Karikachi Plateau Park (狩勝高原園地) is a scenic park on the outskirts of Shintoku. It is
located at 639 Niinai in the town of Shintoku, Kamikawa District in Hokkaido Prefecture,
Japan.
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| Karikachi Plateau Park |
Karikachi Plateau Park Details
Karikachi Pass has enchanted visitors with its breathtaking
vistas since 1907, when the railway first opened and brought newfound
accessibility to this stunning location. Its charm was officially recognized in
1927, when it was named one of the "New Eight Views of Japan." The
allure grew further in 1932 when a motorway was introduced, sparking
celebrations among locals and transforming the region into a bustling hub of
activity.
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| Karikachi Plateau Park - Shintoku town, Hokkaido Prefecture |
To commemorate the opening of the Sono Motorway, around 400
cherry trees were planted between 1932 and 1933, led by the local youth group.
These trees lined the route from the old Ninnai Station toward Karikachi Pass,
creating a breathtaking spectacle of blossoms every mid-May. Today, while the
road has aged and the arrangement of the trees is no longer continuous, these
resilient blossoms continue to bloom magnificently after more than 70 years,
preserving their timeless beauty.
The
Former Shinnai Station: A Window into the Past
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| Site of the former Ninnai Station |
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| Former Ninnai Station Directional Signboard |
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| Ninnai Station Information Board |
Nestled within the Karikachi Plateau Park on the former site of Ninnai Station, part of the
Nemuro Main Line that was instrumental in the region’s industrial development,
you’ll find a blend of historical nostalgia and outdoor adventure. Although the
station ceased operations in 1966, its legacy lives on through its
transformation into a vibrant park.
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| SL 59672 |
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| Some trolleys on display |
Here, visitors can marvel at the preserved 9600-type steam
locomotive No. 59672 and iconic blue trains, or embark on unique experiences
like horseback riding and rail-riding on a trolley. For nature enthusiasts,
these activities offer a refreshing way to explore the scenic surroundings.
A Touch
of Stardom: The Natsuzora Connection
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| Shibata family home featured in the NHK drama Natsuzora |
In 2019, the park gained additional fame as the relocated site of the entrance
and bathroom set of the Shibata family home featured in the NHK drama Natsuzora.
Fans of the series flock to this location to relive the moments from Hirose
Suzu’s portrayal of Natsu, making it a must-visit for drama enthusiasts.
Poppo’s
Path: A Railway Turned Walking Trail
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| You can pay a fee and ride the trolleys or torokko |
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| It talks about the largest gathering of trolleys in Hokkaido |
The abandoned railway line stretching approximately 10 kilometers from the park
to Shintoku Town has been transformed into “Poppo no Michi” (Poppo's Path).
This picturesque route is a favorite among railroad aficionados and walkers,
offering a serene journey through nature with a touch of history. Aside from that, there is also a seasonal trolley ride experience in Karikachi Plateau Park. It's held every summer.
Team Nicerio visits Karikachi Plateau Park
On August 13, 2023, my family and I visited Karikachi
Plateau Park for the first time, marking a significant milestone—my 650th
day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. This visit was particularly
meaningful as it was our very first stop in Shintoku, part of our
ongoing journey to explore all 179 municipalities in Hokkaido.
We enjoyed walking around the park and taking photos. We
didn’t try the horseback riding and train ride activity, though, as we still had
plenty of places to visit in our itinerary. Regardless, we enjoyed taking
photos of the preserved steam locomotives on display in Karikachi Plateau Park.
Karikachi Plateau Park Fees
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| Torokko ride fee |
It’s FREE to enter and explore Karikachi Plateau Park.
However, you should bring cash in case you want to try out the fun activities
in the park.
Karikachi Plateau Park Operating Hours
Karikachi Plateau Park is open 24/7, but it is highly
recommended that you visit during the day as the place is not well lit at
night. The facilities in the park are open in summer from 8 AM to 5 PM.
Why visit Karikachi Plateau Park?
Karikachi Pass and its surrounding attractions offer a
remarkable blend of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the enchanting
cherry blossoms planted nearly a century ago to the fascinating remnants of
historic railways, every corner tells a story. Fans of popular TV dramas will
also delight in exploring the set from NHK’s Natsuzora, adding a touch
of cinematic magic to their journey.
This timeless destination invites you to immerse yourself in
its enduring charm, whether through scenic walks along Poppo’s Path, hands-on
experiences like trolley rides, or simply marveling at the picturesque
landscape.
Getting to Karikachi Plateau Park
Karikachi Plateau Park is not accessible by train or bus, so the most convenient way to reach it is by rental car.
If you prefer public transportation, the closest train station is Shintoku Station in Shintoku Town. From there, you can take a taxi to Karikachi Plateau Park, located 10.2 kilometers away.
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