Meiji Park - Hokkaido

Meiji Park (明治公園) is a vast public park at the eastern edge of Nemuro City. It is located at 81 Makinouchi in Nemuro City, Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan.

Meiji Park

Meiji Park Details

Meiji Park is more than just a green space—it’s a historical landmark that tells the story of Hokkaido’s pioneering role in modern agriculture. With its impressive red brick silos, expansive grounds, and deep cultural value, Meiji Park is a must-visit destination for history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.

Meiji Park - Nemuro City, Hokkaido Prefecture

A Glimpse into the Past: From Livestock Station to Public Park

Meiji Park is located on the site of the former Colonization Commission Nemuro Livestock Station, established in 1875 during Japan’s Meiji era. As the second oldest ranch in Hokkaido, it played a vital role in the development of modern livestock farming in Japan’s northern frontier.

Meiji Park's map

明治公園

The area was later transformed into a public park, with a partial opening on August 1, 1979, covering just 3 hectares. Over time, it expanded to 11.4 hectares and was officially completed on December 1, 1982.

Meiji Park Sakura Forest Planting Commemoration

National Recognition: Among Japan’s 100 Best Historical Parks

Meiji Park’s cultural and historical significance was officially recognized on October 27, 2006, when it was named one of the “100 Best Historical Parks of Japan.” This honor was part of a commemorative project celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Urban Parks Law.

To qualify, parks had to preserve valuable historical ruins, architecture, and cultural assets, while also contributing to local revitalization. Meiji Park stood out for its successful conservation of industrial and agricultural heritage.

Photos of Meiji Park

Towering Symbols: The Historic Red Brick Silos

The most iconic features of Meiji Park are its massive red brick silos, which now serve as symbolic museum structures. These are not only rare in Japan, but historically significant:

• The first silo, built in 1932, stands at 11.81 meters tall with a 4.65-meter diameter.
• The second, completed in 1936, reaches 14.67 meters in height and has a 5.92-meter diameter.

These silos are known for their distinctive helmet-shaped roofs, a design unique to the time period. They are considered the largest red brick silos in Japan and the second oldest surviving brick silos in the country. Today, they offer visitors a chance to witness industrial-era architecture up close.

Meiji Park's Silo Plaza

History of the silos of Meiji Park's Silo Plaza

A Modern Industrial Heritage Site

On November 30, 2007, Meiji Park gained another prestigious title—it was certified as a Modern Industrial Heritage Site. The park’s three silos were officially recognized as part of a larger group of historical landmarks that reflect the evolution of agriculture and food industries in Hokkaido.

This recognition highlights the park’s role in educating future generations and promoting regional pride through tangible links to the past.

A Fun Surprise: Nemuro Pokémon Manhole Cover 

In a delightful blend of heritage and pop culture, Meiji Park is now home to the official Nemuro Pokémon manhole cover (Poké Lid)—a favorite stop for Pokémon fans visiting Hokkaido. The colorful cover features Alolan Vulpix, representing Hokkaido's snowy charm, alongside Mr. Rime, a nod to the region’s cool and whimsical character.

Nemuro Pokémon Manhole Cover

It features Alolan Vulpix and Mr. Rime

This Poké Lid is part of a nationwide project by The Pokémon Company and local governments to promote tourism through uniquely designed manhole covers across Japan. It’s a fun and unexpected reason to visit Meiji Park, especially for families and Pokémon GO players on the hunt for iconic locations.

Team Nicerio visits Meiji Park

My family and I visited Meiji Park for the first time on September 18, 2023, during the third day of our “3-Day Respect for the Aged Road Trip.” This visit also marked my 686th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. This park was one of the highlights of our visit to Nemuro City. One of the reasons why my daughter and I were eager to go to the park was that it houses the Nemuro Pokémon manhole cover. Part of our goal of visiting all 179 municipalities of Hokkaido is also “catching” all the Hokkaido Pokelids for our collection. We wanted to explore every corner of the park, but it’s too vast to explore for less than an hour. Regardless, it only meant that we had a place to revisit in Nemuro City in the future.

Meiji Park Admission Fee

It’s FREE to park, explore, and use the facilities in Meiji Park.

Meiji Park Operating Hours

Meiji Park is open 24/7.

Why visit Meiji Park?

Meiji Park in Nemuro is a unique destination where history, culture, and modern charm come together. Built on the site of the second-oldest ranch in Hokkaido, it offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore Japan’s agricultural roots. 

The park features Japan’s largest red brick silos—rare historical structures with helmet-shaped roofs—and is recognized as one of the “100 Best Historical Parks of Japan” and a certified Modern Industrial Heritage Site. It also delights Pokémon fans with a special manhole cover featuring Alolan Vulpix and Mr. Rime. With its peaceful green spaces and off-the-beaten-path location, Meiji Park is a hidden gem worth visiting in eastern Hokkaido.

Getting to Meiji Park

 

From Nemuro Station, head to the Ekimae Terminal. Board the Nosappu Line (Cape Nosappu) bus—bound for “Siritsu Byouin,” “Ariiso Eigyousho,” or “Nemuro Koukou”—operated by Nemuro Kotsu Bus Company. Get off at the Meijichou 1-choume bus stop, then walk approximately 350 meters to reach Meiji Park.

Travel time: 12 minutes

Fare: 210 yen

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