10 Things to Do in Tsukigata

10 Things to Do in Tsukigata
10 Things to Do in Tsukigata

Tsukigata (月形町) is a town in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. Unlike most of the towns in Hokkaido that got their name from the Ainu language, Tsukigata was named after the first warden of Kabato Prison – Kiyoshi Tsukigata

For those planning to visit the town of Tsukigata to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Tsukigata:


Tsukigata manhole cover
Tsukigata manhole cover

1.  Take a picture of the manhole cover of Tsukigata. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is commonly seen around the town. 


Kabato Shrine (樺戸神社)
Kabato Shrine

2. Visit the Kabato Shrine (樺戸神社). It’s the main shrine of the town of Tsukigata. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Sadly, the shrine was destroyed during the winter of 2023. There is a small artificial shrine built in its location.


Diner TERA
Diner TERA

3. Eat at the unique-looking Diner TERA. Try the Hamburg dishes which are highly recommended.  


Tsukigako Natural Park (月ヶ湖自然公園)
Tsukigako Natural Park

4. Stroll around and enjoy nature at Tsukigako Natural Park (月ヶ湖自然公園). There is a mini lake in the park which is quite scenic, particularly in early or late winter when it’s partially frozen.


Domin no Mori Tsukigata Gakusha Camping Ground (道民の森 月形地区)
Domin no Mori Tsukigata Gakusha Camping Ground

5. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Domin no Mori Tsukigata Gakusha Camping Ground (道民の森 月形地区). It’s located in the northern forest of the town. If you don’t have a tent, you can rent one of the cabins here. 


Kairaku Park (皆楽公園)
Kairaku Park

6.  Take a relaxing stroll around the scenic Kairaku Park (皆楽公園). Enjoy the view and the fresh air while going around the park. Don’t forget to take a photo with the giant watermelon, which is a toilet. 

Tsukigata Onsen Yurikago (月形温泉 ゆりかご)
Tsukigata Onsen Yurikago

7. Take a refreshing dip at Tsukigata Onsen Yurikago (月形温泉 ゆりかご). You may choose to avail of the day trip onsen (500 yen per adult) or stay overnight in the nearby Tsukigata Onsen Hotel for a longer bathing experience.


Tsukigata Maruyama Viewing Platform (月形円山 展望台)
Tsukigata Maruyama Viewing Platform

8.  Walk or drive up to the Tsukigata Maruyama Viewing Platform (月形円山 展望台). This place has a moon-shaped observatory which offers an amazing panoramic view of the town.


Kairaku Park Camping Ground (皆楽公園 キャンプ場)
Kairaku Park Camping Ground

9. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Kairaku Park Camping Ground (皆楽公園 キャンプ場). It’s located near the town. It is within walking distance from the onsen and convenience stores. Regardless, this place is the most popular camping area in town. 


Tsukigata Kabato Museum (月形樺戸博物館)
Tsukigata Kabato Museum

10. Visit the Tsukigata Kabato Museum (月形樺戸博物館). It is a prison museum, however, it is smaller than the Abashiri Prison Museum but equally informative. It is one of the main and also a must-visit destination in Tsukigata. 


I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Tsukigata gave you an idea and inspiration to visit the former prison town on the western side of Hokkaido.

#Tsukigata

#TsukigataHokkaido

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

Comments

  1. There is also a prison museum here?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that's right although this is smaller than that in Abashiri CIty.

      Delete

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