10 Things to Do in Higashikawa

10 Things to Do in Higashikawa
10 Things to Do in Higashikawa

Higashikawa (東川町) is a scenic town in the Kamikawa Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. The town declared itself a "Photo Town" (写真の町, shashin no machi) in the 1980s and a "Photography Culture Capital'' in 2014. 

Unlike most municipalities in Hokkaido which has a name that originated from the Ainu language Higashikawa is a town that has a name that simply means East River (東川).

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


Higashikawa manhole cover
Higashikawa manhole cover

1.  Take a picture of the manhole cover of Higashikawa. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is commonly seen around the town. There is a colored version of this which is displayed inside the Higashikawa Town Hall. Sadly, it was closed when I visited so I wasn’t able to take a picture of it. 


Higashikawa Pokemon manhole cover
Higashikawa Pokemon manhole cover

2. Take a picture of the Higashikawa Pokemon manhole cover. It is installed in the vicinity of Sentopure II (せんとぴゅあⅡ). This place is a public library and is a nice place to go if you want a quiet place to read a book.  


Higashikawa Shrine (東川神社)
Higashikawa Shrine (東川神社)

3. Visit the Higashikawa Shrine (東川神社). It’s the main shrine of the town of Shiraoi. 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 are collecting them.


Higashikawa Roadside Station Michikusakan (道の駅 ひがしかわ・道草館)
Higashikawa Roadside Station "Michikusakan"

4.  Visit the Higashikawa Roadside Station, formally called Higashikawa Roadside Station Michikusakan (道の駅 ひがしかわ・道草館). You can avail of the local products sold here. Aside from that, you can also get the roadside station stamp here to complete the Hokkaido Stamp Rally. 


Higashikawa Town Culture Gallery (東川町文化ギャラリー)
Higashikawa Town Culture Gallery

5. Visit the Higashikawa Town Culture Gallery (東川町文化ギャラリー) and admire the art exhibits. These exhibits change regularly so you should check the official website regarding what is displayed when you plan your visit. 


Daisetsuzan Gensui Park (大雪旭岳源水公園)
Daisetsuzan Gensui Park

6.  Experience the purity of nature by savoring the crystal-clear spring water at Daisetsuzan Gensui Park (大雪旭岳源水公園) – renowned for its pristine quality that surpasses any in the region. While indulging in this refreshing elixir, It is highly advised that you exercise caution as occasional bear sightings have been reported in this public sanctuary. Stay vigilant and enjoy this oasis to the fullest.


Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway (大雪山旭岳ロープウェイ)
Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway

7. Ride the Daisetsuzan Asahidake Ropeway (大雪山旭岳ロープウェイ). Whether you plan to hike Hokkaido’s highest peak or simply enjoy the view, this ride is highly recommended. 


Higashikawa Town Local History Museum (東川町 郷土館)
Higashikawa Town Local History Museum (東川町 郷土館)

8.  Visit the Higashikawa Town Local History Museum (東川町 郷土館) and learn about the history of the town. There are a lot of displays here worth seeing. I like the preserved tramway which is displayed inside the museum.  


Reiunhashi (嶺雲橋)
Reiunhashi (嶺雲橋)

9. Enjoy the view from Reiunhashi (嶺雲橋). Remember that this bridge is only open from early September to early October. 


Asahidake (旭岳)
Asahidake (旭岳)

10. Hike Hokkaido’s highest peak – Asahidake (旭岳). However, before you do, make sure that you register at the Sugatami Ropeway Station. Also, if you’re hiking alone, make sure to bring a bear repellant or a bear bell as the mountain is home to dozens of them. If you don't want to hike the mountain, you can explore parts of the Daisetsuzan National Park in Higashikawa.

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

#Higashikawa

#HigashikawaHokkaido

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

Location: Higashikawa, Kamikawa District, Hokkaido, Japan

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