Welcome to Niki Town, located in a corner of Hokkaido. This town retains a strong influence of Ainu culture and has a rich history of development from the Meiji era. Additionally, it is active in fruit cultivation and wine production, taking advantage of its abundant natural environment, where people enjoy a lifestyle utilizing local ingredients. Niki Town continues to maintain a lifestyle that values regional products while coexisting with its rich nature. The dialect spoken locally is unique to Hokkaido, and there are also distinctive regional customs. Various festivals are held throughout the year, such as the Niki Cherry Blossom Festival and the Niki Wine Festival, further enhancing the town’s charm. Niki Town captivates all who visit, and we will introduce you in detail to its charm, history, lifestyle, dialect, and festivals. The depth of its history can be felt through the Ainu ruins scattered throughout the town and the buildings from the pioneering era. Moreover, sweets and dishes made from locally produced fruits, as well as wine, delight the palates of visitors and enrich the lives of local people.
Culture and Customs
Niki Town in Hokkaido is characterized by a lifestyle that coexists with its rich nature. Here, the utilization of local products is actively pursued, particularly in fruit cultivation and wine production. Local festivals such as the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Wine Festival are designed to enjoy these products. The history of Niki Town is deeply engraved with the influence of Ainu culture and the development of the Meiji era. The local people speak Hokkaido dialect and preserve unique regional customs. Life in this town is alive with harmony with nature and activities that make use of its blessings. The culture woven from the past and future, nature and humanity resonates deeply with visitors. This is the charm of Niki Town and the essence of its culture and customs. For example, the sight of local people starting to prune fruit trees all at once in spring, and the announcements seeking help for harvesting in summer, truly reflect a deep love and pride for local products. Additionally, the warmth of the people of Niki Town, who welcome visitors with kindness amidst daily conversations infused with dialect and customs rich in Ainu culture, is palpable.
Local Specialties
- Niki Wine: A wine brewed using Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown in Niki Town, made with traditional methods.
- Niki Milk: Fresh and delicious milk produced from cows raised in Hokkaido’s vast natural environment.
- Niki Salmon: Salmon farmed in seawater in Niki Town, known for its firm flesh and rich flavor.
- Niki Tomatoes: Tomatoes grown in the Ishikari Plain, praised for their perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making them suitable for both raw consumption and cooking.
- Niki Melons: Carefully cultivated Niki melons, taking advantage of Hokkaido’s cool summer, stand out for their sweetness and aroma.
Annual Events
- Niki Town Cherry Blossom Festival: Usually held from late April to early May, visitors can enjoy picnics under the cherry blossoms at the Hokkaido University of Agriculture, a famous cherry blossom spot.
- Niki Town Grape Festival: Held every late August, where visitors can taste and purchase fresh grapes grown locally, and even experience grape picking.
- Niki Town Winter Festival: Held in mid-February, featuring snow sculpture creation and various winter events, offering unique winter enjoyment.
- Niki Town Potato Festival: Held in mid-September, where visitors can enjoy tasting and purchasing fresh potatoes, as well as experience potato digging.
- Niki Town Sweet Potato Senbei Festival: Also held in mid-September, where visitors can taste and experience making senbei (rice crackers) using locally produced sweet potatoes.
Access Methods
- By Air: Frequent flights operate to New Chitose Airport from across the country. From there, you can take a taxi or rent a car to reach Niki Town.
- By Train: You can take the JR Hakodate Main Line from Sapporo to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto, and then transfer to a bus to Niki Town.
- By Bus: Direct buses operate from New Chitose Airport, providing a relatively inexpensive way to reach Niki Town.
- By Car: You can access Niki Town via the Dō-Ō Expressway. Depending on road conditions, traveling by car is convenient.
- By Bicycle: It is also possible to visit by bicycle from nearby towns, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful nature along the way.
Tourist Attractions
- Niki Town Fruit Park – A park where you can enjoy various fruit picking activities.
- Niki Forest Park – A nature-rich park where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes.
- Niki Town Historical and Folklore Museum – A museum where you can learn about the history and culture of Niki Town.
- Niki Town Tourist Center – A facility that provides local specialties and tourist information.
- Niki Town Nature Learning Center – A facility for nature experiences and learning.
