10 Things to Do in Nakagawa
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| 10 Things to Do in Nakagawa |
Nakagawa (中川町) is a valley town located in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan, known for its rich collection of ammonites and other fossils. The town is also famous for its local specialties, including sausages and handcrafted wooden products. The kanji in its name, naka (中), signifies "inside," "between," or "middle," while gawa/kawa (川) means "river." This reflects the Teshio River, which flows through the center of the town.
For those planning to visit the valley town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Nakagawa:
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| Nakagawa manhole design |
1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Nakagawa. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover, which is commonly found around the town. A colored version of this is displayed in the Nakagawa Town Hall.
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| Nakagawa Shrine |
2. Visit Nakagawa Shrine (中川神社), the main
shrine of the town of Nakagawa. It is located at the outskirts of the town and
is open to visitors throughout the day. It's a peaceful place to offer prayers
and pay your respects. You can also receive a goshuin (shrine seal) here.
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| Teshio-Nakagawa Station |
3. Visit the Teshio-Nakagawa Station (天塩中川駅), the 26th unmanned stop along the Soya Main Line from Asahikawa Station. This station stands out as a well-preserved retro-style structure, one of the few remaining of its kind in Hokkaido.
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| Ponpira Drive-in |
4. Enjoy a meal at Ponpira Drive-in (ぽんぴらドライブイン), a
charming and cozy restaurant operated by a warm and welcoming elderly couple.
It is likely listed under Hokkaido's “Red Restaurants List,” indicating the
possibility of its closure in the near future. Don’t miss their signature
dishes—katsudon and miso ramen.
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| Ajidoya Kiryu |
5. Savor the flavors at Ajidoya Kiryu (味道家 鰭龍), a Chinese restaurant offering a
variety of must-try dishes such as mapo tofu and hormone ramen. The owner,
trained in Yokohama Chinatown and Osaka, crafts authentic Chinese cuisine using
fresh ingredients sourced from Hokkaido.
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| Nakagawa Ski Field |
6. Hit the slopes at Nakagawa Ski Field (中川スキー場), a hidden gem that’s ideal for beginners. This ski spot is off the typical tourist radar, offering a serene and uncrowded experience.
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| Ponpira Aqua Rizuingu |
7. Unwind with a soothing soak at the onsen of Ponpira Aqua Rizuingu (ポンピラ·アクア·リズイング). For an extended stay, you can opt to spend the night in their spacious, well-maintained rooms that offer lovely views.
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| Na Port Auto Campsite |
8. Set up camp and spend the night at Na
Port Auto Campsite (ナポートパーク オートキャンプ場). While there is a camping fee, the site offers free Wi-Fi, making
it convenient and worry-free for data usage. The facilities are
well-maintained, with clean toilets equipped with washlets and ample washing
areas. You’ll also find coin-operated showers and laundry facilities for added
convenience.
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| Nakagawa Roadside Station |
9. Visit the Nakagawa Roadside Station (道の駅 なかがわ). There is a local produce market and a restaurant here. I highly recommend the stamina curry and the haskap soft cream. If you collect roadside station stamps, you can still get the roadside station stamp even if the roadside station is closed.
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| Nakagawa Eco Museum Center |
10. Explore the Nakagawa Eco Museum Center (中川町エコミュージアムセンター), housed in a repurposed high school building. With an entrance fee of just 200 yen per person, it’s a worthwhile visit. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of fossils, making it a paradise for dinosaur enthusiasts.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Nakagawa gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this valley town in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
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