10 Things to Do in Omu

10 Things to Do in Omu

Omu (雄武町) is a scenic coastal town in the Okhotsk Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan, known for its rich seafood offerings, particularly its prized hairy crab and salmon, locally referred to as “Mejika.” The town's name is believed to originate from the Ainu words “Omui” or “Omu,” both meaning "river mouth" or "blocked place." One theory suggests the name came from the natural phenomenon where the mouth of the Omu River was blocked by sand carried by wind and tides, shaping both the geography and the identity of the area.

For those planning to visit this scenic coastal town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Omu:

 

Omu manhole cover designs

1. Take a picture of the manhole covers of Omu. So far, I have seen 3 unique manhole covers around Omu. The Omu colored manhole cover is displayed inside the Omu Roadside Station. The other two can be found around the town, particularly near the roadside station.

 

Omu Shrine

2. Visit Omu Shrine (雄武神社), the principal shrine of the town of Omu. 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, including the goshuin for Okoppe Shrine, making it a special stop for shrine enthusiasts and collectors alike.

 

Onishi Marsh

3. Don’t miss a visit to Onishi Marsh (オニシ沼)—while there aren’t any major activities, it’s the perfect spot to relax, soak in the natural beauty, and snap some stunning photos of the scenic landscape.

 

Omu Roadside Station

4. Make a stop at Omu Roadside Station (道の駅 おうむ), a great place to take a break during your journey. The station features an observation deck with scenic views and a shop where you can try their popular and delicious korokke (croquettes). If you're a fan of manhole cover cards, you can pick one up here, and don’t forget to check out the colored Omu manhole cover on display inside the station. Aside from that, you can also get the Omu Roadside Station stamp here for your collection.

 

Kadoya Shokudo

5. Enjoy a meal at Kadoya Shokudo (かどや食堂), where the katsudon and ramen are highly recommended. This popular spot is a favorite among locals, so be prepared for it to be busy at times.

 

Omucho Hinode Misaki Camping Ground

6. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Omucho Hinode Misaki Camping Ground (雄武町 日の出岬キャンプ場). This camping area is near the scenic Cape Hinode and a hotel that offers day trip onsen baths.

 

Okhotsk Onsen Hotel Cape Sunrise

7. Relax in the onsen at Okhotsk Onsen Hotel Cape Sunrise (オホーツク温泉 ホテル日の出岬), a 3-star hotel offering a day-use bathing option. For a more immersive experience, you can also opt to stay overnight and enjoy stunning views right from your room.

Inashibetsu Falls

8. Go for a bit of a hike and check out the picturesque Inashibetsu Falls (イナシベツの滝). You will have to drive for a little over a kilometer of unpaved road from National Route 49 to reach these waterfalls.

 

Shoryu Falls (L) and Jinmon Falls (R)

9. Embark on a challenging hike or drive through an unpaved road to explore Jinmon Falls (神門の滝) and Shoryu Falls (昇竜の滝), which are just 200 meters apart. Be sure to bring a bear bell or bear spray for safety during your adventure.

 

Cape Hinode Observatory La Luna

10. Visit Cape Hinode Observatory La Luna (日の出岬展望台 ラ・ルーナ) located at Cape Hinode (日の出岬). This observatory offers breathtaking views, making it perfect for sightseeing and photography. During the winter months, it’s also an excellent spot to witness the drift ice.

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Omu gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic coastal town in the Okhotsk Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

#Omu
#OmuHokkaido

 

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Hokkaido 179

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