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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Tōyako Echigoya

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Opening Hours	9:00 - 20:30
Closed	–
Contact	0142-75-2158 http://toyako-bokutou.com/
Notes	Souvenir store and local goods store Tax free
Location / Getting There	Located on the southern shore of Lake Toya, along the central street through Toyako Onsen district. 71 Toyakoonsen, Toyako, Abuta District, Hokkaido 049-5721

Wood craft goods

Located across from the Hotel Lakeside Terrace, Tōyako Echigoya is a large store excelling in Japanese products. The store is tax free and is popular for tourists and locals alike to admire the handiwork, and to possibly pick up a souvenir while in the Lake Toya district. The shop sells items relating to Hokkaido and Lake Toya. They have been handling and selling souvenirs and they have something for any occasion. A lot of their goods are beautiful wood carvings such as bear carvings, and Ainu goods.

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The engraved Bokken

They also specialize in ‘Bokken’ which is a wooden Japanese sword. For thirty years, Tōyako Echigoya has had experienced skilled craftsmen engraving these swords in the shop. There are many different sizes to choose from. The prices of these swords range from ¥3000 to ¥20,000. Other items include confectionary, t-shirts, handbags, and Japanese style teapots and cooking items. Everyday products can also be found here. The second floor of the building has a sweets and toy cafe.