Esashi Town, Hokkaido

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Enjoy Slow Travel in
Esashi Area

【Overview of Esashi Town】
■Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station – Esashi Town (about 75 min. by bus)
■Hakodate Station – Esashi Town (about 135 minutes by bus)
Tour of the economy and culture of a port town recognized as a Japanese Heritage Site / Tour of the Warship Kaiyomaru and the History of the Meiji Restoration / Nature and Marineping Experience / Esashi Gourmet Trip

Hokkaido Esashi Tourism Mirai Organization
Kaiyomaru Youth Center, 1-10, Ubagamicho, Esashi-cho, Hiyama-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：+81-139-56-1144

Portal site for Tourist information of Hokkaido Esashi Town
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Information about Esashi Town in southern Hokkaido.
‘The herring fishing’ that the merchants who came on goods-carrying merchant ships gathered to Hokkaido for.
It was a town of that legend and prosperity, and it was part of the Meiji Restoration that headed Japan toward a modern nation. The location where the first huge warship Kaiyo Maru sank by the late Tokugawa period is Esashi. Today you are able to view it.
The sea of Esashi, nature, the evening view are protected carefully and are still same. You can hear about the multilayered history in Oiwake, Esashi and the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival.

A day to enjoy Esashi's history and culture (only here!)

Esashi Port, a Japanese Heritage Town: May in Esashi, a town where herring thrives like no other in Edo

Why don’t you plan a historical and cultural tour of southern Hokkaido based in Esashi Town?
■Port town recognized as a Japanese Heritage Site
Economy and Culture of Southern Hokkaido by Merchant Ships / Inishie Kaido Street and numerous merchant houses（Nakamura and Yokoyama families）/ Ubagamidaijingu Shrine
■Shipwreck site of the Kaiyomaru, the last warship of the Shogunate to leave Edo
Tour of a full-scale restored ship / Exhibition of artifacts recovered from the seabed
■The center of Japan’s Esashi Oiwake culture
Instruction and hands-on demonstration at Esashi Oiwake Kaikan

