| population | 10,704 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 70.60 km² |
| population density | 152 peoples/km² |
Located on the northwestern coast of Hokkaido, Iwanai Town is a quiet port community facing the Sea of Japan. With deep historical ties to the Ainu culture and later development during the Meiji era, the town flourished as a center of trade and fishing. Surrounded by both the sea and mountains, Iwanai is known for its balanced industries of agriculture, dairy farming, and fisheries. It also holds the distinction of being the birthplace of asparagus cultivation in Japan — a legacy that continues thanks to its fertile soil and cool climate. Locals speak the Hokkaido dialect and live in close harmony with nature. The town’s markets are lined with freshly caught seafood such as scallops, cod, sea urchin, and flounder. Seasonal festivals like the “Iwanai Port Festival” in summer and the “Iwanai Onsen Snow Lantern Festival” in winter showcase the town’s lively spirit. Blending history, nature, and hospitality, Iwanai Town offers visitors a genuine taste of Hokkaido. From local gourmet dishes and specialty products to art museums and hot springs, every visit promises new discoveries and warm encounters.
Culture and Traditions
Iwanai Town stands as one of Hokkaido’s culturally rich regions, where ancient and modern traditions coexist. Archaeological remains from the Jomon period have been found here, and many traces of Ainu heritage still remain. In the Meiji era, the town developed under the trading system introduced by the Omi merchant Yazaemon Okada, whose influence helped shape Iwanai’s early prosperity. Today, agriculture and dairy farming are the main industries, producing high-quality vegetables and dairy products, while the fishing industry continues to thrive thanks to abundant coastal waters. Life in Iwanai is closely tied to nature, and the Hokkaido dialect can still be heard in daily conversations. The town’s festivals are vibrant expressions of its identity. The summer “Iwanai Port Festival” fills the streets with music and parades, while the winter “Iwanai Onsen Snow Lantern Festival” bathes the town in a warm, magical glow. Together with the kindness and hospitality of its residents, these events capture the spirit of a community deeply connected to its roots.
Local Specialties
- Asparagus: Iwanai is recognized as the birthplace of asparagus cultivation in Japan. Thanks to its cool climate and wide temperature range, the local asparagus is crisp, sweet, and full of flavor. Each spring, visitors can enjoy freshly harvested produce at the annual “Asparagus Fair.”
- Dairy Products: Produced by companies such as Kurashima Dairy, Iwanai’s milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich and creamy. Several local farms also offer hands-on dairy experiences for visitors.
- Seafood: Fresh catches from Iwanai Port include cod, scallops, sea urchins, and flatfish. The winter cod season is a local tradition celebrated for generations.
- Iwanai Wine: In collaboration with nearby Kyowa Town, locally grown grapes are used to produce fragrant, fruit-forward wines that reflect the region’s natural terroir.
- Fruits: From summer through autumn, visitors can enjoy fresh apples, plums, and cherries grown in the area’s orchards — perfect souvenirs from a trip to Iwanai.
Annual Events
- Iwanai Port Festival: Held every July at Iwanai Port, this is the town’s largest celebration, featuring parades, stage performances, and a spectacular fireworks display over the sea.
- Seafood Festival: A popular autumn event where local fishermen sell freshly caught seafood. Visitors can enjoy grilled dishes, live performances, and bustling market stalls.
- Iwanai Folk Festival: A cultural celebration honoring the town’s traditions. Highlights include the “Akasaka Servant Parade,” a folk performance designated as an intangible cultural asset.
- New Year’s Market: Held every January, this event marks the first shopping festival of the year, with local produce and crafts sold along the shopping streets as residents pray for a prosperous year.
- Iwanai Onsen Snow Lantern Festival: The Iwanai Onsen area glows with countless snow lanterns in winter, creating a dreamy atmosphere that warms both heart and body.
Access
- By Air: The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport. From there, it takes about 2.5 hours by car (approx. 150 km) to reach Iwanai.
- By Car: About a 2-hour drive from Sapporo via Route 5 and Route 229. The town is also easily accessible from Otaru and Niseko.
- By Bus: The “Express Iwanai” bus operated by Hokkaido Chuo Bus offers direct service from Sapporo Station to Iwanai Bus Terminal in roughly 3 hours.
- By Train: Although there is no train service within the town, the nearest station is Ozawa Station on the JR Hakodate Line, about 40 minutes away by bus.
- By Ferry: While there are currently no active ferry routes to Iwanai, travelers can reach the area by car from major ports such as Tomakomai or Otaru.
Tourist Attractions
- Iwanai Onsen Area – A scenic mountain hot spring resort area. The newly branded “Iwanai Onsen” focuses on sustainable, eco-friendly development.
- Kida Kinjiro Art Museum – Exhibits works by Kinjiro Kida, the fisherman-turned-artist who inspired Arishima Takeo’s novel “The Agony of Being Born.”
- Benkei’s Sword-Hanging Rock – A scenic coastal rock tied to the legend of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, offering a stunning view at sunset.
- Iwanai Local History Museum – Displays artifacts from the Jomon period and documents the great Iwanai Fire of 1954. A must-visit for history enthusiasts.
- Maruyama Observatory – Provides panoramic views of Iwanai Bay and the Shakotan Peninsula. A popular spot for sunset and stargazing.
