10 Things to Do in Makubetsu
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| 10 Things to Do in Makubetsu |
Makubetsu (幕別町) is a hilly town located in Hokkaido’s Tokachi
Subprefecture, Japan. The town is divided into two areas—the northern part,
which serves as the main town proper, and the southern Churui district, which
was an independent town until it merged with Makubetsu in 2006. Makubetsu is
widely known as the birthplace of park golf, boasting no fewer than ten
individual courses.
The town’s name is derived from the Ainu word “mak-un-pet,” meaning “a river behind (deep) toward the mountains.” Although the exact river it referred to has been forgotten, it is believed that the name originally described the western edge of the town near present-day Sarabetsu. The name was once pronounced “Makunbetsu” before evolving into its current form, “Makubetsu.”
For those planning to visit this hilly town
to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Makubetsu:
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| Makubetsu's unique manhole covers |
1. Take a photo of Makubetsu’s unique manhole cover designs. I’ve found four different designs so far. While these
covers are common around town, both the Makubetsu town proper and the former
Churui area have their own distinct versions. You can spot a colored manhole
cover near the Makubetsu Town Hall.
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| Makubetsu Shrine |
2. Visit Makubetsu Shrine (幕別神社). Unfortunately, as of this writing, the
chief priest has recently passed away. Because of this, the shrine’s goshuin
(seal stamp) is now available at Satsunai Shrine instead.
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| Makubetsu's Salmon Park Golf Course |
3. Play park golf at one of Makubetsu’s
many park golf courses. My personal favorites are the Salmon Course (サーモンコース) and the Azalea
Course (つつじコース), both located in the Nakagawa District.
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| Chinese Restaurant Hinkaen |
4. Dine at Chinese Restaurant Hinkaen (中国飯店 錦華園). The yakisoba
and ankake dishes here come highly recommended for their rich flavor and
satisfying portions. The restaurant has a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere that makes
it a favorite among locals and travelers passing through Tokachi.
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| Smile Park |
5. Enjoy a sunny stroll through Smile
Park (スマイルパーク), where you can find a charming statue of a mother and baby
Naumann’s elephant on display. The park also features its own park golf course,
making it a great spot for both relaxation and recreation.
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| Maruyama Observation Deck |
6. Head up to Maruyama Observation Deck
(丸山展望台) for a calm, wide-open view over Churui and the surrounding Tokachi
landscape. From the deck, you’ll usually see sweeping patchwork fields, the low
rolling hills of the region, and on clear days a distant line of mountains on
the horizon — a quietly beautiful panorama that changes with the seasons: fresh
green and farmland patterns in summer, golden fields in autumn, and a stark,
snowy minimalism in winter.
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| Churui Roadside Station |
7. Visit Churui Roadside Station (道の駅 忠類). Stop by
this roadside station in Makubetsu to shop for Naumann’s elephant-themed
souvenirs and local specialty foods. Enjoy fresh produce, snacks, and
refreshments while taking in the countryside, and be sure to collect the unique
roadside station stamp for your travel collection.
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| Satsunai Garden Hot Spring |
8. Relax at Satsunai Garden Hot Spring (札内ガーデン温泉). Enjoy
indoor and outdoor baths with naturally heated mineral water, surrounded by
peaceful gardens. The onsen also offers saunas, foot baths, and relaxation
areas for a rejuvenating experience.
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| Pira・Ri |
9. Visit Pira・Ri (ピラ・リ). Explore this cultural and
recreational complex in Makubetsu, featuring a unique-looking observatory, art
exhibitions, a library, multipurpose halls, and open park spaces. In winter,
the site transforms into a ski resort, and throughout the year, it hosts
seasonal events, local festivals, and offers scenic views of the Tokachi
plains.
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| Churui Naumann’s Elephant Memorial Museum |
10. Visit the Churui Naumann’s Elephant Memorial Museum (忠類ナウマン象記念館) and learn about the prehistoric elephants that once lived in these lands. There are ancient Naumann elephant statues displayed outside the museum. This museum is located inside the vast Naumann Park, where you'd find another set of mother and calf Naumann Elephant statues.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Makubetsu gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this hilly town in the Tokachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
#Makubetsu
#MakubetsuHokkaido
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