Heishi Rock
When Uba an elderly woman who was a local prophet at Kamome Island, she was handed a small broad-shouldered liquor bottle in the old days of 500 years ago by an old man and threw the broad-shouldered liquor bottle to the sea, this brought large quantities of herring. There is the legend that the broad-shouldered liquor bottle turned to stone, and appeared on the sea and is still worshiped like a God protecting safety at sea and bringing in a big catch.
Oiwake Hall / Esashi Float Hall
Informative material relating to the history and transitions of Esashi oiwake music is on display, and between the end of April to October stage performances are held showing Esashi music and Hokkaido folk songs. In the adjoining 'Yama Kaikan' (Float Hall), you can view the floats called dashi that were used in Hokkaido's oldest festival, the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival.
Ubagami Daijingu (the Grand Shrine of Ubagami)
Hokkaido's oldest shrine. The 8 scenic locations of Esashi, Boat Ema, a votive picture of boat, Orii legend as well as many other historical materials are on display. You can see miniature floats from the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival decorating the grounds.
Kaiyomaru Museum
The shogunate warship that played an active role in the last days of the Tokugawa shogunate. The Kaiyo Maru that sank off Esashi in 1868 has been restored to its original design. Inside there are 3000 remains that have been collected from the bottom of the sea on display.
Hokke-ji
A solemn building of the Muromachi era. The main gate is one of Hokkaido's oldest buildings built as the front gate of the Hiyama city magistrate's office more than 300 years ago. It worth seeing the 'the all-direction gazing dragon' drawn on the ceiling.
Esashi Higashi-Betsuin temple
Entering the city of Esashi from the direction of Hakodate, a massive temple gate and a large tiled roof in the middle of the mountain draws immediate attention. It is one of the six historic Shinshu Otani-ha Betsuin temples in Hokkaido.
Inishie Kaido Street
Restoring the cityscape which prospered with herring fishing and the goods-carrying merchant ships and the business and hinoki materials trade until early period of Meiji. You can gaze at the unique cityscape brimming with emotion.
Old Hiyama Nishi-gun government office 　 (Esashi-cho Local Material Museum)
You can see exhibits about nature, archaeology, the history, and the people of Esashi. The building is appointed as a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido. The splendid cloth designs restored on the walls and ceiling is the highlight.
The Former Sekikawa Family Villa
Summer House, Yokoyama House The houses of the business magnates of the times when Esashi prospered in herring fishing. Contemporary items used in daily life and ancient documents are displayed. It is a group of buildings representing the times.
Yokoyama Family Merchant House
The Yokoyama family can be traced back over 200 years. In the main house and the 4th warehouse, you can see tools and other items which were used for living in the golden age of herring fishing. It is one of the precious buildings to tell us how people at that time lived.
Heishi Rock：When Uba an elderly woman who was a local prophet at Kamome Island, she was handed a small broad-shouldered liquor bottle in the old days of 500 years ago by an old man and threw the broad-shouldered liquor bottle to the sea, this brought large quantities of herring. There is the legend that the broad-shouldered liquor bottle turned to stone, and appeared on the sea and is still worshiped like a God protecting safety at sea and bringing in a big catch.
Heishi Rock：When Uba an elderly woman who was a local prophet at Kamome Island, she was handed a small broad-shouldered liquor bottle in the old days of 500 years ago by an old man and threw the broad-shouldered liquor bottle to the sea, this brought large quantities of herring. There is the legend that the broad-shouldered liquor bottle turned to stone, and appeared on the sea and is still worshiped like a God protecting safety at sea and bringing in a big catch.
Ubagami Daijingu (the Grand Shrine of Ubagami)：Hokkaido's oldest shrine. The 8 scenic locations of Esashi, Boat Ema, a votive picture of boat, Orii legend as well as many other historical materials are on display. You can see miniature floats from the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival decorating the grounds.
Ubagami Daijingu (the Grand Shrine of Ubagami)：Hokkaido's oldest shrine. The 8 scenic locations of Esashi, Boat Ema, a votive picture of boat, Orii legend as well as many other historical materials are on display. You can see miniature floats from the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival decorating the grounds.
Inishie Kaido Street：Restoring the cityscape which prospered with herring fishing and the goods-carrying merchant ships and the business and hinoki materials trade until early period of Meiji. You can gaze at the unique cityscape brimming with emotion.
Inishie Kaido Street：Restoring the cityscape which prospered with herring fishing and the goods-carrying merchant ships and the business and hinoki materials trade until early period of Meiji. You can gaze at the unique cityscape brimming with emotion.
The Former Sekikawa Family Villa：Summer House, Yokoyama House The houses of the business magnates of the times when Esashi prospered in herring fishing. Contemporary items used in daily life and ancient documents are displayed. It is a group of buildings representing the times.
The Former Sekikawa Family Villa：Summer House, Yokoyama House The houses of the business magnates of the times when Esashi prospered in herring fishing. Contemporary items used in daily life and ancient documents are displayed. It is a group of buildings representing the times.
Oiwake Hall / Esashi Float Hall：Informative material relating to the history and transitions of Esashi oiwake music is on display, and between the end of April to October stage performances are held showing Esashi music and Hokkaido folk songs. In the adjoining 'Yama Kaikan' (Float Hall), you can view the floats called dashi that were used in Hokkaido's oldest festival, the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival.
Oiwake Hall / Esashi Float Hall：Informative material relating to the history and transitions of Esashi oiwake music is on display, and between the end of April to October stage performances are held showing Esashi music and Hokkaido folk songs. In the adjoining 'Yama Kaikan' (Float Hall), you can view the floats called dashi that were used in Hokkaido's oldest festival, the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival.
Yokoyama Family Merchant House：The Yokoyama family can be traced back over 200 years. In the main house and the 4th warehouse, you can see tools and other items which were used for living in the golden age of herring fishing. It is one of the precious buildings to tell us how people at that time lived.
Yokoyama Family Merchant House：The Yokoyama family can be traced back over 200 years. In the main house and the 4th warehouse, you can see tools and other items which were used for living in the golden age of herring fishing. It is one of the precious buildings to tell us how people at that time lived.
Esashi Higashi-Betsuin temple：Entering the city of Esashi from the direction of Hakodate, a massive temple gate and a large tiled roof in the middle of the mountain draws immediate attention. It is one of the six historic Shinshu Otani-ha Betsuin temples in Hokkaido.
Esashi Higashi-Betsuin temple：Entering the city of Esashi from the direction of Hakodate, a massive temple gate and a large tiled roof in the middle of the mountain draws immediate attention. It is one of the six historic Shinshu Otani-ha Betsuin temples in Hokkaido.
Old Hiyama Nishi-gun government office 　 (Esashi-cho Local Material Museum)：You can see exhibits about nature, archaeology, the history, and the people of Esashi. The building is appointed as a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido. The splendid cloth designs restored on the walls and ceiling is the highlight.
Old Hiyama Nishi-gun government office 　 (Esashi-cho Local Material Museum)：You can see exhibits about nature, archaeology, the history, and the people of Esashi. The building is appointed as a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido. The splendid cloth designs restored on the walls and ceiling is the highlight.
Hokke-ji：A solemn building of the Muromachi era. The main gate is one of Hokkaido's oldest buildings built as the front gate of the Hiyama city magistrate's office more than 300 years ago. It worth seeing the 'the all-direction gazing dragon' drawn on the ceiling.
Hokke-ji：A solemn building of the Muromachi era. The main gate is one of Hokkaido's oldest buildings built as the front gate of the Hiyama city magistrate's office more than 300 years ago. It worth seeing the 'the all-direction gazing dragon' drawn on the ceiling.
Kaiyomaru Museum：The shogunate warship that played an active role in the last days of the Tokugawa shogunate. The Kaiyo Maru that sank off Esashi in 1868 has been restored to its original design. Inside there are 3000 remains that have been collected from the bottom of the sea on display.
Kaiyomaru Museum：The shogunate warship that played an active role in the last days of the Tokugawa shogunate. The Kaiyo Maru that sank off Esashi in 1868 has been restored to its original design. Inside there are 3000 remains that have been collected from the bottom of the sea on display.
View Sightseeing Spots (Official Site)
View MAP

