| population | 17,640 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 513.76 km² |
| population density | 34.3 peoples/km² |
Nestled in the scenic Tokachi Plain of western Hokkaido, Memuro Town is a place where history, nature, and the warmth of its people harmoniously blend. The name “Memuro” originates from the Ainu words “Memu-oro-pet,” meaning “a river flowing from a spring.” Surrounded by fertile farmland and the majestic Hidaka Mountains, Memuro has grown as one of Hokkaido’s leading agricultural centers since its early days of development in the Meiji era (late 19th century).
Today, Memuro is widely recognized for producing top-quality wheat, potatoes, adzuki beans, sugar beets, and sweet corn—crops that symbolize the abundance of Tokachi. The rhythm of life here follows the four seasons: planting in spring, lively festivals in summer, abundant harvests in autumn, and serene snowy winters. Residents take pride in their warm community spirit, their use of the distinctive Hokkaido dialect, and their cultural heritage. The town is also known as the birthplace of gateball, a sport that began here in 1947 and has since spread worldwide. Memuro is a town where the richness of nature and the pioneering spirit of its people live side by side.
Culture and Traditions
Founded in 1886 by early settlers such as Jutaro Suzuki, Memuro Town retains deep connections to its pioneering roots. Agriculture remains the backbone of the local economy, with expansive farmlands stretching across the Tokachi Plain. The town’s landscape is filled with seasonal beauty—from fresh green fields in spring to golden harvests in autumn—each reflecting the steady rhythm of rural life.
Annual festivals celebrate the harmony between people and nature. The Memuro Summer Festival brings together residents and visitors for live performances, local cuisine, and fireworks that light up the night sky. In winter, the Hyoutouya Snow and Light Festival transforms the town with hundreds of glowing ice lanterns, creating an ethereal winter wonderland. The Memuro Harvest Thanksgiving Festival honors the town’s rich agricultural heritage. Through these events, Memuro continues to preserve its traditions of cooperation, gratitude, and celebration of nature’s bounty.
Local Specialties
- Memuro Sweet Corn: A symbol of summer in Memuro, known for its exceptional sweetness and freshness. The “morning-picked” corn, sold directly at local markets, is a seasonal favorite.
- Memuro Potatoes: Grown in fertile Tokachi soil, these potatoes have a fluffy texture and rich flavor, widely used in potato chips and home-style cooking.
- Adzuki and Soybeans: Memuro is one of Japan’s major bean-producing regions. Its high-quality adzuki beans are prized by confectionery makers across the country.
- Memuro Milk: Produced in the rich pastures of Tokachi, this fresh Hokkaido milk offers a creamy yet refreshing taste that reflects the natural environment.
- Beet-Derived Oligosaccharides: Sweeteners extracted from sugar beets are used in health foods and confections, representing Memuro’s commitment to natural, locally sourced ingredients.
Annual Events
- Hyoutouya (Ice and Light Festival) (Early February): Held at Memuro Park, this winter event illuminates the snow-covered town with hundreds of handmade ice and snow lanterns, offering visitors a magical experience.
- Mount Fushimi Opening Ceremony (Mid-June): The official start of the climbing season for Mount Fushimi, one of the scenic peaks in the Hidaka Mountains. A popular event for hikers and nature enthusiasts.
- Memuro Summer Festival (Late July): The biggest event of the year, featuring live performances, local food stalls, parades, and fireworks. It showcases the vibrant community spirit of the town.
- National Gateball Tournament (Late August–Early September): As the birthplace of gateball, Memuro proudly hosts this nationwide competition where players from all over Japan gather to compete and celebrate the sport’s heritage.
- Memuro Harvest Thanksgiving Festival (November 23): A celebration of the year’s agricultural blessings, featuring local produce markets, food tasting, and family-friendly activities.
Access
- By Air: The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport. It takes about two hours by car (approximately 160 km) via the Doto Expressway to reach central Memuro.
- By Train: Take the JR Nemuro Main Line to Memuro Station. The ride from Obihiro Station takes about 15 minutes, or 2.5 hours from New Chitose Airport (with transfer at Minami-Chitose).
- By Bus: The Tokachi Bus network connects Memuro with Obihiro and Sapporo. The express “Potato Liner” bus from Sapporo takes approximately three hours.
- By Car: Accessible via the Doto Expressway’s Memuro IC or Memuro-Obihiro IC. It’s a 20-minute drive from Obihiro City and about two hours from Sapporo.
Tourist Attractions
- Memuro Town Local History Museum “Nenrin” – A museum showcasing the town’s pioneering history, including exhibits about the origins of gateball and local cultural heritage.
- Memuro Park – Known for its oak forests and seasonal flowers, this park is a favorite for picnics, strolls, and the annual Iris Garden in summer.
- Shin-Arashiyama Sky Park Observatory – A scenic viewpoint overlooking the Tokachi Plain and Hidaka Mountains. Popular for hiking in summer and skiing in winter.
- Obihiro Country Club – A premier golf course surrounded by Hokkaido’s vast natural landscape, ideal for both local and visiting golfers.
- Tokachi River Trail – A riverside walking path perfect for birdwatching and enjoying the serene beauty of the Tokachi landscape.
