Kaiyokoen (海洋公園) is a district and part of the Gariya Zone of the port area of Monbetsu City. It is located in the southern part of Monbetsu City in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.
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| Kaiyokoen |
Kaiyokoen Details
Kaiyokoen is a 214,000 m² district within the port area of Monbetsu City, situated in the southern part of the port.
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| Kaiyokoen - Monbetsu City, Hokkaido Prefecture |
This area is known as the "tourist" zone, featuring numerous facilities designed for visitors. Here are the tourist attractions within Kaiyokoen:
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| Gariya Area Port Green Square |
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| The Gariya Area Event Square was being used as a bump car area when we visited |
🦭 Gariya Area Port Green Square (ガリヤ地区港湾緑地) is a spacious campground in Monbetsu, featuring Gel Camp and the Gariya Area Event Square, where various events are held, including the famous winter sculpture displays. Visitors can also spot unique manhole covers, such as the Monbetsu Pokemon-themed manhole cover and the Monbetsu City-colored manhole cover. This popular destination offers a blend of outdoor activities and local attractions, making it a must-visit spot in Monbetsu.
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| Okhotsk Tokkari Center (Seal Land) |
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| Seal Land |
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| This elephant seal is probably one of the most popular displays in Seal Land |
🦭 Okhotsk Tokkari Center (Seal Land) (オホーツクとっかりセンター(アザラシランド)) is a charming aquatic zoo and animal hospital that features a variety of adorable seals in both indoor and outdoor pools. Known for its popular seal-feeding activities, visitors can enjoy watching the seals up close during feeding time, making it a delightful experience for animal lovers and families.
🦭 Ocean Exchange Center (海洋交流館) is a cruise terminal that accommodates the Garinko Ice Breaker Ships during the winter season. This facility also features a food court and a mini aquarium, offering a pleasant stop for visitors to enjoy local cuisine and marine life exhibits.
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| Okhotsk White Beach |
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| First Generation Garinko exhibit |
🦭 Okhotsk White Beach (オホーツクホワイトビーチ) is an expansive manmade beach located at the southeastern edge of Kaiyokoen. This scenic spot is also home to the First Generation Garinko exhibit, making it a unique destination for relaxation and history enthusiasts alike.
🦭 The Kaiyōkōen District Softball Field (海洋公園ソフトボール場) is a dedicated venue for softball games, often utilized during special events and community activities.
In addition to its attractions, Kaiyokoen boasts a spacious parking area that can accommodate over a hundred vehicles. While the individual tourist spots within the district are more widely recognized by name, Kaiyokoen remains one of the top tourist destinations in Monbetsu City, drawing visitors with its unique offerings and convenient facilities.
Team Nicerio visits Kaiyoken
My family and I visited Kaiyokoen for the first time on May 28, 2023, as part of the second leg of our Flower Festival Road Trip 2023. This visit also marked my 573rd day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. Unfortunately, we arrived at Kaiyokoen a little after 2 PM and had several more stops to make, leaving us with limited time to explore. We managed to take photos of the Monbetsu Pokémon manhole cover and briefly visit the Okhotsk Tokkari Center (Seal Land) and Okhotsk White Beach. Despite the short visit, we look forward to returning to Monbetsu City in the future to explore more thoroughly.
Kaiyoken Admission Fee
Parking in Kaiyokoen is FREE, but each facility within the district has its own admission fee. Be sure to check the latest admission rates before your visit to plan accordingly.
Kaiyoken Operating Hours
Kaiyoken District is open 24/7. However, each facility has its own operating hours. Please check the latest operating hours of each facility before your visit to plan accordingly.
Why visit Kaiyoken?
Kaiyokoen is a must-visit destination in Monbetsu City, offering a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities. Highlights include the Okhotsk Tokkari Center (Seal Land), where visitors can watch adorable seals, and the Okhotsk White Beach, home to the First Generation Garinko exhibit. The district also features the Gariya Area Event Square, known for its events and unique Monbetsu Pokémon-themed manhole cover, as well as the Ocean Exchange Center, which houses a mini aquarium and food court. With its scenic charm, historical exhibits, and ample free parking, Kaiyokoen is an ideal destination for families and travelers looking for a convenient and enjoyable experience.
Getting to Kaiyoken
The best way to reach Kaiyokoen is by private or rental car. However, if you plan to commute, here’s a convenient route:
From Asahikawa Station, take the Okhotsk-Taisetsu 1 Limited Express Abashiri train operated by the Hokkaido Railway Company and get off at Engaru Station. From there, head to the Engaru bus stop and transfer to the Yubetsu/Monbetsu Line Monbetsu (via Yubetsu) bus operated by the Kitami Bus Company. Disembark at the Oho-Tsukutawa-Iriguchi bus stop, then walk approximately 1 kilometer to reach Kaiyokoen.
Travel time: 4 hours and 22 minutes
Fare: 6470 yen
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