10 Things to Do in Oketo

10 Things to Do in Oketo

Oketo (置戸町) is a former logging town located inland within the Okhotsk Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. Its name is derived from the original Ainu name for the tributary entering the Tokoro River. "O-ket-un-nai" means the river at whose mouth there are drying/stretching frames for animal skins.

For those planning to visit this former logging town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Oketo:

 

Oketo manhole cover

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Oketo. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover, which is commonly found around the town.

 

Oketo Shrine

2. Visit Oketo Shrine (置戸神社), the town's central shrine, located across the Tokoro River from the town proper. You can get a pre-made goshuin here for your collection.

 

Oketo Poppo Art Picture Gallery

3. Explore the Oketo Poppo Art Picture Gallery (置戸ぽっぽ絵画館) and enjoy the captivating artwork in its gallery—all for free! On the first floor, visitors can unwind in a cozy relaxation area featuring tatami mats.

 

Restaurant Ichifuku

4. Dine at Restaurant Ichifuku (お食事処 一福). It is popular for its delicious katsudon. Head’s up, the store isn’t that big, so it usually gets crowded during holidays like Obon and Golden Week.

Soba Restaurant Inadaya Oketo Main Branch

5. Savor a delicious meal at Soba Restaurant Inadaya Oketo Main Branch (そば処 いなだ屋 置戸本店), a locally owned establishment highly praised by the community. The restaurant offers a relaxing ambiance, perfect for enjoying their flavorful soba dishes.

 

Okaneno Museum

6. Visit the Okaneno Museum (お金の博物館). This private museum has an amazing collection of money from all around the world. If you time your visit, the director of the museum will personally tour you around the museum.

Oketo Town Local History Museum

7. Visit the Oketo Town Local History Museum (置戸町 郷土資料館) and learn about the rice history of the town. Although the admission is free, the museum is open only during the first and third Saturdays and every Tuesday from May to October. If you want to visit it outside of those schedules, you should contact the Oketo Town Central Community Center ☎ (0157-52-3075)

 

Kanokozawa

8. Take a hike around Kanokozawa (鹿の子沢) during autumn to marvel at the vibrant foliage and the picturesque Nijino Falls, also known as Rainbow Falls. While you can drive to the falls via National Route 1050, keep in mind that the road leading there is unpaved. If you press on, you would see Itohiki Falls deep in the woods.

 

Oketo Lake

9. Take in the scenic beauty of Oketo Lake (おけと湖), a serene spot teeming with wildlife. For the best views, head to the Kanoko Dam Observation Deck (鹿の子ダム見晴台), where you can fully appreciate the lake’s natural charm.

 

Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuyu

10. Relax and unwind at Oketo Katsuyama Onsen Yuyu (おけと勝山温泉ゆぅゆ), where you can enjoy a soothing dip in the hot springs. Overnight stays are also available. The facility features a spacious lounge and restaurant, providing a comfortable environment for visitors to relax without concerns about close contact. For outdoor enthusiasts, there's also a camping area on-site.

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

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