10 Things to Do in Higashikagura

10 Things to Do in Higashikagura

Higashikagura (白老町) is a town in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. 

The entire area of Kagura Village was Imperial Land, owned by the Imperial Family. Due to its location in the eastern part, it was referred to as "East Imperial Land." In 1924 (Taisho 13), the Imperial Forestry Bureau, responsible for managing the imperial estate, decided to sell it to the tenants. Upon its sale, the area known as Higashi Goryochi was renamed "Higashi Kagura," establishing it as a regional name. In 1943 (Showa 18), when the village was separated from Kagura Village, it was designated "Higashi Kagura Village" based on the area name.

According to Mashiho Chisato's theory, the name Kagura originates from the Ainu word "hetce-us-i", meaning "a place where music is played". This name was believed to be given because the location was frequently used for singing and dancing. The name "Kagura" was formed by adapting this meaning into Japanese.

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

Higashikagura manhole cover

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

Higashikagura Shrine

2. Visit the Higashikagura Shrine (東神楽神社). It’s the main shrine of the town of Higashikagura. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you collect them. I highly suggest that you visit in autumn as the foliage makes the shrine grounds picturesque.

Yoshitsune Park

3. Stroll around Yoshitsune Park (義経公園). It is recommended that you visit in spring during the cherry blossom season as the park has numerous Sakura trees and is a perfect destination to do hanami. 

Hijirino Park

4.  Stroll around the vast Hijirino Park (ひじりの西公園). This park is a popular place to visit during the summer and autumn seasons. If you have a pet, you can bring them with you too. 

Clover

5. Buy and eat soft serve ice cream at Clover (アイス工房 田村ファーム Clover). The store sells a plethora of must-try flavors. Aside from that, the ambiance of the store is also worth experiencing.  

cafe ＆ food Shigebar

6.  Dine at cafe ＆ food Shigebar (シゲバル). Although the façade isn’t that outstanding, you’d be shocked with what its interior looks like. This restaurant is known for its katsu-omu and tonkatsu curry which are both highly recommended. 

Higashikagura Forest Park Campsite

7. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Higashikagura Forest Park Campsite (ひがしかぐら森林公園キャンプ場). The park is vast and there are several facilities that campers can use like a toilet and parking area. 

Higashikagura Forest Park 

8.  Visit Higashikagura Forest Park (ひがしかぐら森林公園). This vast park has numerous facilities for those who visit. You may choose to pitch a tent and stay overnight, play golf, or try the go-kart, and the duck pedal boat in its lake. 

Morinoyuka Hotel Hanakagura

9. Take a dip at the onsen of Morinoyuka Hotel Hanakagura (森のゆ ホテル花神楽). It’s located on the outskirts of town. You may choose to stay overnight or use the one-day onsen facility. There is also a restaurant inside this onsen facility. 

Asahikawa Airport Park Green Port

10. Watch the planes land and take off at Asahikawa Airport Park Green Port (旭川空港公園グリーンポート). This place is a popular destination for people to relax and even have picnics. It’s also one of the filming locations for the Netflix Drama “First Love”.

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Higashikagura gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this beautiful town in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

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