Shikabe Town, Hokkaido

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Enjoy Slow
Travel in Shikabe, Hokkaido

[Overview of Shikabe Town]
■JR Trains / Hakodate Station – Shikabe Station about 70 min.
■Bus / From Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station about 52 min.
　　　From Hakodate Station about 105 min.
365-day fishing town experiences/Hokkaido Komagatake foot town experience/Geyser experience/Shikabe gourmet experience

Shikabe Hot Springs Tourism Association　Official Site

This is the town of Shikabe on the east coast of the Oshima Peninsula, adjacent to Hakodate City in Hokkaido.
Shikabe Town is an experience town where you can take your time to enjoy the food experience of the fisheries kingdom, the nature experience of Komagatake, the moving experience of the geyser spouting hot spring water, and the gourmet experience of Hama-no-Kaasan Restaurant.
The coast is beautiful in the morning sun. On a clear day, Mt. Yotei, the factories of Muroran City, and the Hidaka Mountains can be seen across the Pacific Ocean.
Nearby are the night view of Mt. Hakodate, Goryokaku, Onuma National Park, and the World Heritage Site of the Jomon Ruins.
Please come to Shikabe Town, where the rich nature will heal your mind and body.

Shikabe’s Character
Karusus-kun

Shikabe Recommended City Walk

Recommended course for a round trip around Shikabe Town
1) Shamisen Waterfall → 2) Monument to the song “Hokuto Bune”→ 3) Shikabe Geyser Park → 4) Food and Tasty Goods Store → 5) Fishing port of Shikabe (spectacular view spot of Mt. Komagatake) → 6) Lunch at Shikabe Shopping District → 7) Shikabe Park → 8) Seseragi Walkway (Walking road) → 9)  Shikabe Inari Shrine → 10) Hyotannuma Park

Details of Sightseeing Model Course

What is Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Geyser Park like?

At “Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Geyser Park” in Shikabe Town, we soaked in the footbath and watched the geyser as hot spring water shot out by itself about every 10 minutes, while drinking shiroguchi-hama-makombu (white kelp) soup.
Afterwards, we were impressed by a boiled fish set meal including a whole fish caught that day, at the “Hama-no-Kaasan Restaurant” located at the roadside station.
A huge piece of cod roe is served on rice. It looked like way too much to eat, but I gobbled it up!
If you have room in your stomach, get a set of fresh ingredients from the store and go to the “steaming place” that uses the park’s high-heat hot springs. You can enjoy the taste of steamed natural ingredients (see the store for the steaming method).
This is my favorite Shikabe experience with a lot of firsts for me!

[Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Geyser Park]
18-1 Shikabe, Shikabe-cho, Kayabe-gun, Hokkaido
TEL : +81-1372-7-5655　FAX : +81-1372-7-7733
[Fee-based area]　
Geyser / Footbath of Warmth / Viewing Hall and Cave Trail / Meeting Place / Shikabeyaki , a hot-spring restaurant
[Admittance fee]
Adults: 300 yen / Elementary and middle school students: 200 yen
*Free for preschool children, group discounts available
*For information on temporary closures and hours of operation, please check the official website below.

Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Geyser Park Official Site

Enjoy the History & Fishing Town Culture of Shikabe

A precious place to be impressed by scenes unchanged since time immemorial. The natural beauty of Mt. Yotei and the Hidaka Mountains from the Shikabe coastline.
Each thought circles around Shikabe’s coastline… Come anytime to Shikabe Town.

All Year Fishery Kingdom Southern Hokkaido Shikabe-cho

It is a fitting title to describe the town of Shikabe, where 40 different kinds of fish and shellfish are in season every month, with the peak coming at different times of the year.

Kelp Fishing

The fishing season is from July to September. Shiroguchi-hama-makombu, harvested from the Shikabe coastline, has a whitish color at the cut ends, has a thick body and yields a rich, elegant, clear broth.

Shikabe Pollock Roe

Walleye pollack roe landed in the waters around Funka Bay. The skin is thin and each roe is fine and packed tightly together, making it a superb product.

View from Hokkaido Komagatake

Due to four explosive eruptions in the past, Mount Komagatake (formerly known as Uchiura-dake), which has taken on a shape like a horse’s back, offers a beautiful view of the entire town facing the Pacific Ocean.
MAP

Gourmet in Shikabe

Aiming for local gastronomy, the town's pollock roe factory, scallop farming, shiroguchi-hama-makombu, and Hama-no-Kaasan Restaurant were used to tell the story.

