Moshiri Crystal Park - Hokkaido

Moshiri Crystal Park (母子里クリスタルパーク) is a vast park that was built to commemorate the coldest temperature recorded in Japan. It is located at Moshiri, in the town of Horokanai in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. 

Moshiri Crystal Park (母子里クリスタルパーク)
Moshiri Crystal Park

Moshiri Crystal Park details

Moshiri Crystal Park stands as a remarkable tribute to an important historical event; on February 17, 1977, Moshiri, a small district in the town of Horokanai, experienced a bone-chilling -41.2 degrees Celsius, the coldest temperature ever recorded in Japan. In honor of this milestone, the grounds boast a striking monument known as "Crystal Peaks," inspired by the enchanting beauty of icicles formed in freezing temperatures.

Moshiri Crystal Park - Horokanai town, Hokkaido Prefecture
Moshiri Crystal Park - Horokanai town, Hokkaido Prefecture

This significant occasion has officially been recognized by the Japan Anniversary Association and is celebrated annually as the "天使の囁き記念日" or Angel's Whispering Anniversary. Every February, Moshiri Crystal Park holds a special event, featuring mesmerizing illumination of the monuments and engaging ceremonies.

母子里クリスタルパーク
You will see this along Route 275 - Crystal Park クリスタルパーク

Photos of Crystal Peaks

Moshiri Crystal Park's Crystal Peak
Moshiri Crystal Park's Crystal Peak

母子里クリスタルパーク

母子里クリスタルパーク

母子里クリスタルパーク

Moshiri Crystal Park's Crystal Peak

Moshiri Crystal Park's Crystal Peak

Moshiri Crystal Park's Crystal Peak

Moshiri Crystal Park's Crystal Peak

Moshiri Crystal Park Administration Building

Moshiri Crystal Park Administration Building
Moshiri Crystal Park Administration Building

Moshiri Crystal Park Administration Building


Inside Moshiri Crystal Park Administration Building

Inside Moshiri Crystal Park Administration Building

Inside Moshiri Crystal Park Administration Building

Certificate of Visiting Japan's Coldest Region
We got the Certificate of Visiting Japan's Coldest Region

Inside the administration building, visitors can explore an informative exhibition room, showcasing various aspects of extreme cold weather including recent temperature trends. Additionally, for a modest fee of 100 yen, visitors can obtain a unique "Certificate of Visiting Japan's Coldest Region."

Moshiri Crystal Park's walking path

Moshiri Crystal Park's walking path

Moshiri Crystal Park's walking path

Moshiri Crystal Park's walking path

Moshiri Crystal Park's walking path

Moshiri Crystal Park's walking path

Moshiri Crystal Park's walking path

Beyond the monument and administration building, the park encompasses a delightful walking path, offering picturesque views and seasonal attractions. During the springtime, visitors can revel in the glorious sight of Japanese katakuri and Ezoengosaku blossoms, providing a splendid opportunity for leisurely walks and photography. The park also boasts designated picnic areas, inviting visitors to relax and enjoy a delightful outdoor meal surrounded by nature's beauty.

Concafe Moshiri (コンカフェMoshiri)
Concafe Moshiri (コンカフェMoshiri)

Adding further charm to the park's allure, Moshiri Crystal Park is home to Concafe Moshiri, an undiscovered gem in Horokanai. This delightful café is renowned for its irresistible pizzas, considered the finest in Horokanai, enticing visitors with a delectable culinary experience.

Team Nicerio visits Moshiri Crystal Park

Team Nicerio visits Moshiri Crystal Park

Team Nicerio visits Moshiri Crystal Park

Team Nicerio visits Moshiri Crystal Park

Team Nicerio visits Moshiri Crystal Park

Team Nicerio visits Moshiri Crystal Park
It was 15.7 degrees when we visited

My family and I visited Moshiri Crystal Park for the first time last September 24, 2022, the first day of our September 24-25 Road Trip. It was my 327th day in Japan as an ALT under the JET Programme. After researching what makes the town of Horokanai special, I made sure to include this park. During our visit, my daughter and I made sure to get the certificate that we visited the place where Japan recorded its coldest temperature. That is truly one for the books. 


Moshiri Crystal Park Fees

It’s FREE to enter and explore Moshiri Crystal Park but if you want to avail of the certificate, you should bring 100 yen.


Moshiri Crystal Park Operating Hours

Moshiri Crystal Park is open 24/7. However, the administration building is open from 8:30 AM to 5 PM. 


Why visit Moshiri Crystal Park?

Although there’s nothing much to see in the park except its beautiful Crystal Peaks monument, it’s a place to visit if you want to say that you have been to the place where the coldest temperature was recorded in Japan. It’s a good stopover if you are also exploring the whole length of Horokanai.  


Getting to Moshiri Crystal Park

 

The most convenient way to access Moshiri Crystal Park is by private vehicle, ensuring you won't have to worry about missing the bus from Horokanai. However, if you're planning to use public transportation, here's a cost-effective and straightforward route to reach Moshiri Crystal Park:
  1. Start your journey at Asahikawa Station.
  2. Take the Nayoro 1 Rapid Nayoro train on the Soya Line.
  3. Disembark at Nayoro Station.
  4. Upon arrival, proceed to the Nayoroeki bus stop situated just outside the station.
  5. Catch the Fukunai Line bus bound for Horokanai (深名線：幌加内～三股～名寄駅幌加内行), which is operated by JR Hokkaido Bus.
  6. Alight at the Moshiri bus stop.
From there, walk approximately 400 meters to reach Moshiri Crystal Park.
Before embarking on your journey, be sure to check the bus timetable to stay informed about the return schedule to the city.

Travel time: 2 hours and 6 minutes
Fare: 2,490 yen

Ratings

Crowd

Cleanliness

Overall rating

Location: Moshiri Crystal Park, Moshiri, Horokanai, Uryu District, Hokkaido 074-0741, Japan

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 2, 2024 at 3:20 PM

    I wonder how deep the snow is there during winter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Neil Alvin NicerioOctober 10, 2024 at 5:47 AM

      I also wonder but I'm not confident driving to this place in winter.

      Delete

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