10 Things to Do in Shimokawa
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| 10 Things to Do in Shimokawa |
Shimokawa (下川町) is a town in Hokkaido, Japan, situated within the Kamikawa Subprefecture. In 2017, it received the Prime Minister's Award at the inaugural Japan SDGs Awards, which recognizes efforts aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The town's name originates from the Ainu term "Panke-Nukanan," meaning "downstream of the Nukanan River."
If you're planning to
explore this peaceful town and discover its attractions, here are 10 activities
to enjoy in Shimokawa:
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| Shimokawa manhole cover |
1. Take a picture of the Shimokawa manhole cover. So far, I have seen only one unique manhole cover in the town. It is common
and can be seen anywhere.
Shimokawa Shrine
2. Visit the Shimokawa Shrine (下川神社), the main
shrine of the town. You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and
pay your respects. Aside from that, you can also a get goshuin here for your
collection.
Keirinkan
3. Visit the Municipal Keirin Hall, also known as Keirinkan (町営恵林館). This historic light blue building now serves as an event venue and houses a mini-library and a piano.
Shimokawa’s Bustling Square
4. Visit the restored KiHa 22 Diesel Car on display at Shimokawa’s Bustling
Square (にぎわいの広場 キハ22気動車). While
there’s not much to do beyond taking photos of this beautifully restored train,
it’s interesting to note that years ago, visitors could even stay overnight
inside the train.
Coffee Apollo
5. Dine at Coffee Apollo or simply Apollo (コーヒーのアポロ). It might not have a very appealing facade, but it serves great coffee. Aside from the coffee, you should also try the napolitan and curry here, which
is highly recommended by the locals.
Minamiya
6. Don’t miss the udon at Minamiya (みなみ家), a
restaurant highly recommended by both locals and visitors. Shimokawa Town is
known as the northernmost producer of hand-stretched udon in Japan, making this
a must-try experience.
Shimokawa Countryside Interaction Hall
7. Check out the exhibits at the Shimokawa Countryside Interaction Hall (下川町ふるさと交流館), nestled within a futuristic-style building. This museum showcases the town's history, featuring displays such as taxidermied animals.
Zo no Hana Forest Park Observation Deck
8. Take in the breathtaking scenery from the Zo no Hana Forest Park
Observation Deck (象の鼻森林公園展望台). From this distinctively
designed viewpoint, you can admire the Sanru Dam (サンルダム)
and the Sanru River.
Gomi Onsen
9. Take a relaxing dip at Gomi Onsen (五味温泉). It’s one
of the best in the region. You have the option to try the day-trip bath or rent
a room and stay overnight. There is also a souvenir shop and restaurant in the
facility worth checking out.
Sakuraoka Park
10. Take a leisurely stroll through Sakuraoka Park (桜ヶ丘公園), also known as Great Wall Park (万里の長城公園). This charming park features a miniature replica of China’s Great Wall. Spring is the ideal time to visit, as the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the park hosts the Great Wall Festival—a lively early spring event with a large BBQ party and various activities.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Shimokawa gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this peaceful town in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
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