10 Things to Do in Kyowa
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| 10 Things to Do in Kyowa |
Kyowa (共和町) is a beautiful agricultural town in Hokkaido’s Shiribeshi Subprefecture, Japan, celebrated for its sweet corn, watermelon, and Japanese melon. Reflecting its farming heritage, the town adopted the Kakashi, or scarecrow, as its mascot. Kyowa was formed on April 1, 1955, through the merger of Ozawa Village, Maeda Village, and Hatsushiri Village, and it was later designated as a town in 1971. The name “Kyowa” combines the kanji “共” (kyou), meaning “together,” and “和” (wa), meaning “harmony” or “Japanese-style.”
For those planning to visit this agricultural
town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Kyowa:
1. Take a photo of Kyowa's manhole cover
design. I have seen 1 unique manhole cover design. It is commonly found in the
town. The manhole cover features the main agricultural products of Kyowa, like rice, watermelon, and melon.
Horoni Shrine
2. Visit Horoni Shrine (幌似神社), which is one of the town’s main shrines,
where visitors can offer prayers and pay their respects. Though it may appear
weathered by time, the shrine exudes a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, making
it an ideal spot for quiet reflection. This shrine does not offer goshuin.
Hossoku Shrine
3. Visit Hossoku Shrine (発足神社), one of the town’s main shrines, nestled
amid expansive farm fields. While the path to the shrine is overgrown with tall
grasses, giving it a slightly forgotten appearance, the serene and quiet
surroundings make it a peaceful place to pay respects and offer prayers. Note
that goshuin stamps are not available at this shrine.
Horoni Railway Memorial Park
4. Visit the preserved SuHaFu 4250 (保存車 スハフ42 507) at Horoni Railway Memorial Park
(幌似鉄道記念公園). This park commemorates
the Iwanai Line, which has been closed for 40 years, and features a carefully
maintained station building, freight station (both inside and out), and
passenger cars. The entire site is beautifully preserved, offering a fascinating
glimpse into the town’s railway history.
Mita Bokujo Farm
5. Treat yourself to gelato at Mita Bokujo
Farm (ジェラートカフェ 三田牧場), where the
scenery is just as delightful as the ice cream. If you’re lucky, you might even
spot friendly goats and cats roaming around the farm.
Waisu Onsen
6. Relax with a soothing soak at Waisu Onsen (ワイス温泉), a charming day-use onsen located along the route from Kutchan to Otaru. Housed in a Showa-era inn, its sodium chloride sulfur spring is clear, colorless, and slightly thick, leaving a smooth, silky feel on the skin. The facility separates indoor baths and showers, making it a popular stop for travelers, elderly locals, and workers looking to wash off sweat. After your dip, enjoy a meal at the nearby Masugane Restaurant (升金食堂), a cozy shokudo offering hearty teishoku sets.
Chisenupuri
7. Hike Chisenupuri (チセヌプリ) for a rewarding outdoor
adventure. The trail leads up a steep path to a flat, shrub-covered summit,
offering panoramic views of lush, verdant peaks. In winter, the mountain also
serves as a skiing destination, making it a versatile spot for nature lovers
and outdoor enthusiasts year-round.
Nishimura Keiyu Memorial Museum
8. Visit the Nishimura Keiyu Memorial
Museum (西村計雄記念美術館), which
highlights the works of local artist Nishimura Keiyu. After studying in Paris,
he achieved significant success under the guidance of a mentor and became the
first Japanese artist to receive a medal in France. The museum offers an
inspiring look into his artistic journey and accomplishments.
Kyowa Scarecrow Hometown Museum
9. Visit the Kyowa Scarecrow Hometown Museum (共和町かかし古里館), a former school building transformed into a museum. It features a variety of exhibits highlighting the town’s history, with a special focus on scarecrows, which have become Kyowa’s beloved mascot.
Shinsen-numa Marsh
10. Immerse yourself in nature at Shinsen-numa Marsh (神仙沼自然休養林), a picturesque marshland and protected nature reserve. Elevated wooden walkways enable visitors to explore the area safely, allowing them to enjoy the scenery up close. The marsh is especially beautiful in summer, when the grasses are lush and green, and in autumn, when they turn golden.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Kyowa gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this beautiful agricultural town in the Shiribeshi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
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