Jomon Sites, Ofune Site

The Ofune Ruins, discovered in the neighboring town of Shikabe (former Minami-Kayabe Town/now Hakodate City), are the remains of a large pit-type base settlement from the Middle Jomon Period. It can be reached by bus from Shikabe Michi-no-Eki (roadside station).
MAP

Dried Codfish

It is a nostalgic food from the past. Additive-free taste of Shikabe, where cod is cold-dried in the beach wind for 3 months. Pluck the skin and serve with mayonnaise.

View from the Beach

From the beach in Shikabe Town on a clear day, the factories of Muroran City on the opposite shore, the Hakucho Bridge, and Mt. Yotei in Niseko can be seen over the Pacific Ocean.

Walleye Pollack Fishery

The fishing season is from October to February. About 3,000 tons of fine walleye pollock, about 45 cm in length, are landed annually around 400 m in deep water.

Jomon Sites, Kakinoshima Site

The Kakinoshima Ruins, discovered in the neighboring town of Shikabe (formerly Minamikayabe Town, now part of Hakodate City), are the remains of a large pit-dwelling settlement from the early to late Jomon period. It can be reached by bus from Shikabe Michi-no-Eki (roadside station).
MAP

Scenery of Hokkaido Komagatake

Beyond the Bountiful waters of Shikabe, supported by the deep blue of Funka Bay, lies Hokkaido's Mt. Komagatake, with its beautiful horse-back-shaped silhouette, designated as part of Onuma Quasi-National Park. It serves as a symbol for the town's residents.
Seafood Eating Calendar
Information on Shikabe Pollock Roe

Enjoying Experiences and Nature in Shikabe

Shikabe Town, a seafood kingdom, offers a wide range of experience programs related to fishing. There are also many activities related to cooking. At the majestic Mt. Komagatake, there are plenty of health-related activities, too. Taking your time to enjoy the Shikabe experience is truly the best!

Shikabe Morning Sun

From spring to summer, you can see the sunrise rising from beyond the sea, near Mount Poroshiri (2,052 meters) in the Hidaka Mountain Range, within the Erimo-Tokachi National Park.

Shikabe Park

There is a riverbed that you can play in, a walking path, and athletic equipment. See the beautiful flowers that are characteristic of each season such as, Spring cherry blossoms, Summer Japanese snowballs, and Japanese rowan in Autumn.
MAP

Hyotannuma Park

It is a paradise for wild birds where waterfowls such as whooper swans come flying in. In Spring flowers such as the narcissus, and white and yellow azalea bloom. And, there is a walking path that encircles the marsh.
MAP

Shamisen Waterfall

This waterfall is called the Shamisen Waterfall because of the sound and appearance of the waterfall's parted flow resembling the shamisen (a Japanese kind of three-stringed banjo).
MAP

Kelp Fishing Experience

You will assist in the “kelp fishing” that is the core industry of Shikabe Town. Please enjoy the experience of the production of kelp, which supports Japan's food culture, and the interaction with the producers.

Hamano Kaasan local cooking experience

Try your hand at preparing a home-cooked meal of Shikabe-cho that uses fresh fishery products caught in Shikabe. The instructor is a local housewife.

Empty-handed fishing experience

You can enjoy fishing at the fishing port of Shikabe. Besides, the fish which you just caught can be made into tempura on the spot. You don't need anything, and it's equally suited to beginners.

Forest walking at the resort at the foot of Mt. Komagatak

Walk along with a guide through the Shikabe Resort forest which is rich in Hokkaido's stunning nature. Other than the forest walk, you can enjoy the aroma and try a fun experience using a nose flute.
Experience Tourism Programs
Komagatake Viewpoint
Walking Road

Enjoy Walking around Shikabe Town

When asked, ‘Is there anything to see in the town?’ I would say, this is not a bustling city or a popular tourist spot, but rather a town where every aspect is connected to nature. Take your time to enjoy a meal, relax in the hot springs, take a stroll, and savor the experience at a leisurely pace. The emotions you feel here will be unique to you. It’s a town that brings out your genuine feelings. Explore Shikabe Town at your own pace.

Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Geyser Park　

Shikabe Geyser Park "Shikabe Kanketsusen", a Hokkaido Heritage Site, is a rare roadside station and park in Japan. This is a multifaceted facility where you can enjoy the local specialties of Shikabe Town, including seafood and hot springs.
MAP

Shikabe Inari Shrine

This shrine, located in the downtown area of Shikabe Town, is known for its benefits in ensuring safety. Every year in early July, the annual event 'Shikabe Shrine Grand Festival' is held here.
MAP

Golf course

Shikabe Country Club (18 holes, par 72) and Onuma International Country Club (18 holes, par 72) are both popular courses known for their breathtaking scenery.

Shikabe Onsen

In 1666, Gengo Ito from Tsugaru (present-day Aomori Prefecture) encountered a deer healing its wounds in a hot spring. As a believer in the deity of Kashima Shrine, Gengo Ito established a hot spring resort here, and eventually, Shikabe Onsen became well-known to many people. This is said to be the origin of Shikabe Onsen.