A day to enjoy nature and experiences in Esashi

Why not plan a trip to experience nature and culture at the Port of Esashi, blessed with nature?
Beach sports on Kamome Island）/  Camp /  Vivid Esashi sunset map /  “Marineping Experience” to feel the sky above the sea  /  Feel the harshness of the winter challenge “Taba Wind” /  Experience the historical town wearing Kimono / Matcha Making Experience / Stroll the historical town in a kimono

Walk through the city while learning the history of Esashi
Lighthouse marineping
Stroll the historical town in a kimono
Marineping (glamping) tent
Marine wheel
Learn the Esashi oiwake
Crab fishing on the beach of Kamome Island
Matcha Making Experience
Paddle out (SUP experience)
Esashi marine walk
Walk through the city while learning the history of Esashi
Walk through the city while learning the history of Esashi
Lighthouse marineping
Lighthouse marineping
Marineping (glamping) tent
Marineping (glamping) tent
Stroll the historical town in a kimono
Stroll the historical town in a kimono
Learn the Esashi oiwake
Learn the Esashi oiwake
Matcha Making Experience
Matcha Making Experience
Crab fishing on the beach of Kamome Island
Crab fishing on the beach of Kamome Island
Marine wheel
Marine wheel
Paddle out (SUP experience)
Paddle out (SUP experience)
Esashi marine walk
Esashi marine walk
View experience tourism(official site)

A day to enjoy walking around Esashi

Why don’t you plan a trip to Esashi Town to enjoy city walking and gourmet food?
Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival /  Japanese Heritage Walk /  Esashi Gourmet / Esashi Sunset Map

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Sabo Sekikawa shiratama zenzai with green tea
Yoshida Shoten rice ball set
Local seafood from Esashi
Gokatteyayoukan
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Nishin Soba
Sushi made with local ingredients
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Yamadaya Kashiten "Strawberry Daifuku"
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Kobayashi Milk Parlor "Oyaki"
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Sabo Sekikawa shiratama zenzai with green tea
Sabo Sekikawa shiratama zenzai with green tea
Yoshida Shoten rice ball set
Yoshida Shoten rice ball set
Local seafood from Esashi
Local seafood from Esashi
Gokatteyayoukan
Gokatteyayoukan
Nishin Soba
Nishin Soba
Sushi made with local ingredients
Sushi made with local ingredients
Asanoya Kashiten "Esashi no Shigejiro"
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View gourmet and shopping information (official site)

Communications & Events

ＥＶＥＮＴ

Winter Esashi 'Bimihyakusai' Hot Pot Festival (Early Feb.)

