10 Things to Do in Kuromatsunai
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10 Things to Do in Kuromatsunai |
Kuromatsunai (黒松内町) is a town located in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. It holds the distinction of being the northernmost area in the country where beech trees grow naturally, earning them the status of natural treasures. The town's name derives from the Ainu word "kurumattanai," meaning "a stream of Japanese women." This name reflects the historical context, as most Japanese settlers in Hokkaido were men, making Japanese women a rare presence among the Ainu population.
For those planning to visit this rural town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kuromatsunai:
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Kuromatsunai manhole cover |
1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Kuromatsunai. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover which is common around the town.
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Matsuryuyamahorasan Temple |
2. Visit Matsuryuyamahorasan Temple (松龍山洞参寺). You can pay respects and offer prayers here.
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Otori Shrine |
3. Visit the Otori Shrine (大鳥神社), the main shrine of Kuromatsunai. You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and pay your respects. If you're collecting goshuin (shrine stamps), you can get the goshuin of this shrine at Rankoshi Menahachiman Shrine.
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Michinoeki Midori no Sato Park Golf Course |
4. Enjoy a round of park golf at Michinoeki Midori no Sato Park Golf Course (道の駅みどりの郷パークゴルフ場), located right behind Kuromatsunai Roadside Station. After your game, you may want to grab a bite to eat at the station.
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Japanese Confectionery Suzuya |
5. Buy traditional Japanese confectionery at the Japanese Confectionery Suzuya (和生菓子 すずや). Heads up, this “secret” shop only sells on specific days and their products often sell out before lunchtime come early.
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Kuromatsunai Town Buna Center |
6. Visit Kuromatsunai Town Buna Center (黒松内町 ブナセンター). It’s a natural history museum where you can learn about nature, particularly the beech trees around Kuromatsunai. What’s amazing is that it doesn’t have any admission fees.
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Utasai Auto Campsite Le Pic |
7. Set up camp and spend the night at Utasai Auto Campsite Le Pic (歌才オートキャンプ場ル・ピック). While there is a fee to stay, the campsite is well-kept and offers essential amenities, including clean restrooms and a coin-operated laundromat.
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Kuromatsunai Onsen Bunanomori |
8. Relax and unwind at Kuromatsunai Onsen Bunanomori (黒松内温泉 ぶなの森), where you can enjoy both indoor and outdoor onsen baths. The facility offers an affordable entry fee, with complimentary shampoo and body soap provided for your convenience. If you’re feeling hungry, there’s also a cafeteria on-site, perfect for enjoying lunch or dinner.
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Kuromatsunai Roadside Station |
9. Stop by Kuromatsunai Roadside Station (道の駅 くろまつない). Behind the station, you'll find a park golf course and a bakery offering delicious freshly baked bread. If you have time, be sure to try their pizza, which comes highly recommended by both locals and visitors. Also don't forget the roadside station stamp if you're doing the Hokkaido Roadside Station Stamp Rally.
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Utasai Beech Forest Park |
10. Take a leisurely walk and discover Utasai Beech Forest Park (歌才(うたさい)ブナ希少個体群保護林). This beautifully maintained park offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature and observe beech trees up close. Additionally, there is a nearby hotel that also serves as a one-day onsen facility.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Kuromatsunai gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this rural town in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
#Kuromatsunai
#KuromatsunaiHokkaido
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