Lerch Memorial Park (レルヒ記念公園) is a public park named after Austro-Hungarian Theodor von Lerch. It is located at Minami 11-jo Higashi 1-34-2, in the town of Kutchan in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Lerch Memorial Park |
Lerch Memorial Park Details
Located at the southern end of Honmachi
City along National Route 5, Lerch Memorial Park is a charming block park
perfect for a peaceful break during a long drive. With its beautiful
surroundings and ample amenities, it provides a welcoming stop for travelers.
Whether you're on a road trip or simply exploring the area, this park offers a
comfortable space to rest and recharge.
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| Lerch Memorial Park - Kutchan town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
Lerch Memorial Park boasts stunning views of Mt. Yotei, one of Hokkaido's most iconic mountains. Situated just meters away from the Shiribetsu River, known as Japan's cleanest river, this park offers a serene and picturesque environment. The refreshing atmosphere, combined with the breathtaking natural beauty, makes it an ideal spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the surroundings.
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| Theodore von Lerch proudly welcomes visitors to his park |
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| "Welcome to Kutchan" - One of the boards in Lerch Memorial Park that welcomes motorists to the beautiful town |
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| Lerch Memorial Park's restroom - In my opinion, Lerch Memorial Park is visited by most motorists because of this facility |
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| Statue of Theodor von Lerch |
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| 日本一おいしい水 - The Most Delicious Water in Japan |
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| The fountain was covered when we visited |
Covering an area of 3,396.31 square meters,
Lerch Memorial Park is equipped with various facilities that cater to visitors'
needs. Key amenities include:
- A spacious parking lot capable of
accommodating large buses
- Comfortable, barrier-free toilet
facilities, including Western-style, flushing toilets with disabled access and
baby seats
- Three vending machines for snacks and
drinks
- Three flower beds that add a touch of color
and beauty to the park
- A steel composite playground, perfect for
families with children
- Six benches and a pergola, ideal for
relaxing or enjoying a picnic
- A drinking fountain for hydration
- A statue of Lt. Col. Theodor von Lerch, the
park's namesake, honoring his contributions to alpine skiing in Japan
The History Behind the Park’s Name: Who Was
Theodor von Lerch?
Named after Theodor von Lerch, a major
general in the Austro-Hungarian Army and a pioneer of alpine skiing in Japan,
this park has historical significance that adds depth to its charm. But why
would a Japanese park bear the name of an Austro-Hungarian soldier? The answer
lies in Lerch's remarkable role in introducing skiing to Japan.
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| Theodor von Lerch |
In 1910, Lerch was sent to the Far East as
a military training observer. During his assignment, he visited the sites of
the Russo-Japanese War and was invited by Gaishi Nagaoka to introduce the sport
of skiing to Japan. In January 1911, Lerch began conducting ski lessons on
Mount Kanaya, using the “Lilienfelder” method, which employed a single bamboo
pole for both steering and braking. He also made the first partial ski ascent
of Mount Fuji in 1911.
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| Theodor von Lerch in Japan |
Lerch’s influence spread as he continued to
teach skiing, even offering lessons to both military officers and civilians. In
1912, he moved to Hokkaido, where he continued to promote the sport and skied
Mount Yotei. His dedication to skiing earned him the Order of the Rising Sun,
4th class, from Japan. Lerch's legacy is celebrated in several
places, including a statue in Jōetsu City, a museum dedicated to his story, and
a festival held every February. In addition, his image has appeared as a mascot
for Niigata Prefecture and is commemorated in other monuments across Japan,
including in Kutchan, Hokkaido, and Asahikawa Airport.
Team Nicerio visits Lerch Memorial Park
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| Mt. Yotei is hiding in the clouds |
On April 1, 2023, my family and I visited
Lerch Memorial Park for the first time during our 2023 Birthday Road Trip. It
was also my 516th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. The park
wasn’t originally on our itinerary; we were simply looking for a convenient
spot to take a restroom break before heading to Kutchan Shrine. It turned out
to be a great decision to stop there, as we were treated to a stunning view of
Mt. Yotei. However, since it was late winter when we visited, we didn’t have
the chance to fully explore the park. Despite that, we were able to take a
much-needed break and enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt. Yotei.
Lerch Memorial Park Admission Fee
It’s FREE to enter, explore, and use the
facilities of Lerch Memorial Park.
Lerch Memorial Park Operating Hours
Lerch Memorial Park is open 24/7.
Why visit Lerch Memorial Park?
Lerch Memorial Park is not just a peaceful
place to rest; it's a place with rich historical ties to Japan’s early skiing
history. Its location along National Route 5 makes it a convenient stop for
travelers seeking a break from the road, offering both comfort and scenic
views.
Getting to Lerch Memorial Park
There are several ways to reach Lerch Memorial Park from Sapporo Station, but here’s the route I’m most familiar with:
- Take the Rapid Airport 53 Special Rapid Otaru on the Rapid Airport Line and get off at Otaru Station.
- Transfer to the Local Kutchan train on the Hakodate Line and alight at Kutchan Station.
- From the JR Kutchan Eki bus stop, board the Niseko Bus heading to Hilton Niseko Village and get off at the Lerch Koen Mae bus stop.
- Travel time: 2 hours and 52 minutes.
- Fare: 3,140 yen.
Alternatively, you can walk from Kutchan Station to Lerch Memorial Park, which is approximately 1.7 kilometers or a 24-minute walk.
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