10 Things to Do in Mikasa City

10 Things to Do in Mikasa City
10 Things to Do in Mikasa City

Mikasa (三笠市) is a former coal mining city located in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. The present-day city center is situated in an area known as "Ichikishiri," derived from the Ainu language's "i-cikir-usi," signifying the abundance of bear tracks. Originally, the name was a phonetic variation of "Tokoro."

In 1906 (Meiji 39), during the establishment of a new village resulting from the merging of Ichikichi, Horonai, and Ikuharubetsu, the decision was made to name it after the shape of the mountain behind Ichikichi Shrine, located in the Ichikichi district, which resembled Mount Nara. Thus, "Mikasayama Village" was chosen, reflecting the likeness to Mt. Mikasa and the merger of the three villages. Through time, it went from village to town and eventually into a city which it is today. 

For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Mikasa City:


Mikasa City manhole cover
Mikasa City manhole cover

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


Mikasa City manhole cover
Mikasa Pokemon manhole cover

2. Take a picture of the Mikasa Pokemon manhole cover. It is installed near the entrance of Mikasa City Museum. It features Vulpix, Cranidos, and a pair of Omanyte.


Ichikichi Shrine
Ichikichi Shrine

3. Visit the Ichikichi Shrine (市来知神社). It’s one of the main shrines of Mikasa City. 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. 


Mikasa Roadside Station
Mikasa Roadside Station

4.  Check out the Mikasa Roadside Station (道の駅 三笠). It is conveniently located along National Route 12. It’s a good place to have a break if you are on a long drive. There are usually various food carts outside the roadside station selling different kinds of food. You can also find the Ramen Darumaya Mikasa Store inside the roadside station. Also, you can get the Mikasa Roadside Station stamp here for your collection. 


Mt. Tappu (達布山)
Mt. Tappu

5. Head up Mt. Tappu (達布山) and check out its unique-looking observation deck (達布山 展望台). You would see the vast fields and also the western side of Mikasa City. It’s also a great place to watch the sunset and the night lights of the city. 


Crawford Park (クロフォード公園)
Crawford Park 

6.  Stroll around Crawford Park (クロフォード公園). There are several preserved trains like the Kiha 82 JNR type limited express train displayed there. 


Taiko no Yu (三笠天然温泉 太古の湯)
Taiko no Yu

7. Take a dip at the onsen of Taiko no Yu (三笠天然温泉 太古の湯). It is located near Mikasa Roadside Station so there is plenty of parking available. You may choose to stay overnight or use the one-day onsen facility. This is a popular onsen destination even for locals so expect that there might be plenty of people when you visit. 


Yunomoto Onsen Campground (湯の元温泉野営場)
Yunomoto Onsen Campground

8. Pitch a tent and stay overnight at Yunomoto Onsen Campground (湯の元温泉野営場). Unlike most campsites where you pitch in vast open spaces, you might need to pitch your tent in forested areas. This place is a popular winter camping site for outdoorsmen. Also, there is a nearby onsen worth trying.  


Mikasa Railway Memorial Hall
Mikasa Railway Memorial Hall

9. Check out the preserved trains and learn about them at the Mikasa Railway Memorial Hall (三笠鉄道記念館). This place is one of the main tourist destinations of the city. 


Mikasa City Museum (三笠市立博物館)
Mikasa City Museum

10. Visit Mikasa City Museum (三笠市立博物館) and learn about the prehistoric animals that once roamed the land (and the sea). This museum once housed the exhibits from the Pokemon Fossil Museum. Today, you will see the Pokemon manhole cover in the museum’s vicinity. 

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Mikasa City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this beautiful city in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

#Mikasa

#MikasaCity

#MikasaHokkaido

Read more:

Japan Diaries 4: Summary

Location: Mikasa, Hokkaido, Japan

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