| population | 5,364 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 304.92 km² |
| population density | 17.6 peoples/km² |
Welcome to Kyowa Town, located in the scenic Shiribeshi region of Hokkaido’s Iwanai District. Nestled between the southern part of the Shakotan Peninsula and the Niseko mountain range, Kyowa boasts rich natural surroundings, including the mystical Shinsen Marsh and peaks such as Yatsunai-dake, Weisshorn, and Chisenupuri. The area has long been influenced by Ainu culture, where people have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. Since the Meiji era, rice cultivation became the foundation of settlement, and today Kyowa is widely known for its signature agricultural brand, “Raiden.” Seasonal beauty, from vibrant summers to snow-covered winters, continues to attract visitors. The community values local dialects and traditions, and the townspeople foster strong ties through festivals and cultural events. Kyowa Town is a place where nature, history, and culture merge, offering an authentic glimpse into Hokkaido’s charm.
Culture & Traditions
The culture of Kyowa Town is deeply rooted in harmony with nature and influenced by Ainu traditions. Agriculture has long been the backbone of the region, originally focusing on rice cultivation. Today, fruit farming such as watermelons and melons flourishes, establishing the well-known “Raiden Brand.” Local residents nurture community ties through seasonal events that celebrate the bounty of nature and the rhythm of rural life.
The highlight of summer is the Kyowa Scarecrow Festival, where rows of unique scarecrows fill the town, bringing smiles to visitors and locals alike. Another key attraction is the Fureai Farm, where visitors can experience agricultural life hands-on. During the long snowy season, locals turn winter into a time of celebration, with events featuring snow sculptures and family-friendly outdoor games. These cultural traditions embody the town’s identity and leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.
Specialty Products
- Raiden Watermelon: Kyowa’s most famous product, known for its large size, crisp texture, and intense sweetness. Highly valued across Japan.
- Raiden Melon: A symbol of the town alongside watermelon, prized for its rich aroma and juicy, sweet flavor.
- Sweet Corn: Grown in a cool climate, Kyowa’s corn is exceptionally sweet, often enjoyed fresh and even raw.
- Potatoes & Pumpkins: Classic Hokkaido produce with hearty textures and deep flavors, cultivated in fertile soils.
- Broccoli: A nutritious crop that is grown in abundance, widely distributed to markets across Hokkaido.
Annual Events
- Kyowa Scarecrow Festival: The town’s signature summer festival, showcasing imaginative scarecrows and bringing together locals and visitors.
- Fureai Farm Experience: A hands-on agricultural program where participants can harvest crops and taste fresh produce, popular with families.
- Winter Events: Seasonal activities that embrace heavy snowfall, including snow sculpture contests and snow-play events for children.
Access
- By Air: The nearest major airport is New Chitose Airport. From there, Kyowa is about a 2.5-hour drive.
- By Train: JR Hakodate Main Line’s Kozawa Station is the nearest stop. (The former Iwanai Line once branched off here but is now closed.)
- By Bus: Accessible via Hokkaido Chuo Bus or Niseko Bus from neighboring towns such as Iwanai and Kutchan.
- By Car: About 2.5 hours from Sapporo via National Route 5; approximately 1.5 hours from Otaru.
Tourist Attractions
- Shinsen Marsh – A high-altitude wetland in the Niseko mountain range, known for its mystical beauty and seasonal scenery.
- Seiho Nishimura Memorial Museum – An art museum showcasing the works of renowned painter Seiho Nishimura, who hailed from Kyowa.
- Scarecrow Furusato Hall – A local museum highlighting agricultural history and the origins of the town’s scarecrow tradition.
- Horoni Railway Memorial Park – A park built on the former Horoni Station site, preserving the history of the discontinued Iwanai Line.
