| population | 3,415 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 233.57 km² |
| population density | 14.6 peoples/km² |
Located at the westernmost edge of the Iburi Subprefecture in Hokkaido, Toyoura Town is a scenic coastal community facing Uchiura Bay (also known as Funka Bay). Deeply influenced by Ainu culture, Toyoura developed during the Meiji era as settlers from Honshu began cultivating the land. Today, the town thrives on both agriculture and fisheries—especially scallop farming, which originated in the Rebungawa district. The area’s fertile soil produces high-quality strawberries, potatoes, rice, and asatsuki (wild chives, for which Toyoura ranks first in Hokkaido). The locals live in close harmony with nature, preserving regional dialects and traditional Ainu customs. Seasonal events such as the Toyoura Summer Festival and the Snow Festival bring together the community and visitors alike. Surrounded by mountains and the sea, Toyoura offers a calm yet vibrant lifestyle rooted in respect for nature and history.
Cultural Heritage & Traditions
Toyoura is a place where nature and history coexist harmoniously. Traces of ancient Ainu settlements remain, with the Kamui Chashi Historical Site Park preserving an Ainu fortress and ritual site designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. During the Meiji era, settlers from Miyagi and Yamanashi Prefectures established agricultural communities, and that pioneering spirit continues today in the town’s strong dairy and livestock industries. Local residents use the Hokkaido dialect in daily life, and cultural preservation activities are common throughout the community. Festivals such as the Toyoura Summer Festival and the Toyoura Snow Festival are major annual events that showcase local culture and strengthen social bonds. Visitors can also discover traditional Ainu handcrafts and wood carvings, which express both artistic skill and cultural identity. With its deep history, cultural richness, and welcoming people, Toyoura is a place that leaves a lasting impression on everyone who visits.
Local Specialties
- Toyoura Strawberries: One of Hokkaido’s best-known strawberry-producing areas. The berries are sweet and juicy, and every June the town hosts the popular “Strawberry & Pork Festival” featuring freshly harvested fruit.
- Asatsuki (Wild Chives): Toyoura leads Hokkaido in asatsuki production. The chives’ fresh aroma and crisp texture make them perfect for stir-fries or garnishes.
- Scallops: The Rebungawa district is recognized as the birthplace of scallop aquaculture in Funka Bay. The scallops’ freshness and firm texture are prized throughout Japan.
- Potatoes and Rice: The region’s gentle hills and abundant water sources yield potatoes with a rich, sweet flavor and high-quality rice known for its aroma and taste.
- Pork: Toyoura is among the leading pork producers in Hokkaido. Its tender, flavorful meat is featured in many local dishes and events.
Annual Events
- Toyoura Snow Festival: Held every February, this winter event features snow sculptures and ice candles that illuminate the streets, creating a magical winter landscape.
- Strawberry & Pork Festival: The town’s largest event, held in June, where visitors can taste dishes made with local strawberries and pork while enjoying live performances and stalls.
- Toyoura Fishery Harvest Festival: Taking place in October at Rebungawa Port, this lively event celebrates the town’s rich seafood harvest with scallop and crab sales.
- Toyoura Fireworks Festival: A summer highlight that lights up the sky over Funka Bay, offering a stunning view reflected on the water’s surface.
- Toyoura Industrial Fair: An autumn event showcasing local industries, agricultural products, and traditional crafts through exhibitions and performances.
Access
- By Air: About 1 hour and 30 minutes by car (approx. 120 km) from New Chitose Airport. Renting a car is the most convenient option.
- By Train: Take the JR Muroran Main Line to Toyoura Station. About 2 hours 15 minutes from Sapporo or 25 minutes from Oshamanbe.
- By Bus: Donan Bus connects Toyoura with Date City and Lake Toya. A town-operated bus also runs within Toyoura for local transportation.
- By Car: Use the Hokkaido Expressway via Toyoura IC. From Sapporo, the trip takes around 2.5 hours via National Route 230.
Tourist Attractions
- Kamui Chashi Historical Site Park – An Ainu fortress site restored as a scenic park, offering historical insights and panoramic ocean views.
- Toyoura Onsen Shiosai – A seaside hot spring facility overlooking Funka Bay, famous for its open-air bath and sunset views.
- Funka Bay Observation Park – A hilltop park offering a panoramic view of Toyoura and Funka Bay. Ideal for nightscapes and stargazing.
- Indian Water Wheel Park – A riverside spot where visitors can watch salmon swimming upstream during autumn.
- Koboro Station – One of Japan’s most secluded railway stations, accessible only by train. A must-see for rail enthusiasts.
