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Complete Guide to Oshamanbe Town, Hokkaido | Tourism, Culture, Local Products, and Access Information

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北海道長万部町の風景
population 4,631 peoples
area 310.76 km²
population density 14.9 peoples/km²

Located in the northern part of the Oshima Subprefecture in Hokkaido, Oshamanbe Town is blessed with both the sea and mountains, forming a landscape where people have long lived in harmony with nature. The history of the area is deeply rooted in Ainu culture, and the name “Oshamanbe” itself is derived from the Ainu language. With the development of railways and national highways, Oshamanbe grew as a vital transportation hub, particularly around Oshamanbe Station, where the Hakodate Main Line and the Muroran Main Line intersect. Today, the fishing industry—especially scallops and horsehair crabs—plays a central role in the local economy. Festivals such as the Oshamanbe Hairy Crab Festival attract many visitors, showcasing the town’s energetic culture. Daily life here is intertwined with Hokkaido dialects, locally sourced seafood, and natural scenery that changes dramatically across the seasons. From vibrant summers to snowy winters, Oshamanbe offers visitors a rich variety of sights and experiences.

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Culture & Traditions

Oshamanbe Town forms a unique cultural landscape where nature and tradition coexist. The influence of Ainu culture remains visible in local place names, historical sites, and legends. The Kunui area, associated with the historical Shakushain War, holds particular cultural importance. With the opening of railway lines, Oshamanbe developed as a key logistical point, home to bustling inns, shops, and transport facilities. Today, fishing and tourism have become core industries, and coastal communities remain active with scallop and crab harvesting. Local residents speak Hokkaido dialects naturally, and culinary culture based on seafood and mountain vegetables remains strong. The “Oshamanbe Hairy Crab Festival,” one of the most popular events in southern Hokkaido, draws large crowds annually. Traditional hot springs such as Oshamanbe Onsen and Futamata Radium Hot Spring also play an important role in the region’s culture. Historical structures and cultural facilities are spread throughout the town, allowing visitors to experience both nature and history in a single journey.

Local Specialties

  • Oshamanbe Scallops: Known for their thick, sweet flesh, the scallops harvested off Oshamanbe are prized both fresh and as processed products.
  • Kani Meshi (Crab Rice Bento): A nationally famous station lunch box originating from Oshamanbe Station. Fresh horsehair crab meat is delicately flaked and placed over rice cooked in a special soy-based sauce.
  • Oshamanbe Rice Crackers: Light and crispy rice crackers made using traditional techniques, loved as a classic local souvenir.
  • San Meat Kimura’s Seasoned Hormone: A flavorful marinated offal dish made by a local butcher, popular among residents and visitors alike.
  • Golden Horsehair Crab: The hairy crabs from the Uchiura Bay area are known for their firm meat and exceptionally rich crab butter, considered a premium delicacy.

Annual Events

  • Oshamanbe Spring Festival (May): Features sales of fresh seafood, spring vegetables, and live performances celebrating the arrival of early summer.
  • Oshamanbe Hairy Crab Festival (July): The town’s largest event, offering freshly boiled horsehair crabs cooked in massive pots, along with lively entertainment.
  • Oshamanbe Fireworks Festival (Summer): Dazzling fireworks illuminate the ocean surface, creating a spectacular summer night atmosphere.
  • Iinoue Shrine Annual Festival (August): A traditional shrine festival featuring mikoshi parades and a nighttime procession with lanterns.
  • Oshamanbe Snow Lantern Festival (Winter): Handmade snow lanterns light up the winter streets in a magical display.

Access

  • By Air: About 2 hours by car from New Chitose Airport; rental cars and highway buses are available.
  • By Train: The Oshamanbe Station on the Hakodate Main Line and Muroran Main Line serves as the main transportation hub, with limited express trains stopping.
  • By Bus: Highway buses operate from Sapporo and Hakodate, stopping in central Oshamanbe.
  • By Car: Approximately 2.5 hours from Sapporo via Route 5 or Route 230. The Dō-Ō Expressway offers easy regional access.
  • By Ferry: While Oshamanbe has no ferry port, travelers can drive from Hakodate Port in about 90 minutes.

Tourist Attractions

Related Links

List of Major Cities in Hokkaido

Hokkaido Major Cities – Overview Page

Oshima General Subprefecture List

Oshima General Subprefecture Overview
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