10 Things to Do in Ashoro
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| 10 Things to Do in Ashoro |
Ashoro (足寄町) is a scenic valley town in Hokkaido’s Tokachi Subprefecture, Japan. Before the merger of Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture on February 1, 2005, it held the distinction of being the largest municipality in the country. The town’s economy is primarily supported by dairy farming and the cultivation of sugar beets and wheat. Its name originates from the Ainu word Esorope, which means “to go down along the river.” This refers to the route once used by people traveling from the Kushiro area, across Akan, and along what is now the Ashoro River toward Tokachi and Kitami.
For those planning to visit this scenic
valley town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Ashoro:
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| Ashoro's manhole cover designs |
1. Take a photo of Ashoro's manhole cover
designs. I have seen 2 unique manhole cover designs. They are commonly found in
the town.
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| Ashoro Pokémon manhole cover |
2. Be sure to take a photo of the Ashoro Pokémon manhole cover, which features Alolan Vulpix along with Uxie, Mesprit,
and Azelf. You can find it installed within the grounds of the roadside
station.
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| Ashoro Shrine |
3. Visit Ashoro Shrine (足寄神社) to offer prayers and pay
your respects. The shrine also provides a goshuin stamp, a meaningful
addition to any collection.
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| Former Ashoro Station |
4. Drop by the Former Ashoro Station ((旧)足寄駅), which has been charmingly transformed into Coffee Zama-ya (珈琲座間屋). The café serves excellent coffee made
from beans sourced from different countries, and its cozy, train station–themed
design adds to the experience. It’s a perfect spot for a relaxing coffee break.
Just behind the old building, you’ll also find what’s known as the shortest
railway track.
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| Tobushi no Taki |
5. Visit Tobushi no Taki (トブシの滝), a beautiful waterfall located just off
the national highway. Its flow becomes especially powerful and breathtaking
during spring as the snow melts, while in summer, the water volume lessens,
revealing a gentler charm.
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| Kyogan no Taki |
6. Go on a hike and visit the Kyogan no Taki (巨岩の滝) or
Giant Rock Waterfall. The waterfall is about 3km from
Meto Onsen, after driving straight along a gravel road from Route 88. There is
a guide sign on the left, but the road is not well-maintained, so you will need
to walk about 100m from the sign in the direction of the river to reach the
waterfall. There have been reports of brown bears being seen, so caution is
advised.
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| Satomigaoka Park Camping Ground |
7. Pitch a tent and spend a peaceful night
at Satomigaoka Park Camping Ground (足寄町里見が丘キャンプ場). This quiet campsite offers excellent BBQ facilities and a
relaxing atmosphere, perfect for an overnight stay. It’s conveniently located
on the western edge of the town proper.
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| Meto Onsen Hotel |
8. Take a relaxing soak at Meto Onsen Hotel (芽登温泉ホテル), a traditional hot spring renowned for its rustic charm and natural setting. Meto Onsen is a proud member of the Nihon Hito Mamorukai—the Society for the Preservation of Japan’s Secret Onsens—an organization dedicated to keeping Japan’s classic onsen culture alive. Visitors can choose to stay overnight for a full retreat or enjoy a soothing day-trip bath for just 800 yen per adult.
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| Roadside Rest Area “Ashoro Ginga Hall 21” |
9. Visit Ashoro Roadside Station,
officially known as Roadside Rest Area “Ashoro Ginga Hall 21” (道の駅 あしょろ銀河ホール21). The facility features a café,
a separate restaurant, a souvenir shop, an information desk, and clean
restrooms—with free parking available. Don’t forget to collect the station’s
unique stamp for your travel collection. Outside, you can find the Ashoro
Pokémon manhole cover, and inside, be sure to check out the Chiharu Matsuyama
Corner dedicated to the town’s famous singer-songwriter.
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| Ashoro Museum of Paleontology |
10. Visit the Ashoro Museum of Paleontology (足寄動物化石博物館), one of Hokkaido’s best fossil museums. This fascinating natural history museum showcases a wide variety of fossils, offering visitors an insightful look into prehistoric life. You can also purchase DIY fossil excavation kits for a fun hands-on experience.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Ashoro gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic valley town in the Tokachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
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