Boat Fishing Experience

Enjoy fishing from a boat under the guidance of a guide who knows the surrounding waters inside and out. Located at the entrance to Funka Bay, the offshore waters of Shikabe Town are rich in nutrients and attract a wide variety of fish. You can catch atka mackerel, yellowtail, black soy, flounder, etc.

Events

Shikabe Delicious Food Festival (umai mono matsuri)

[Late May]
It is held every year around May at Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Geyser Park.

Shikabe Inari Shrine Regularly Held festival

[Early July]
The Matsumae noh dance will be held at the small evening festival, and the main festival.]
※Designated as immaterial race cultural assets of the country, and immaterial folk cultural assets of Hokkaido.

Shikabe Umi To Onsenno Matsuri (festival of the Shikabe sea and hot springs)

[Third Saturday of August]
The largest event in Shikabe-cho. A fireworks display (Southern Hokkaido's largest scale with approximately 3,500 fireworks) that makes the night sky glorious and soothes the hearts of those who gather at the meeting place.

Shikabe Geyser Exciting Sunday

[Every month]
This event introduces local products through live music and dance performances, hands-on attractions, and food tasting, changing monthly, in order to let people know the charms of Shikabe Town.

View Event Information (official site)

Enjoy Sightseeing around the Shikabe Town

World Cultural Heritage: Jomon Sites

[Ofune Site, Kakinoshima Site, National Treasure "Hollow Dogu"] About a 25-minute drive from Shikabe Town. Valuable artifacts have been unearthed from the excavated remains that tell of the lives of the people of that time.
See more
Jomon Sites

Experience "Kankoma"!

Inter-Komagatake area (Kankoma) = Three towns; Nanae-cho, Mori-machi and Shikabe-cho surrounding Mt. Hokkaido Komagatake, have lots of four season natures, i.e. Onuma Park. You can enjoy sightseeing, eating and playing.
See more
Mt. Kokagatake

Enjoying Experiences and Nature in Nanae

About a 20-minute drive from Shikabe Town, you will find Onuma Quasi-National Park, which has been selected as one of Japan's New Three Views. Here, you can enjoy cycling along the lakeshore and strolling amidst the abundant natural scenery.
See more
Nanae

Stepping out a little into the neighboring town

About a 35-minute drive from Shikabe Town. Mori-machi is a nature-rich town close to Mt. Komagatake in Hokkaido and Uchiura Bay which are landmarks of the Southern Hokkaido district.
See more
Mori

Climate, Access

Climate in Shikabe

monthAverage temperature（℃）Precipitation（mm）
January-3.253.0
Feburary-3.263.8
March0.465.2
April5.880.8
May10.883.9
June15.356.4
monthAverage temperature（℃）Precipitation（mm）
July18.5137.7
August20.9161.1
September17.2102.8
October11.291.9
November4.7116.0
December-1.390.0
Shikabe Map
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Recommended route: From Hakodate Station

From Hakodate Station, take the local train bound for Mori/Oshamambe to JR Shikabe Station (about 70 min.)

Recommended route: From Sapporo

From Sapporo Station to Oshamambe Station (Limited Express / about 2 hr. 20 min.), from Oshamambe Station to Shikabe Station (Local train / about 1 hr. 54 min.)

Recommended route: From Tokyo

From Tokyo Station to Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station (Shinkansen / about 4 hr. 16 min.), from Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station to Shikabe Station (Local train / about 40 min.)

Bus (Hakodate Bus)
  • Hakodate Station – Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Geyser Park about 1 hr .45 min.
  • Hakodate Station – Minami Kayabe Shisho about 70 min.
  • Minami Kayabe Shisho – Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Geyser Park about 37 min.
  • Hakodate Airport – Hakodate Station about 20 min.
Rent-a-car
  • From JR Hakodate Station : about 46 km, about 60 min.
  • From JR Sapporo Station : about 245 km, about 4 hr. 30 min.
JR,Shinkansen
  • Tokyo Station – Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station (Shinkansen) about 4 hr. 16 min.
  • Sapporo Station – Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station (Limited Express) about 3 hr. 30 min.
  • Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station – Shikabe Station (Local train) about 40 min.
Airplane
  • Hakodate – Sapporo about 40 min.
  • Hakodate – Tokyo about 80 min.
  • Hakodate – Nagoya about 90 min.
  • Hakodate – Osaka about 95 min.
Shikabe Hot Springs Tourism Association
WEB

Inside of Shikabe Shoukoukai, 130-1 Aza-Shikabe, Shikabe-cho, Kayabe-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：+81-1372-7-3500

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