| Population | 5,827 people |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,408.04 km² |
| Population Density | 4.14 people/km² |
Located in the center of Hokkaido, Ashoro Town is a regional city with a unique culture shaped by its pioneering history and the opening of the railway. The main industry is agriculture, particularly the production of dairy products, which is highly regarded nationwide, and their deliciousness is a source of pride for the town. Additionally, life in Ashoro Town is closely connected to nature. Beautiful landscapes change with the seasons, and while winters can be harsh, the vibrant snowy scenery captivates visitors. The locals speak the Hokkaido dialect and cherish traditional local festivals and events. Notably, the “Ashoro Summer Festival” and “Snow Lantern Path” are grand festivals enjoyed by the community, and their charm is conveyed to visiting travelers. Ashoro Town is a place where its captivating culture and scenery blend, ensuring that visitors take home wonderful experiences and memories. The local specialties include not only fresh dairy products but also delicious crops born from the fertile land that supports agriculture. Furthermore, old buildings that convey the history inherited from the pioneering era and the remnants of the former railway also attract tourists.
Culture and Customs
Ashoro Town in Hokkaido is a region where the history of the pioneering era remains vivid. The opening of the railway significantly changed people’s lives. Even today, agriculture thrives as the main industry, especially known for dairy production nationwide. The lives of the people in Ashoro Town are spent in a rich natural environment. However, during winter, they face harsh cold, requiring special mental and physical preparation during the severe winter months. The local community communicates in the Hokkaido dialect and forms a community through local festivals and events. Particularly, the Ashoro Summer Festival attracts many visitors not only from the local area but also from outside the prefecture. In winter, the Snow Lantern Path event is held, allowing people to enjoy the winter charm of Ashoro Town. Ashoro Town is a region where the history of pioneering, the dairy industry, harsh winters, and local festivals and events intersect. Why not visit and experience its charm for yourself? Additionally, the cheese from “Tokachi Kibou Farm” is famous as a local specialty, and its rich flavor is widely appreciated. Moreover, there are well-equipped museums to learn about the region’s history, especially the “Pioneer Memorial Museum,” which is a must-see.
Local Specialties
- Ashoro Town’s specialty “Cheese Hamburger”: A juicy and flavorful hamburger made with fresh local beef and Hokkaido cheese.
- “Ashoro Town Honey”: Sweet and delicious honey packed with the blessings of nature, harvested from bees raised in Ashoro Town.
- “Ashoro Town Vegetables”: Vegetables grown in the town that have overcome the harsh cold, offering rich nutrition and unique flavors.
- “Ashoro Town Sake”: A high-quality and deep-flavored sake made with local sake rice and pure water.
- “Ashoro Town Dairy Products”: Characterized by creamy and flavorful dairy products made from fresh Hokkaido milk.
Annual Events
- “Ashoro Ondo Festival”: Held every summer, this event features performances of the local folk music “Ashoro Ondo” by local residents. It’s a fun event that tourists can also participate in.
- “Ashoro Snow Lantern Festival”: In winter, art pieces made of snow and ice decorate the town. The illuminated works at night are fantastical and beautiful.
- “Ashoro Classic Car Festival”: This festival, where classic cars gather, is an unmissable event for automobile enthusiasts.
- “Ashoro Food Festival”: This festival, where you can enjoy dishes made with local agricultural products and specialties, is a delight for food lovers.
- “Ashoro River Salmon and Trout Catching Contest”: Held every autumn, this event can be enjoyed by both children and adults, providing a real fishing experience.
Access Methods
- By Air: Flights operate from various locations to New Chitose Airport. From the airport, you can take the JR train to Ashoro.
- By JR: Use the limited express train “Tokachi” to Obihiro Station. From Obihiro Station, take a local bus to Ashoro Town.
- By Bus: Highway buses operate from various locations to Obihiro. From Obihiro, take a local bus to Ashoro.
- By Car: About 3 hours from Sapporo via the Dōō Expressway. After exiting at Ashoro IC, go straight to the town center.
- By Bicycle: A mode of transportation unique to nature-rich Hokkaido. Cycling in the summer is also recommended.
Tourist Attractions
- Onneto – A nature-rich tourist spot where you can see the beautiful colors of the lake
- Ashoro Okhotsk Park – A park where you can enjoy seasonal flowers
- Onneto Onsen – A healing hot spring area surrounded by nature
- Onneto Lakeside Forest – A spot where you can enjoy beautiful lakes and forests
- Onneto Wetlands – A wetland where you can observe rich nature and wildlife
