10 Things to Do in Shihoro
 |
| 10 Things to Do in Shihoro |
Shihoro (士幌町) is a peaceful agricultural town in Hokkaido's Tokachi Subprefecture, Japan. The town is well known for its starch production facilities and thriving dairy industry. Its name is believed to have originated from the Ainu language. According to one theory, when bandits who had attacked Tokachi were ambushed and defeated by the Otofuke Ainu, they reportedly threw a pot into the river, giving rise to the place name "Shu-woro," meaning “pot thrown into water”. Ainu place-name researcher Hidezo Yamada and others interpret the name as deriving from "su-horo-pet," which translates to “pot immersed in water, river.”
For those planning to visit this peaceful
agricultural town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do
in Shihoro:
Shihoro's manhole cover designs
1. Take a photo of Shihoro's manhole cover
designs. I have seen 2 unique manhole cover designs. These are commonly found
in the town.
Okamoto Caltex Gas Station
2. Take a photo with the Okamoto Caltex Gas
Station (オカモトグループ 発祥の地モニュメント), a
recreated gas station that showcases what gas stations looked like during the
Showa era.
Nakashihoro Shrine
3. Visit Nakashihoro Shrine (中士幌神社), one of the town’s main shrines, known
for its serene atmosphere and traditional Shinto architecture. While it does
not offer a goshuin, the shrine provides a peaceful place for reflection and
prayer, allowing visitors to experience a quieter, more contemplative side of
Shihoro. It’s a great spot to appreciate local culture and the spiritual
heritage of the town without the crowds often found at larger shrines.
Shihoro Shrine
4. Visit Shihoro Shrine (士幌神社), the town’s main shrine, where you can
pay your respects and offer prayers in a serene and traditional Shinto setting.
The shrine is a focal point of local culture and community life, often hosting
seasonal festivals and rituals that give visitors a glimpse into Shihoro’s
spiritual heritage. For those collecting shrine stamps, you can obtain a
goshuin here as a beautiful keepsake of your visit, making it a meaningful stop
for both cultural appreciation and personal reflection.
Restaurant Yoshi
5. Enjoy a meal at Restaurant Yoshi (お食事処 祥). Don’t miss their flavorful
menchi-katsu and hearty katsu curry. Portions are generous, and prices are
wallet-friendly, making it a perfect stop for a satisfying meal.
Shihoro Plateau Observation Deck
6. Take in breathtaking views at the
Shihoro Plateau Observation Deck (士幌高原展望台). On a clear day, enjoy a sweeping panorama of the Tokachi Plains.
The deck is open 24/7, making it perfect for sunrise, sunset, or
stargazing.
Shihoro Plateau Nupuka Village
7. Experience the great outdoors at Shihoro
Plateau Nupuka Village (士幌高原ヌプカの里).
Pitch a tent or rent a cozy cottage and stay overnight while taking in the
spectacular plateau views. With well-equipped camping sites and cottages, it’s
an ideal spot for a relaxing night under the stars.
Shihoro Kotsu Park
8. Visit Shihoro Kotsu Park (士幌交通公園) to explore the preserved Shihoro
Station and admire the historic freight cars displayed in the park grounds.
Roadside Station “Shihoro Onsen”
9. Visit Roadside Station “Shihoro Onsen” (道の駅 しほろ温泉), where you can enjoy a small
souvenir shop, relax in the ashiyu, or experience the onsen. You can also stay
overnight, as the roadside station functions as a hotel. Don’t forget to
collect the station’s unique stamp for your collection.
Roadside Station PIA 21 Shihoro
10. Visit Roadside Station PIA 21 Shihoro (道の駅 ピア21しほろ), featuring a café, souvenir shop, local produce corner, and a dog park. Be sure to collect the station’s unique stamp for your collection.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Shihoro gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this peaceful agricultural town in the Tokachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
#Shihoro
#ShihoroHokkaido
Read more:
Comments
Post a Comment