Kikonai Town, located at the edge of Hokkaido in the northern land. Its history is ancient, with a strong influence from Ainu culture, and you can also feel the spirit of the Meiji era’s pioneering efforts. The town’s industry is primarily agriculture, especially dairy farming, producing delicious milk and cheese. The townspeople live in harmony with nature, incorporating fresh seafood into their daily meals. The Hokkaido dialect can be heard in their speech, and the inheritance of Ainu culture is also evident. In spring, the town is dyed pink during the Kikonai Cherry Blossom Festival, and in winter, you can enjoy a magical snowy landscape at the Kikonai Onsen Snow Lantern Festival. This time, we will convey the charm of Kikonai Town in abundance. Additionally, the town’s art museum and museum are popular among tourists visiting the area. They are loved not only by locals but also by visitors from afar as places to deeply learn about Ainu culture and the history of the pioneering era. Furthermore, local gourmet dishes using fresh seafood, which represent the town’s specialties, should not be missed.
Culture and Customs
Kikonai Town in Hokkaido is a place rich in nature, where the influence of Ainu culture and the history of the Meiji era’s pioneering efforts are alive. Agriculture is the mainstay, particularly dairy farming, and fresh seafood is also abundantly consumed. People’s lives are closely connected to nature, cherishing the blessings from the sea and mountains. Moreover, the local Hokkaido dialect is used in daily life, and the inheritance of Ainu culture is valued. These elements form the identity of the people of Kikonai Town and enhance the region’s charm. In this area, festivals such as the “Kikonai Cherry Blossom Festival” and “Kikonai Onsen Snow Lantern Festival” are held, allowing both locals and tourists to enjoy the seasonal beauty. Kikonai Town is an attractive region where nature, history, and culture blend, allowing residents to enjoy a lifestyle rooted in the community. The locals enjoy dishes made from seasonal agricultural products and seafood throughout the year, and their flavors are loved by visitors as well. Additionally, traditional crafts and Ainu ornaments are handmade, with their techniques and aesthetic sensibilities passed down through generations.
Special Products
- Wakkanai Minami Delicious Milk: This milk is made from fresh raw milk produced in Kikonai Town, retaining its rich flavor through low-temperature pasteurization.
- Koshihikari Rice: Koshihikari rice grown in the cold climate of Kikonai Town is particularly praised for its strong sweetness and delicious taste.
- Kikonai Wine: Wine made from grapes cultivated in Kikonai Town. You can enjoy the unique flavor and taste created by the cold climate.
- Taisho Shrimp: The Taisho shrimp, nurtured by the cold ocean, is thick and sweet, making it a representative seafood of Kikonai Town.
- Kikonai Town Deep Sea Water: The deep sea water from Hokkaido is tasteless and odorless, rich in minerals, and is used as an ingredient in cooking and drinks.
Annual Events
- “Kikonai Winter Festival”: The entire area of Kikonai Town is adorned with snow and ice art. Don’t miss the snow sculpture contest that locals and tourists participate in.
- “Hana no Eki Kikonai Spring Festival”: This festival heralds spring in Kikonai Town, where you can purchase fresh local vegetables and specialties at Hana no Eki Kikonai.
- “Kikonai Summer Festival”: Held with the arrival of summer, you can enjoy local music, dance, and fireworks.
- “Kikonai Halloween”: The entire town is decorated for Halloween, and it’s a fun event where children dress up and walk around the town.
- “Kikonai Illumination”: Held in winter, it warmly welcomes visitors with beautiful illuminations that light up the town.
Access Methods
- By Plane: From New Chitose Airport, take the JR Hakodate Main Line via Otaru to Kikonai Station. The travel time is about 5 hours.
- By Shinkansen: Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin-Osaka Station, then fly to New Chitose Airport. After that, take the JR to Kikonai Station.
- By Bus: There is also a route from New Chitose Airport to Otaru by Hakodate Bus, then to Kikonai by JR. The travel time is about 6 hours.
- By Car: Use the Dō-Ō Expressway, traveling from Sapporo via National Route 5 to Kikonai Town. The travel time is about 5 hours.
- By Ferry: Use the Seikan Ferry from Aomori to Hakodate. After that, take the JR Hakodate Main Line to Kikonai Station.
Tourist Attractions
- Kikonai Town Hall – A facility responsible for the town’s administration, also providing tourist information.
- Kikonai Town Library – A facility where you can learn about local culture and history, and enjoy reading.
- Kikonai Onsen – A hot spring area surrounded by nature, where you can enjoy relaxation.
- Kikonai Town Museum – A facility where you can gain a deep understanding of the town’s history and culture.
- Kikonai Town Rural Park – A park where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes.
