10 Things to Do in Toyokoro
10 Things to Do in Toyokoro
Toyokoro (豊頃町) is a peaceful riverside town located in Hokkaido’s Tokachi Subprefecture, Japan. It is best known for its iconic Harunire Tree, a natural symbol of the town. Toyokoro’s mascots, Eru-kun (えるくん) and Yume-chan (夢ちゃん), are inspired by this famous tree. The town’s name originates from the Ainu word “Toekoro,” which means “a place where giant butterburs grow.”
For those planning to visit this quiet
riverside town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Toyokoro:
Toyokoro's unique manhole cover design
1. Take a photo of Toyokoro’s unique manhole cover design. There is one main design commonly found throughout the
town, featuring the iconic Harunire Tree and a pair of salmon. It beautifully
represents Toyokoro’s natural charm and local symbols.
Toyokoro Shrine
2. Visit Toyokoro Shrine (豊頃神社), one of the two main shrines in the town,
to pay your respects and offer prayers in a serene atmosphere surrounded by
nature. The shrine holds deep cultural significance for the locals and is a
peaceful spot to experience traditional Japanese spirituality. Visitors can
also receive a goshuin,
a beautifully hand-stamped seal that serves as both a keepsake and a symbol of
your visit. It is a meaningful addition for those who collect shrine stamps
during their travels.
Moiwa Shrine
3. Visit Moiwa Shrine (茂岩神社), one of the two main
shrines in the town, to pay your respects and offer prayers in a quiet,
spiritual setting. The shrine also offers a goshuin,
a hand-stamped seal that serves as a meaningful keepsake and a wonderful
addition to your shrine stamp collection.
Sasatanuma Pond
4. Visit and enjoy the scenic view of
Sasatanuma Pond (佐々田沼). When seen
from above, this tranquil pond is said to resemble the shape of Hokkaido
itself. It is a peaceful spot surrounded by nature, perfect for relaxation and
photography. In winter, this pond freezes, making its shape more visible.
Akadou Ramen
5. Dine at Akadou Ramen (赤胴ラーメン), a popular local eatery known for its
rich and flavorful miso ramen. The restaurant is a favorite among both locals
and tourists, making it a great place to experience authentic Hokkaido ramen in
a cozy, welcoming setting.
Asahido
6. Try the donuts from Asahido (朝日堂), a beloved local shop famous for its
American-style donuts, considered a soul food of Toyokoro Town. The shop offers
seven varieties of donuts, each with its own delightful flavor. Every bite
captures the simple sweetness that locals and visitors love.
Yudonuma Observation Deck
7. Visit the Yudonuma Observation Deck (湧洞沼見晴台), a scenic viewpoint that offers
breathtaking views of both Yudonuma Lake and the vast Pacific Ocean. From here,
you can enjoy the stunning contrast between the calm waters of the lake and the
endless horizon of the sea. It is a great spot for photography, birdwatching,
or simply relaxing while taking in the peaceful natural surroundings. The
observation deck is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset when the
colors of the sky reflect over the water.
Harunire House
8. Visit Harunire House (ハルニレハウス), a cozy visitor center located near
the iconic Harunire Tree, the symbol of Toyokoro Town. It’s an ideal spot for
visitors to rest and warm up on cold days, either before or after exploring the
Harunire Tree area.
Jewelry Ice of Otsu Coast
9. Visit the Otsu Coast (大津海岸) in winter, especially
around February, to experience its stunning seasonal beauty. If you time your
visit right, you may witness the rare and mesmerizing phenomenon of jewelry
ice—crystal-clear ice formations that sparkle like gems along the shoreline.
It’s a breathtaking natural display that attracts photographers and nature
lovers alike.
Harunire Tree
10. Take a photo of the Harunire Tree (ハルニレの木), a pair of trees that, when viewed from the right angle, appear as a single, stunning tree. Harunire is Japanese Elm in English. This iconic natural landmark is a symbol of Toyokoro Town and attracts photographers from all over Japan, drawn to capture its unique beauty and serene surroundings.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Toyokoro gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this quiet riverside town in the Tokachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.
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