10 Things to Do in Okoppe
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| 10 Things to Do in Okoppe |
Okoppe (興部町) is a coastal town located in the Okhotsk Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. Its economy primarily revolves around dairy farming and fishing. The name "Okoppe" is derived from the Ainu word "Oukoppe," which means "the place where river mouths meet." This name is thought to reference the confluence of the Okoppe River and the Mokoppe River, which both flow into the Sea of Okhotsk.
For those planning to visit this seaside
town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Okoppe:
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| Okoppe manhole cover designs |
1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Okoppe. So far, I have seen 2 unique manhole covers. They are commonly found around town. However, the colored version of one of them is displayed inside the Okoppe Town Hall.
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| Saruru Shrine |
2. Visit Saruru Shrine (沙留神社), which is one of the main shrines of Okoppe.
You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and pay your respects. Although
this shrine does not have a goshuin, it has a nice view of the sea.
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| Okoppe Shrine |
3. Visit Okoppe Shrine (興部神社), which is one of the main shrines of Okoppe.
You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and pay your respects. This
shrine is an unmanned shrine. Its goshuin is available in Omu Shrine, which
manages it.
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| Gasutou |
4. Dine at Gasutou (味の賀寿当). Try the scallop rice bowl or the donburi, which are highly rated by both locals and visitors alike.
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| Saruru Beach |
5. Check out Saruru Beach (沙留海水浴場). While it’s not a white sand beach,
it’s a clean spot and one of the best places in town to watch the sunrise.
During camping season, you can pitch a tent here, though the designated area is
small and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The good news is that
parking is free!
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| Rugosa Express |
6. Spend the night at Rugosa Express (ルゴーサエクスプレス), a distinctive accommodation located next to the roadside station, housed in a restored train. While it’s not a luxury stay, often frequented by bikers, it offers a unique experience. Keep in mind that it operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so reservations are not possible. The best part? It’s completely free!
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| Okoppe Local History Museum |
7. Explore the Okoppe Local History Museum
(興部町郷土資料館) to discover the town’s
rich history. It might be a bit tricky to locate, as it’s situated behind the
Kirari Welfare and Health Center. The museum is usually closed on Saturdays and
Sundays, but you can contact the Okoppe Board of Education, and they’ll arrange
to open it for you.
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| Okoppe Ice |
8. Give the soft cream at Okoppe Ice (おこっぺアイス) a try. This shop is famous for its
high-quality, delicious soft cream. They proudly boast that the raw milk is
freshly milked in the morning and turned into ice cream the very same day. With
no unnecessary additives like stabilizers or thickeners, you can enjoy the
pure, natural taste of fresh milk in every bite.
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| Okoppe Roadside Station |
9. Stop by the Okoppe Roadside Station (道の駅おこっぺ), situated in the heart of the town.
This former train station offers a variety of local specialty products, and you
can even collect the roadside station stamp. Additionally, they serve the
Okoppe Soft Cream, which is considered one of the tastiest in the region.
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| Panke Falls |
10. Venture deep into the forest to discover Panke Falls (パンケの滝), a hidden gem in Okoppe. Remember to bring a bear bell or spray for safety. While you can drive part of the way to the falls, be aware that the road is unpaved. However, it will shorten your journey to just a 15-minute drive.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Okoppe gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this seaside town in the Okhotsk Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
#Okoppe#OkoppeHokkaido
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