When you think of specialties from Mori Town in Southern Hokkaido, Abe Shoten's "Ikameshi" immediately comes to mind. This dish of squid stuffed with rice first went on sale as an ekiben (station bento) in 1941 and is now a popular souvenir and a star at Hokkaido product fairs. The Mori Tourism Association (@mori_tourism) recently shared that the famous bench, designed to look exactly like the Ikameshi packaging, has been beautifully renovated.

before ➡︎ after
いかめしのベンチが綺麗になっているのに気付きましたか？🦑✨#いかめし #もりまち #駅弁 #阿部商店 pic.twitter.com/uoBH05bdx0

— 森観光協会🌰🌸 (@mori_tourism) October 26, 2022

This bench is located right in front of Shibata Shoten, a shop just across from JR Mori Station. As an iconic symbol of Mori Town, it has long been a beloved resting spot for tourists and locals alike.

#もりまち と言えば？
私が思うにこのベンチなんです！
学生時代からずっとあるこの #いかめし のベンチ✨
今も変わらずという言葉がぴったりなベンチです！😊
いい味が出てますね！！ pic.twitter.com/jsxPQrdUVl

— 森観光協会🌰🌸 (@mori_tourism) June 28, 2021

And now, the well-loved, weathered bench has been transformed into a sparkling new one, radiating a charming Showa-retro vibe!

By the way, if you're looking to buy Abe Shoten's "Ganso Mori Meibutsu Ikameshi" in Mori Town, you can find it at Shibata Shoten (where the bench is) and the Lawson Mori-machi Fujimi-ten convenience store. In the summer, it's also sold by vendors on the station platform. Buying it directly from a vendor after getting off the train is a rare and precious experience that adds a touch of old-fashioned charm to your trip.

When you visit the Donan (Southern Hokkaido) region, why not enjoy an "Ganso Mori Meibutsu Ikameshi" bento on the newly refurbished "Ikameshi" bench? It will surely continue to welcome countless visitors as the face of Mori Town for years to come.

＜Image Credits＞
Mori Town Tourism Association