I traveled to the corners of Hokkaido to convey its charm, and this time I visited Oketo Town in Hokkaido. This town retains a strong influence of Ainu culture while also reflecting the history of development during the Showa era. The main industry is agriculture, particularly the production of dairy products. Additionally, there is a tranquil lifestyle here, away from urban noise, coexisting with nature. The local community is active, and you can often see people helping each other and enjoying life together. On the other hand, the Hokkaido dialect is mixed into daily conversations, and efforts to preserve Ainu culture are actively pursued. Furthermore, local festivals such as the “Oketo Potato Festival” and the “Oketo Snow Lantern Festival” enhance the town’s appeal. I will convey all the charms of Oketo Town to everyone. Additionally, there is a rich variety of seafood available, especially during the scallop fishing season from spring to summer. It is also known as a tourist destination where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes, and in winter, there are well-equipped sports facilities for skiing and snowboarding.
Culture and Customs
Oketo Town in Hokkaido is a region with a rich natural environment and a historical influence of Ainu culture, along with the history of development during the Showa era. The town’s main industry is agriculture, particularly the production of dairy products. Oketo Town lives in harmony with nature, and this lifestyle contributes to the vibrancy of the local community. Moreover, the locals use the Hokkaido dialect and are committed to preserving Ainu culture. These regional characteristics are also expressed through festivals such as the “Oketo Potato Festival” and the “Oketo Snow Lantern Festival.” These festivals serve as a platform to respect local traditions while creating new cultures and customs. Oketo Town is a beautiful place where nature, history, and culture intersect. The charm of this town can be felt not only by the locals but also by all visitors. Additionally, local schools offer education in the Ainu language, providing children with the opportunity to learn their ancestral language. Workshops on Ainu traditional crafts and dances are also held for visitors to experience. These initiatives aim to preserve the uniqueness of the region while ensuring cultural inheritance for the next generation.
Local Specialties
- Oketo Town Shochu “Kaze no Tani”: A local specialty made from Hokkaido-grown potatoes. It is characterized by its fragrant aroma and refreshing taste.
- Oketo Soybeans “Izayoi”: Soybeans produced in Oketo Town. They have been recognized for their wonderful flavor and texture and were selected as one of the “Top Ten Ingredients of Hokkaido.”
- Oketo Blueberries: Blueberries grown in Hokkaido’s rich natural environment. They are popular for their rich sweetness and acidity.
- Oketo Town Milk: Fresh milk obtained from dairy cows raised on the vast land of Oketo Town. It is delicious to drink as is, and there are also processed products like ice cream and butter.
- Oketo Town Surf Clams: Surf clams harvested from the sea around Oketo Town are known for their crunchy texture and rich umami flavor. They are used in various dishes such as sashimi, stews, and grilled dishes.
Annual Events
- “Oketo Winter Festival”: Held in February, featuring ice attractions and delicious local cuisine. Don’t miss the ice sculptures and illuminations.
- “Golden Week Gourmet Market”: A food festival held in May, where you can taste fresh local vegetables, seafood, and the specialty potatoes.
- “Summer Festival”: A summer festival held in August, featuring bon odori dances and fireworks, popular with families.
- “Otosensei Festival”: Held in October, where you can experience the production and sale of the town’s specialty, otosensei (a type of rice cracker).
- “Autumn Harvest Festival”: A festival held in November to celebrate the harvest, where you can enjoy the sale of fresh vegetables and fruits from the town and agricultural experiences.
Access Methods
- By Plane: About 1 hour from New Chitose Airport to Kushiro Airport. Then, about 3 hours by car to Oketo Town.
- By Train: Take the Limited Express Ozora from JR Sapporo Station and get off at Kushiro Station. From there, it takes about 1 hour by local train to Oketo Station.
- By Bus: About 6 hours by direct bus from Sapporo Bus Terminal. Several buses operate daily.
- By Car: About 5 hours from Sapporo City via the Dōō Expressway and Hokkaido Shinkansen.
- By Ferry: Ferry from Tomakomai Port to Kushiro Port, taking about 9 hours. Then, about 3 hours by car to Oketo Town.
Tourist Attractions
- Oketo Forest Park – A nature-rich park where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes.
- Oketo Town Historical and Folklore Museum – A museum where you can learn about local history and culture.
- Okohomai Lake – A beautiful lake where you can enjoy fishing and boating.
- Oketo Town Library – A library with a rich collection and a quiet reading space.
- Oketo Town General Gymnasium – A facility where you can enjoy various sports.