This is an event where visitors can enjoy nabe dishes such as local nabe from southern Hokkaido and creative nabe dishes, which are the pride of the vendors. In addition to local entertainment, brass band performances, and singing shows on stage, there will also be a children's playground and a raffle, making this a fun event for the whole family.

Kamome Island Festival (July)

It is a two-day festival of the sea held annually in early July in Esashi Town, Hokkaido. The festival is held at “Kamome Island,” the symbol of Esashi, and includes various events such as “Itsukushima Shrine Festival” to pray for safety at sea and a good catch of fish, a singing show, and a Kitamaebune Merchant Boat Rowing Competition.

Esashi - Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival (August)

Hokkaido's oldest festival. 13 luxurious floats (called yama) parade around the town. It is designated as Hokkaido heritage. In the 'Float Hall', you can see the floats used in the festival and the appearance of the festival.

Oiwake, Esashi National Tournament (September)

'Oiwake, Esashi' born and rooted into the long history and climate of Esashi. It has become traditional culture worthy of boasting to the world to the extent that there are branch offices not only in Japan but also in foreign countries. The big event where singers chosen from the whole country compete at singing 'Oiwakebushi' (Hokkaido folk tale).

View event information (official site)

A course to enjoy Esashi at a leisurely pace

Walk through the city while learning the history of Esashi

Guides from Esashi, who are well versed in local history, will take you to places such as the “Inishie Kaido” where many historical buildings are still preserved.
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Day trip

Kamome Island Marineping

Children and adults alike can enjoy the nature of Esashi by playing at the beach, taking guided walks, camping with nothing in hand, marineping, and more.
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Day trip
odging

Learn the Esashi oiwake

Esashi Oiwake Kaikan offers an Oiwake Dojo for customers who want to try singing Oiwake.
See more
30 min.～

Access

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Recommended route: From Hakodate

Take the South Hokkaido Railway from Hakodate Station to Kikonai Station (about 68 min.) - Transfer to a bus to Esashi Town (about 1 hr. 30 min.)

Recommended route: From Sapporo

Take the Limited Express from Sapporo Station to Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station (about 3 hr. 30 min.) - Transfer to a bus to Esashi Town (About 80 min.)

Recommended route: From Tokyo

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station (about 4 hr. 16 min.) - Transfer to a bus to Esashi Town (About 80 min.)

~ The view from the train window is a wonderful memory. ~

Ferry

Ferry from Okushiri (Okushiri Port to Esashi): about 2 hr. 10 min.

Bus (Hakodate Bus)
  • JR Hakodate Station – Ubagamicho Ferry-mae about 150 min.
  • JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station – Ubagamicho Ferry-mae about 80 min.
  • JR Kikonai Station – Ubagamicho Ferry-mae about 110 min.
  • Hakodate Airport – JR Hakodate Station about 20 min.
By car
  • About 70 min. from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station
  • About 60 min. from Kikonai Station
  • About 70 km from JR Hakodate Station, about 1 hr. 30 min.
  • About 300 km from JR Sapporo Station, about 4 hr. 30 min.
JR / Shinkansen
  • Tokyo Station – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (Shinkansen) about 4 hr. 16 min.
  • Sapporo Station – Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station (Express) about 3 hr. 30 min.
Airplane
  • Hakodate ~ Sapporo About 40 min.
  • Hakodate ~ Okushiri About 30 min.
  • Hakodate ~ Tokyo 80 min.
  • Hakodate ~ Nagoya 90 min.
  • Hakodate ~ Osaka 95 min.

Hokkaido Esashi Tourism Mirai Organization
Kaiyomaru Youth Center, 1-10, Ubagamicho, Esashi-cho, Hiyama-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：+81-139-56-1144

Portal site for Tourist information of Hokkaido Esashi Town

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