10 Things to Do in Yakumo
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10 Things to Do in Yakumo |
Yakumo (八雲町) is a town in Hokkaido's Oshima Subprefecture, Japan. Following its merger with the former Kumaishi Town, Yakumo now boasts coastlines on the Sea of Japan to the west and Uchiura Bay to the east. The town's name reflects Tokugawa Yoshikatsu's aspiration, as the 17th head of the Owari Tokugawa clan, to create a prosperous and peaceful utopia. He drew inspiration from Japan’s oldest waka poem, attributed to Susanoo-no-Mikoto: “Yakumo rises, Izumo’s many-layered fence; to enclose my wife, I build a many-layered fence.”
For those planning to visit this scenic town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Yakumo:
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Yakumo's manhole cover |
1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Yakumo. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover which is common around the town.
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Yakumo Shrine |
2. Explore Yakumo Shrine (八雲神社), the primary shrine of Yakumo. Open throughout the day, it welcomes visitors to offer prayers and pay their respects. Sadly, as of this writing, you won't be able to collect the shrine’s goshuin (official stamp) as a keepsake of your visit as they haven't resumed offering it after the pandemic.
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Shumakamui or Black Rock Formations |
3. Visit the Shumakamui or Black Rock Formations (黒岩奇岩(シュマカムイ)) located along the eastern coast. These striking natural formations are accompanied by a small shrine that’s also worth exploring during your trip.
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Marumi |
4. Enjoy a meal at Marumi (まるみ), a beloved local restaurant known for its signature Futami Curry and Nikami Curry. Be prepared for a lively atmosphere, as it tends to get busy during lunchtime.
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Saranbe Park |
5. Take a leisurely stroll and breathe in the fresh air at Yurakubu Park (遊楽部公園) and Saranbe Park (さらんべ公園), situated on either side of the Yurappu River. These parks are especially popular during cherry blossom season, offering stunning views of the blooms.
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Yakumo Kumaishi Historical Museum |
6. Explore the Yakumo Kumaishi Historical Museum (八雲町熊石歴史記念館), located on Yakumo's western coast in the area that was once the town of Kumaishi. This museum offers insights into the history of Kumaishi before its merger with Yakumo in 2005.
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Kumaishi Youth Travel Village |
7. Pitch your tent and enjoy an overnight stay at Kumaishi Youth Travel Village (熊石青少年旅行村). This campsite is conveniently located near public restrooms and the Yakumo Kumaishi Historical Museum. For added relaxation, take a short five-minute walk to Hiratanaiso (ひらたない荘), a nearby day-trip onsen. It is also a popular hanami or sakura viewing area in spring.
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Obokoso |
8. Spend the night at Obokoso (おぼこ荘), a tranquil hot spring inn offering both indoor and outdoor onsen facilities. Built beside the Namari River, the soothing sound of flowing water enhances the serene atmosphere. For budget travelers, the inn also provides a day-trip onsen option.
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Yakumo Kiborikuma Museum |
9. Discover the town’s history at the Yakumo Kiborikuma Museum (八雲町木彫り熊資料館), which showcases the art and heritage of wooden bear carving. After your visit, take a relaxing stroll through the picturesque Umemura Garden (梅村庭園), located nearby.
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Harvester Yakumo |
10. Enjoy a meal at Harvester Yakumo (ハーベスター八雲), where the chicken is rumored to be prepared with the same secret ingredients used by Colonel Sanders, thanks to the founder's experience working at the original KFC branch. If you're visiting during the Sakura season, be sure to check out the nearby Panorama Road for a stunning cherry blossom view.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Yakumo gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic town in the Oshima Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
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