SHINHIDAKADestinations
The Town of Horses, Kelp, and Cherry Blossoms
Located in the southeastern part of Hokkaido, Shinhidaka Town overlooks the magnificent Pacific Ocean against the Hidaka Mountains, which have a unique terrain and geology rarely seen anywhere in the world.
Compared to the other areas in Hokkaido, the climate of Shinhidaka is particularly cool in summer and has little snow in winter, so thoroughbred breeding has been thriving with the idyllic scenery stretching out, and fresh seafood such as Mitsuishi Kelp and mountain delicacies are also attractive.
The ”Nijukken Road Cherry Blossom Lane,” one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan, has more than 2,000 cherry trees in full bloom along a straight 7-kilometer stretch of the road.
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Mitsuishi Kelp (Hidaka Kelp)
Shinhidaka Town has a thriving fishing industry, and “Mitsuishi Kelp” (Hidaka Kelp) in particular is well known nationwide for its high quality. It is also popular as Onigiri (rice balls) sold at convenience stores.
Kombu (kelp) is an essential ingredient of soup stock for Japanese cuisine, which is registered as a UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage. Kelp fishing in the Hidaka region is a traditional fishing method that has remained unchanged for over 100 years. The sight of dried kombu, which can only be seen on sunny summer days, is breathtaking.
Thoroughbred
Shinhidaka Town is a world-class thoroughbred breeding area, and the horses produced here are also active overseas. The scenery with horses is a part of life for the townspeople. The dignified eyes and their beautiful, strong appearance attract not only horse racing fans but also tourists and other visitors. The sight of foals running around innocently or lying down, or parents and children cuddling together is a spectacle unique to the horse-producing town of Shinhidaka.
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