| population | 6,327 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 343.66 km² |
| population density | 18.4 peoples/km² |
Ozora Town, located in the Okhotsk region of Hokkaido, was established in 2006 through the merger of Memanbetsu Town and Higashimokoto Village. The name “Ozora,” meaning “great sky,” symbolizes the town’s identity as the “gateway to the sky” with Memanbetsu Airport and its vision for a bright, hopeful community living under the vast Hokkaido sky. The western area faces Lake Abashiri, while the eastern part stretches toward the foothills of Mt. Mokoto. Agriculture and dairy farming are the town’s major industries—paddy fields and wheat farms dominate the plains, while dairy herds graze on the rolling hills. With beautiful seasonal scenery such as the Shibazakura-covered hills and Märchen Hill’s wheat fields, Ozora is a place where people live in harmony with nature throughout the year.
Culture and Traditions
The culture of Ozora Town blends the traditions of the former Memanbetsu and Higashimokoto areas. In the Memanbetsu district, agricultural landscapes and vast farmlands form the iconic scenery known as Märchen Hill. Meanwhile, in the Higashimokoto area, the magnificent Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park symbolizes the town’s spirit—every spring from May to June, the slopes bloom in vivid pinks, attracting thousands of visitors. Local dialects and warm, close-knit communities are an essential part of life here. Festivals and regional events are central to social life, connecting generations and preserving cultural identity. Ozora Town continues to grow as a “town of agriculture and tourism,” where nature, people, and tradition live side by side.
Local Specialties
- Ozora Potatoes: The fertile soil and clean air produce high-quality potatoes such as Danshaku and May Queen, known for their fluffy texture and natural sweetness.
- Ozora Rice: Rice cultivation thrives in the lowlands along the Abashiri River, especially glutinous rice varieties like “Yumepirika” and “Nanatsuboshi,” prized for their flavor and appearance.
- Dairy and Cheese Products: At the Higashimokoto Dairy Center, visitors can enjoy locally made natural cheese and ice cream produced from fresh local milk.
- Natural Honey: Beekeepers at the foot of Mt. Mokoto produce rich, aromatic honey made from wildflowers blooming in the area’s pristine environment.
- Ozora Pork Shabu and Nagaimo Bowl: A signature local dish created under the concept of local production for local consumption. It features Ozora-grown pork, sticky yam, and rice in a flavorful rice bowl.
Annual Events
- Higashimokoto Shibazakura Festival: Held from early May to early June, this festival celebrates the blooming of Shibazakura (moss phlox) that blankets the hillsides in vibrant pink. The park is illuminated at night, offering a magical view.
- Memanbetsu Summer Festival: Taking place in late July, this event features the popular Dragon Boat Race on Lake Abashiri and a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the summer sky.
- Nonky Land Furusato Festival: A lively August festival in Higashimokoto where teams compete in the “hay bale rolling race” using 500 kg rolls—a unique event celebrating the town’s farming culture.
- Ozora Agricultural Festival: Held in November, this event showcases fresh local produce, food stalls, and entertainment celebrating the autumn harvest season.
- Ozora Snow Light Festival: A winter tradition featuring handmade snow lanterns that softly illuminate the snowy streets, creating a serene, dreamlike atmosphere.
Access
- By Air: Memanbetsu Airport is located within Ozora Town and offers direct flights from Tokyo (Haneda), Osaka (Itami), Sapporo (New Chitose), and other major cities.
- By Train: The Memanbetsu Station on the JR Sekihoku Main Line connects Ozora to Kitami and Abashiri.
- By Bus: Regular bus services operated by Abashiri Bus and Hokkaido Kitami Bus connect the airport with Abashiri City, Kitami City, and Shari (Utoro Onsen) during summer.
- By Car: Accessible via National Routes 39 and 334. About 20 minutes from Abashiri, 15 minutes from Bihoro, and connected to the Hokkaido Expressway via the Memanbetsu Airport IC.
Tourist Attractions
- Märchen Hill – The town’s iconic viewpoint with rolling fields, windbreak trees, and a panoramic landscape representing rural Hokkaido.
- Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park – One of Japan’s most famous moss phlox parks, covering the hillside in vivid pink during May.
- Mt. Mokoto – A 1,000-meter-high mountain offering hiking trails and spectacular views of Lake Abashiri and the Sea of Okhotsk.
- Asahigaoka Observation Deck – Located near Märchen Hill, this scenic spot offers views of sunflower fields in summer and golden waves of wheat in autumn.
- Higashimokoto Dairy Center – A popular facility where visitors can experience cheese-making and taste locally produced dairy products and ice cream.
