Mashike Town, located in the northern land of Japan, Hokkaido, is a region where charm and history intersect. Its history began with Ainu culture and has been shaped by pioneers during the Meiji era. The town’s life is deeply connected to fishing and agriculture, as well as its rich natural environment. The people of Mashike Town coexist with nature and maintain a diet that utilizes marine products. Additionally, the local language and customs reflect the influence of Ainu culture and the unique dialects of Hokkaido. Events such as the “Mashike Festival” and the “Ainu Cultural Festival,” held throughout the year, are important occasions that convey the town’s culture and history to visitors. Once you visit, you will undoubtedly be drawn in by the charm of Mashike Town, which I will introduce in detail from now on. Its rich nature is also popular as a tourist destination, especially the stunning autumn foliage. Furthermore, dishes made with locally sourced fresh seafood delight the palates of visiting travelers. The warmth of the local people and the captivating scenery of the changing seasons will make you want to return to this place time and again.
Culture and Customs
Mashike Town in Hokkaido is deeply influenced by Ainu culture and has a history of pioneering from the Meiji era. The main industries of this town are fishing and agriculture, with marine products and crops nurtured in a rich natural environment adding color to daily meals. The townspeople lead lives that coexist with nature, characterized by a diet that utilizes marine products. Hokkaido dialect is spoken as a local dialect, and customs derived from Ainu culture can also be observed. These elements foster a unique regional culture that is passed down through generations. On the other hand, events such as the “Mashike Festival” and the “Ainu Cultural Festival” are held to celebrate the region’s culture and history. At the “Mashike Festival,” there are stalls where you can enjoy local seafood and various events that involve participants from a wide range of generations. The “Ainu Cultural Festival” provides opportunities to experience traditional Ainu life and culture. These festivals are events where you can fully appreciate the charm of Mashike Town. Additionally, the town is known for its abundant dishes made with local seafood, especially sashimi and sushi made with fresh seafood, which are exquisite. The surrounding area is filled with beautiful nature, allowing for outdoor activities such as hiking and fishing. These elements leave a deep impression on visitors and enhance the town’s appeal.
Local Specialties
- “Mashike Wine”: A specialty of Mashike Town, known as a wine-producing area in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy a unique flavor created by the soil and climate.
- “Mashike Beef”: A brand of beef that boasts tender meat with a strong sweetness, proudly produced in Mashike Town.
- “Scallops”: Scallops raised in the waters around Mashike Town are a seafood delight known for their size and freshness.
- “Mashike Honey”: Honey produced by bees raised in the town allows you to experience the flavors of nature-rich Mashike Town.
- “Mashike Soba”: Soba grown in the cool climate is fragrant and characterized by its firm texture, making it a local specialty.
Annual Events
- Winter Seafood Festival: Held every January, this festival features fresh seafood and is an irresistible event for seafood lovers.
- Thoroughbred Festival: This festival, held in May, offers opportunities to interact with thoroughbreds and experience horse-drawn carriage rides.
- Mashike Summer Festival: Held in July, this festival features bon odori dances by citizens and a fireworks display, capturing the essence of summer.
- Mashike Port Festival: Centered around a maritime fireworks display in September, local fishermen also sell seafood.
- Santa Maria Festival: A major event in December leading up to Christmas, where the entire town is enveloped in a Christmas atmosphere.
Access Methods
- By Air: It takes about 2.5 hours by car from New Chitose Airport to Mashike Town. Flights are available from various locations across the country.
- By Train: The JR Mashike Line has a station, “Mashike Station,” within the town. It takes about 3.5 hours from Sapporo on the Limited Express Rishiri.
- By Bus: There are also express buses from New Chitose Airport, such as “Dōō Bus,” that go to Mashike. The travel time is about 4 hours.
- By Car: Use the Dōō Expressway, taking Route 231 from Takikawa IC. The travel time is about 3.5 hours.
- By Ferry: From Tomakomai Port, use the Sōya Main Line to reach the Mashike Ferry Terminal. The travel time is about 7 hours.
Tourist Attractions
- Mashike Coast – A nature-rich spot known for its beautiful coastline and sunsets.
- Mashike Onsen – A hot spring with flowing spring water, perfect for relaxing both body and mind.
- Mashike Beef – A brand of beef from Hokkaido, where you can enjoy delicious meat dishes.
- Great Cedar of Mashike – Known as a power spot with cedar trees over 30 meters tall.
- Mashike Mountain – A nature-rich mountain ideal for climbing and hiking.
