| population | 7,138 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 1,115.62 km² |
| population density | 6.4 peoples/km² |
Located in the southern part of the Soya Subprefecture, Esashi Town (Esashi-chō) sits along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk in northern Hokkaido. Known nationwide as Japan’s number one town for “hair crab basket fishing,” Esashi thrives on its connection with the sea. The town’s name comes from the Ainu word “Esaushi-i,” meaning “a place where the headland touches the shore.” With vast forests covering nearly 80% of its area and the Okhotsk Sea to its east, Esashi has a unique landscape where mountains and the ocean coexist in harmony. Fishing and dairy farming are the town’s key industries, producing high-quality seafood such as crabs, scallops, and salmon, as well as rich dairy products. The region experiences long, cold winters with drifting sea ice and short, refreshing summers. Its people live closely with nature, speaking a mild Hokkaido dialect and welcoming visitors with warm hospitality. Esashi Town is a serene yet vibrant community where the sea, land, and people live in balance, offering travelers an authentic experience of northern Japan.
Cultural Heritage and Traditions
Esashi’s culture blends Ainu heritage with the pioneering spirit of Hokkaido’s settlers. The town’s traditions are deeply rooted in fishing, with rituals that express gratitude to the sea’s bounty. Among the most symbolic is the “Kami Dance” performed at local festivals, where people pray for safe voyages and abundant catches. The Okhotsk Museum Esashi preserves this rich history, exhibiting artifacts from the Okhotsk culture and ancient settlements such as the Menashidomari archaeological site. The influence of Ainu language and spirituality remains visible in place names and the community’s deep respect for nature. Seasonal festivals like the “Esashi Crab Festival” and “Drift Ice Festival” bring locals and visitors together, celebrating life along the frozen sea. These events, combined with local crafts and culinary traditions, make Esashi a town where history and living culture coexist harmoniously throughout the year.
Local Specialties
- Hair Crab (Kegani): Esashi’s signature product. Grown in nutrient-rich waters carried by drifting ice, its firm meat and rich miso are unmatched. The crabs are served fresh, boiled, or as part of luxurious seafood bowls during the summer festival.
- Scallops: Cultivated and harvested in cold, clean waters, Esashi scallops are known for their large, sweet adductor muscles. Stable yields are maintained through juvenile shell seeding and careful marine management.
- Salmon (Gin-kei & Keiji): One of Japan’s top salmon landing areas. Esashi’s fishermen catch shiny, fat-rich silver salmon and rare keiji salmon, prized for their delicate taste and high market value.
- Dried Sea Cucumber (“Hokkai Kinko”): A luxury export to China and other countries, Esashi’s dried sea cucumbers are Japan’s leading product in both quality and production.
- Dairy Products: In the inland Utanobori area, dairy farming flourishes. Local butter, cheese, and milk are produced from cows raised in the crisp northern air, offering a rich and creamy flavor.
Annual Events
- Esashi Crab Festival (early July): Held at the Esashi Port special venue, this is the town’s biggest event. Visitors enjoy crab-eating contests, local food stalls, live music, and the “Musoren Esashi” YOSAKOI dance team’s performance.
- Yokubari Festa (early October): Hosted at Michi-no-Eki Marine Island Okajima. Features a scallop shelling competition, salmon catching, and a market for autumn seafood and produce.
- Drift Ice Festival (February): Celebrates the arrival of drift ice along the Okhotsk coast. Includes ice sculpture displays, winter delicacies, and fireworks.
- Esashi Town Sports Festival (September): A local athletic meet where residents gather to compete in friendly games, reinforcing community bonds.
Access
- By Car: From Sapporo, take National Routes 40 and 238 north for about 6 hours (approx. 330 km). From Asahikawa, about 4.5 hours. View route on Google Maps
- By Bus: The “Tokkyū Esashi-gō” express bus by Soya Bus connects Sapporo and Esashi in roughly 7 hours. Routes from Wakkanai and Asahikawa are also available.
- By Train: The nearest station is JR Otoineppu Station on the Soya Main Line. From there, take the Soya Bus to Esashi (about 90 minutes).
- By Air: From Wakkanai Airport (2.5-hour drive) or Asahikawa Airport (4-hour drive).
Tourist Attractions
- Marine Island Okajima – A roadside station offering local seafood, a restaurant, rest area, and scenic ocean views.
- Ustaibe Senjōiwa (Thousand Tatami Rocks) – A natural coastal rock formation shaped by waves. A campground and observation area make it a great summer destination.
- Okhotsk Museum Esashi – Displays artifacts from the Okhotsk and Jomon periods, including nationally designated cultural properties.
- Esashi Onsen Hotel New Kōrin – A seaside hot spring resort with sodium chloride waters ideal for relaxing after exploring the coast.
- Utanobori Onsen Green Park Hotel – Surrounded by forests and mountains, it offers outdoor baths and winter cross-country skiing.
- Cape Kamui (Kitami Kamui Misaki) – A dramatic headland overlooking the Sea of Okhotsk, famous for drift ice viewing in February.
