Sobetsu Town in Hokkaido has deep and rich attractions. The history of this area is heavily influenced by Ainu culture and is filled with the hardships and hopes of the pioneering era. The locals cherish the customs of Ainu culture and the Hokkaido dialect, embodying the pride and identity of the region. The main industry is agriculture, with grains and vegetables coloring the vast land, but in recent years, the tourism industry has also been steadily developing. Particularly in winter, the “Sobetsu Lake Winter Festival” is held, offering a glimpse of how people coexist with nature amidst the harsh cold. In autumn, a harvest festival takes place, overflowing with the joy of the townspeople celebrating a year’s worth of labor. Sobetsu Town evokes a sense of strength in overcoming harsh environments while coexisting with its rich natural surroundings. Additionally, the town’s specialty, “Sobetsu Yaki,” is a dish made with fresh local vegetables and meat, which is very popular among visitors. Furthermore, the beautiful natural environment is perfect for outdoor activities, with various seasonal pleasures such as hiking, camping, and fishing. Sobetsu Town continues to captivate visitors with its multifaceted charm.
Culture and Customs
Sobetsu Town in Hokkaido is known for its unique culture and customs woven from its natural environment and deep history. Its history begins with the influence of Ainu culture and extends to the modern pioneering era. The local dialect of Hokkaido is used, and Ainu cultural practices are rooted in daily life. The town’s main industry is agriculture, and its rich nature allows for the production of various crops. In recent years, tourism has also developed, taking advantage of the beautiful landscapes. From this environment, a lifestyle coexisting with nature has emerged, and the harsh winter cold significantly impacts the lives of the local people. Additionally, various festivals are held throughout the year in Sobetsu Town. Among them, the Sobetsu Lake Winter Festival and the autumn harvest festival are particularly famous. These festivals provide opportunities for the local people to enjoy the seasons and express gratitude for the rich nature. The culture and customs of Sobetsu Town are unique, shaped by its regional characteristics, history, and natural environment, leaving a deep impression on visitors. The local people have cultivated a unique sense of community and cooperation by living alongside the harsh natural environment. The distinctive lifestyle and thinking nurtured in this area offer visitors new perspectives and emotions, evoking deep empathy.
Local Specialties
- Showa Shinzan Lavender: The lavender specialty of Sobetsu Town is cultivated at Showa Shinzan. Its fragrance is highly valued and is used in a variety of products such as sachets, soaps, and lotions.
- Meat from Sobetsu Town: Fresh meat production is active in Sobetsu Town, particularly lamb and pork for Genghis Khan, which are known nationwide. These meats are popular for their tenderness and rich flavor.
- Sobetsu Melon: The melons produced in Sobetsu Town are very sweet, and their deliciousness is known nationwide. This melon, created by high-quality soil and climate conditions, is characterized by its sweetness and juiciness.
- Sobetsu Onsen: Sobetsu Town has hot springs known for their skin-beautifying effects. They are characterized by a rich flow rate and beautiful water color, attracting tourists.
- Sobetsu Town Wine: Grapes are cultivated in Sobetsu Town, and wine is produced using these grapes. Its unique taste and aroma are highly rated by wine enthusiasts.
Annual Events
- Sobetsu Lake Festival: A summer festival held in July, featuring fireworks and music live performances as main events. Both locals and tourists enjoy it.
- Event de Higuma: This event held in August aims to deepen understanding of local brown bear conservation activities through various exhibits and lectures.
- Autumn Grand Harvest Festival: Held in October, it features sales of local agricultural products and specialties, as well as communal meals to celebrate the year’s harvest.
- Snow Festival: Held in February, it showcases large snow sculptures and allows visitors to enjoy local gourmet food. It is a major winter event to enjoy the snowy scenery.
- New Year’s First Sunrise: Every January 1st, visitors can see the first sunrise from Sobetsu Lake, spending a quiet time to welcome the new year.
Access Methods
- By Air: It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport to Sobetsu Town. New Chitose Airport has convenient access from both domestic and international locations and is ideal as a travel base.
- By Train: It takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes from JR Sapporo Station to Tomakomai Station via the express “Super Okhotsk” along the Sea of Japan side. From there, it takes about 40 minutes by taxi.
- By Bus: Take a bus from Sapporo to New Chitose Airport and get off at New Chitose Airport Station. From there, transfer to a bus bound for Sobetsu Town. The entire journey takes about 3 hours.
- By Car: It takes about 2 hours by car from Sapporo to Sobetsu Town. Using the Dōō Expressway allows for a comfortable drive.
- By Bicycle: For those who want to enjoy nature while traveling, cycling is recommended. You can leisurely ride the approximately 80 km from Sapporo to Sobetsu Town.
Tourist Attractions
- Showa Shinzan – A new mountain that suddenly appeared in 1939.
- Usagi Island – A small island floating on the lake, said to be inhabited by rabbits.
- Taisho Pond – A lake formed by an eruption during the Taisho era, offering beautiful scenery.
- Sobetsu Lake – A caldera lake where you can enjoy seasonal landscapes.
- Usu Mountain – An active volcano with magnificent views from the summit.
