10 Things to Do in Numata
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| 10 Things to Do in Numata |
Numata (沼田町) is a town in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. The reclamation of this area began in 1894 under the initiative of Kisaburo Numata, a rice merchant hailing from Toyama and based in Otaru. He established the Honganji Farm and Reclamation Commission Co., Ltd. As further progress unfolded, a significant milestone was reached in 1910 (Meiji 43) with the opening of the Rumoi Main Line railway. It is noteworthy that the station was situated on a farm owned by Numata, thus earning the name 'Numata Station' (presently known as Ishikari-Numata Station). Subsequently, in 1922 (Taisho 11), the municipality adopted the name Numata in honor of his contributions to the region's development.
For those planning to visit the town of Numata to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Numata:
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| Numata manhole cover |
1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Numata. So far, I have seen two unique manhole covers which are common in the Horoshin District and also the central part of town.
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| Klaus 15 Steam Locomotive |
2. Take a photo with the cute Klaus 15 Steam Locomotive. I said cute because, unlike the restored steam engines around the prefecture, Klaus 15 looks like it’s a miniature steam engine.
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| Numata Shrine |
3. Visit the Numata Shrine. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. You can also get a goshuin here.
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| Horopiriko Memorial Park |
4. Visit Horopiriko Memorial Park near Numata Dam and spend some quiet time while enjoying nature. There is also a small shrine in the park called Asano Shrine that is worth checking out.
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| Sato Auto Campground of Firefly |
5. If you have a car, pitch a tent and stay overnight at Sato Auto Campground of Firefly. However, if you are looking for a cheaper (actually FREE) alternative, pitch your tent at the nearby Numata town Fireflies Villa Forest Park Campsite. Keep in mind that it is on a first come first served basis.
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| Ebishima Station |
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| Horoshin Spa / Horoshin Onsen |
7. Take a dip in the onsen of Horoshin Spa / Horoshin Onsen. You can stay for the night and enjoy the meals. However, they also offer affordable day trips if you are pressed for time. An area in the outdoor bath is referred to as the “Electric Bath”. During summer, you might be able to see hundreds of fireflies in the river below the outdoor bath.
8. Head to the Horoshin district from late July to mid-August for the Firefly Festival. On a beautiful clear night, you might be able to see hundreds of fireflies.
8. Head to the Horoshin district from late July to mid-August for the Firefly Festival. On a beautiful clear night, you might be able to see hundreds of fireflies.
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| Numata Fossil Museum |
9. Visit the Numata Fossil Museum to learn about the large marine mammal fossils that were excavated in Numata years ago. You can also buy the “excavation kit” to get the feel of what paleontologists do for work.
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| Youtaka Andon Festival / Numata Lantern Festival |
10. Attend and experience Numata’s famed Youtaka Andon Festival / Numata Lantern Festival held every summer. Watch the parade of giant andon (paper lanterns) around town. The climax of this festival is the andon battle where the towering andon would duke it out with each other. It is held every fourth Friday and Saturday of August.
I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Numata gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic town.
#Numata
#NumataHokkaido
Read more:
Japan Diaries 4: Summary |
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