Kuriyama Town, located in the heart of Hokkaido, is a place where rich nature and history come alive. This land was once heavily influenced by Ainu culture and has a history of being on the front lines of development during the Meiji era. Even today, this history is alive in daily life, with active production of dairy products centered around agriculture, creating a lifestyle that coexists with nature. Additionally, community activities are vibrant, and the preservation of Ainu culture can be seen alongside the Hokkaido dialect. Seasonal festivals, such as the “Kuriyama Town Snow Light Festival,” which colors the beautiful snowy landscape, and the “Kuriyama Town Summer Festival” held in midsummer, are also not to be missed. Kuriyama Town is a region where its charm is concentrated, captivating those who visit. In Kuriyama Town, you can also enjoy gourmet dishes made with fresh seafood and local vegetables. Furthermore, well-maintained hiking trails allow outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons. In this way, Kuriyama Town is an attractive area where you can savor local ingredients while fully enjoying nature.
Culture and Customs
Kuriyama Town in Hokkaido, Japan, is a region deeply connected to nature and history. The town’s history is heavily influenced by Ainu culture, and the history of development during the Meiji era is still alive. Even today, Ainu culture is carefully preserved, and the use of the Hokkaido dialect in daily conversations indicates that this culture continues to thrive. Kuriyama Town is primarily centered around agriculture, particularly active in dairy production. The townspeople actively participate in community activities while coexisting with the rich nature around them. The festivals and events that breathe life into their daily lives are also appealing. In winter, the “Kuriyama Town Snow Light Festival” is held, illuminating the entire town in a fantastical way. In summer, the “Kuriyama Town Summer Festival” brings the community together in celebration. These festivals convey the town’s charm to visitors and play a role in deepening community bonds. Kuriyama Town is a beautiful place where history and nature coexist, and its attractions are diverse. Ainu culture and the history of development, agriculture and dairy production, community activities, and festivals all combine exquisitely in this region. Additionally, there are buildings and facilities reflecting traditional Ainu lifestyles scattered throughout the town, conveying the charm of Ainu culture to visitors. Moreover, there is an abundance of dishes and sweets made with the town’s specialty dairy products, allowing you to savor the local food culture.
Local Specialties
- Kuriyama Town Potatoes: Potatoes grown in Hokkaido’s unique cold climate and rich soil are flavorful and have a satisfying texture.
- Charcoal-Grilled Sweet Potatoes: A dish made by slowly grilling sweet potatoes from Kuriyama Town over charcoal. The sweetness and aroma blend perfectly, enhancing the rustic deliciousness.
- Kuriyama Town Corn: A summer specialty known for its strong sweetness and good texture. It is used not only for eating raw but also in soups and salads.
- Kuriyama Milk: Fresh milk extracted from locally raised cows. It is not only consumed as is but also used as a raw material for cheese, butter, and ice cream.
- Kuriyama Town Apples: Apples harvested in autumn have a good balance of sweetness and acidity, and they are exquisite when baked with cinnamon.
Annual Events
- Kuriyama Spring Festival: Held on the first weekend of April, featuring various stage events and food stalls to celebrate the arrival of spring.
- Kuriyama Summer Festival: Held every July, bustling with a grand fireworks display and stalls from local restaurants and shops. Locals and tourists come together to enjoy summer.
- World Agricultural Heritage Summit: An international conference where representatives from countries and regions with agricultural heritage gather to discuss agriculture and regional promotion.
- Kuriyama Autumn Festival: Celebrating the autumn harvest with sales of new rice and fresh vegetables, as well as stalls from local restaurants. Dance performances by local children are also a highlight.
- Winter Illumination: In December, beautiful illuminations light up various places in the town, creating a winter atmosphere. The illumination at Kuriyama Park is particularly not to be missed.
Access Methods
- By Air: Use New Chitose Airport, the nearest airport in Hokkaido. Accessible from various locations nationwide, it is about a 20-minute drive from the airport.
- By Train: Use Kuriyama Station on the JR Nemuro Main Line. It takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Sapporo using the limited express.
- By Bus: About 30 minutes from New Chitose Airport via Hokkaido Chuo Bus. Direct buses from the airport run regularly.
- By Car: Use the Dōō Expressway. It takes about 1 hour by car from Sapporo city.
- By Taxi: Taxi service is also available from New Chitose Airport. It takes about 20 minutes from the airport, with a fare of approximately 3,500 yen.
Tourist Attractions
- Kuriyama Onsen – A tranquil hot spring area surrounded by beautiful nature.
- Kuriyama Forest Park – A nature-rich park where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes.
- Kuriyama Town Comprehensive Sports Park – A park equipped with various sports facilities.
- Kuriyama Town Local Museum – A museum where you can learn about the history and culture of Kuriyama Town.
- Kuriyama Town Hall – A public facility providing administrative services for the town.
