood curry set and the hotate curry. This roadside station is conveniently located along National Route 238. Before leaving, don't forget to get the roadside station stamp for your collection.

 

うたのぼりグリーンパークホテル
Utanobori Green Park Hotel

5. Take a relaxing dip at the onsen of Utanobori Green Park Hotel (うたのぼりグリーンパークホテル). You can stay overnight here or pitch a tent at Utanobori Fureai no Mori Campsite (ふれあいの森キャンプ場).

 

サケの里資料館
Salmon Village Museum

6. Visit the Salmon Village Museum (サケの里資料館). It’s a small facility located inland that provides plenty of information about the ecology of the salmon.

 

ウスタイベ千畳岩キャンプ場
Usutaibe Senjoiwa Camping Ground

7. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Usutaibe Senjoiwa Camping Ground (ウスタイベ千畳岩キャンプ場). It’s a nice camping area near the sea. The camping area has a clean toilet and a garbage disposal area. You can use the park freely without reservations.

 

オホーツクミュージアムえさし
Okhotsk Museum Esashi

8. Discover the history and culture of Esashi at the Okhotsk Museum Esashi (オホーツクミュージアムえさし). The museum features a variety of exhibits showcasing the region's environment, its early inhabitants, and the town's development over time.

 

ウスタイベ千畳岩
Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rock

9. Visit the stunning Usutaibe Senjoiwa Rock (ウスタイベ千畳岩), a site known for its striking and uniquely shaped rock formations. The scenery here is reminiscent of Senjojiki in Wakayama Prefecture. It’s an excellent spot to catch a breathtaking sunrise. Additionally, its proximity to a campsite makes it a perfect place for an overnight stay.

 

三笠山展望閣
Mikasayama Observatory

10. Climb Mt. Mikasa (三笠山) and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the Sea of Okhotsk from the Mikasayama Observatory (三笠山展望閣). Don’t miss the café inside the observatory, where you can try their unique blue Mystery Float—a one-of-a-kind treat!

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Esashi gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic coastal town in the Soya Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

#Esashi

#EsashiSoya

#EsashiHokkaido

Read more:

Hokkaido 179

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

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