Kotan Hachiman Shrine

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Kotan Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1856 and was officially named a township shrine in 1875. It was listed as a local shrine on the 28th of April 1911. The purpose of the shrine is to follow the great principles of the deity, Hondawake no Mikoto. Hondawake no Mikoto is also more commonly known as the Emporer Ōjin. Read More ....

Otaru Canal Museum & Information Center

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Otaru City General Museum Canal Museum has an extensive collection that introduces the history of Otaru City including information on the natural environment. The exhibition includes 20,000 objects and materials in its collection. The museum is located by Otaru Canal and can be found in the 'former Otaru warehouse'. Read More ....

Tokai Lavender Fields

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On the Tokai Sapporo School campus the grounds really comes alive with lavender. It is said that the south district of Sapporo, where the campus is located, is known as the birthplace of lavender cultivation in Japan. Read More ....

Urahoro Shrine

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During the Meiji Era, as the town of Urahoro (on the south east coast of Hokkaido) was being developed, the pioneers called for the construction of a shrine to serve as a spiritual centre. On August 15, 1896, a small shrine was erected, enshrining Amaterasu (goddess of the sun and the universe). Read More ....

Onnenai Visitor Center

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The Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, also known as the Kushiro Marshland is a sprawling national park to the north of Kushiro. There are half a dozen observation decks, museums, and walking paths that surround the park. The Onnenai Visitor Center is one of these museums and can be found on the western side of the marshland. Read More ....

Kushiro Shitsugen National Park

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The Kushiro Shitsugen National park (better known as the Kushiro Marshland) is a national park, located to the north of Kushiro on the eastern side of Hokkaido. The park is known for its wetlands ecosystems. 'Shitsugen' translates to wetlands in English. It was designated as a national park on 31 July 1987. The massive park covers an area of 268.61 square kilometres on the Kushiro plain and is well known for its wildlife and vegetation. Read More ....

Kushiro Marsh Observatory

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Perched at the top of a large hill, overlooking Kushiro Marsh, you can find the Kushiro Marsh Observatory. This is one of the most interesting buildings in Hokkaido. The exterior, and especially the interior, has a strange and unique design and is reminiscent of a cool sci-fi movie. The central hall of the museum is definitely a place to get some photos. Read More ....

Obihiro Shrine

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In 1881, a man named Benzo Yoda and others from Shizuoka Prefecture organized a pioneer group called the "Bansei-sha". This group and settled inShimo-Obihiro Village and started pioneering. During this time, they started holding festivals and later built a small shrine, though the connection with the current Obihiro Shrine is still not well known. Read More ....

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Ecorin Village – Animal Farm

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Admission Gardens + Farm	¥1200 Over 16 years old ¥600 Children* ¥1000 Seniors over 60 ¥2400 Annual ticket *up to 5 children can enter free with 1 adult
Opening Hours	9:30 - 17:00 April - September 9:00 - 16:00 October
Closed	November - March
Contact	0123-34-7800 http://www.ecorinvillage.com/
Notes	Farm tour Sheep feeding Sheepdog show Sheep race Souvenir shop
Location / Getting There	40 minute drive from Sapporo station 20 minute drive from New Chitose Airport 〒061-1421 Hokkaido, Eniwa, Makiba, 277−4

Great place for kids

Animal Farm, also known as ‘Midori no Makiba’ is located on the huge grounds of Ecorin Village. It is one of the three main attractions at Ecorin Village. The other two being the beautiful Galaxy Gardens , and the Tomato Forest. The name, Ecorin Village, comes from the word “eco” (the connection with the environment of plants and animals) and “rin” (the circle of a small community). The three attractions are all located near each other and you can get around to see all in one day. There are also two delicious restaurants on the grounds, or you can pack your own lunch and have a picnic!

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One of the local residents.

Upon entering the farm gate, you will find a wool souvenir shop on the right. It is here, that they have a wool workshop where you can piece together your own creations. The wool comes from the farms main attraction, that being the numerous sheep that take residence here. Throughout the day, they have various events on. One being the sheepdog show, where you can see the sheep being rounded up in front of you. The other event being the popular sheep racing.

: Another popular local

: Tour of the farm

A tour of the farm

Other animals that can be seen are goats, shetland ponies, horses, alpacas, and a Scotland yak! The public are free to wander around the enclosures and see these wooly creatures. Though if you’re tired of walking, then there is a free farm tour available. Tractor drawn carriages that sit up to forty-eight people, will tour through the extensive farm. The guided tour is in Japanese only, but you can get a good look at the farm and a behind the scenes look. At the half way point, and at the far end of the farm, the carriages stop and the passengers are invited to come out and feed the hungry sheep. Good spot for some photos and some fun for the kids.

: Hungry hungry sheep

: The Scotland yak

Sheepdog Show	11:00 13:00 15:00
Sheep Race	11:20 13:20 15:20
Farm Tour	10:15 11:45 12:30 13:45 14:30 15:45

For public transport to get to Ecorin Village, there is a free shuttle bus service from Eniwa Station (JR line) which departs from the west entrance. Travel time is fifteen minutes to Ecorin Village.