Koshimizu Town, sprawling across the vast land of Hokkaido, has a rich history of development dating back to the Meiji era. It boasts a nature-rich environment and a vibrant local community. During the Showa era, agriculture flourished, and today it is known as a town where potato production is thriving. By interacting with the locals, you can hear the Hokkaido dialect and feel the town’s culture and traditions alive through seasonal events, the Koshimizu hometown festival, and the winter snow festival. When you visit Koshimizu Town, enjoy its charm through its history, industries, living environment, dialects, customs, and festivals. The town is also rich in seafood, with scallops being a particular pride. Fresh scallops caught locally are not only delicious when grilled but are also used in various dishes. Additionally, the town’s scenery is not to be missed. You can spend a leisurely time enjoying beautiful landscapes while experiencing the warmth of the local people.
Culture and Customs
Koshimizu Town in Hokkaido is known for its beautiful natural environment and rich local culture. It was developed during the Meiji era, and agriculture flourished during the Showa era. The main industry is agriculture, particularly active in potato production. Life in the town is vibrant, with a strong community that connects through seasonal events. The Hokkaido dialect is spoken, playing a role in deepening communication among residents. The town’s main festivals include the “Koshimizu Hometown Festival” and the winter snow festival. These festivals embody local customs and provide opportunities to strengthen community bonds. Life in Koshimizu Town strongly reflects coexistence with nature and the power of the local community. Its simple and warm culture offers pleasant surprises and empathy to visitors. Additionally, locals often enjoy dishes made with the specialty product, potatoes, which also express the region’s character. The seasonal landscapes inspire visitors and enhance the town’s charm.
Local Specialties
- Koshimizu Town’s chili pepper “Koshimizu-kun”: A rare sweet chili pepper known worldwide, characterized by its rich sweetness and umami due to the farmers’ careful cultivation.
- Koshimizu Town rice “Nanatsuboshi”: Grown in Hokkaido’s clean water and rich soil, it is praised for its glossy appearance and chewy texture when cooked.
- “Koshimizu Town seaweed”: A marine treasure filled with the umami of seaweed nurtured by the cold, with a distinctive flavor.
- Koshimizu Town’s delicious water “Seiryuu no Mizu”: A famous water springing from Hokkaido’s great nature, highly rated for its taste even when drunk straight.
- Koshimizu Town radish “Koshimizu Daikon”: A radish characterized by its pure white color and soft texture, used in oden and salads.
Annual Events
- Winter Hoya Festival: Held every mid-February, featuring dishes made with the town’s specialty product, hoya (sea pineapple), allowing visitors to enjoy authentic flavors.
- Sunshine Express: An event where you can enjoy the beautiful autumn scenery from a trolley train, held from mid-October to early November each year.
- Koshimizu Summer Festival: Held every August, featuring a fireworks display and bon odori, bustling with tourists and locals.
- Koshimizu Town Okhotsk Sea Opening: Held in early June each year, allowing visitors to enjoy the early summer Okhotsk Sea while praying for safety during the harsh winter months.
- Koshimizu Town Industrial Festival: Held in mid-November each year, an event where you can enjoy fresh local seafood and agricultural products, experiencing local ingredients and culture.
Access Methods
- By Air: The nearest airport is Asahikawa Airport. From there, it is convenient to travel by rental car or taxi.
- By Shinkansen: Use the Joetsu Shinkansen and get off at Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station. From there, take a bus or taxi.
- By Train: Take the JR Sapporo Station to the Limited Express Okhotsuku and get off at Shimokawa Station. From there, take a taxi.
- By Bus: Take a highway bus from Sapporo to Asahikawa. From Asahikawa, use local buses or taxis to reach Koshimizu Town.
- By Car: Use the Dōō Expressway and get off at Asahikawa Dōtō IC. From there, use local roads to reach Koshimizu Town.
Tourist Attractions
- Biei Hill – A beautiful hill where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes.
- Blue Pond – A natural art piece created by Biei, known for its blue water.
- Shirogane Onsen – A popular hot spring area in Biei.
- Biei Kenzo Museum – A museum showcasing works by Biei Kenzo.
- Charle Park – A park featuring landscapes created by Biei Kenzo.
