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This is the first installment of a special month-long collaboration between Domingo and towns in Hokkaido! This time, we're focusing on "Abira Town."
Over the next four weeks, we'll be sharing how to enjoy the town and information on its special local products.
With summer in full swing in Hokkaido, many of you are probably planning family trips for the summer vacation.
Family outings are fun, but it can be a challenge when kids and adults enjoy different things, often leaving someone bored.
But there's a town in Hokkaido that solves this problem and makes "an outing the whole family can enjoy" a reality.
It's a place with several "Number One in Japan" spots, attractions that satisfy the curiosity of both children and adults, and delicious local cuisine...
That place is "Abira Town" in Hokkaido's Iburi region. Let's take a look at the diverse ways to enjoy Abira, created by its history, culture, and rich nature!
What Kind of Town is Abira?
Abira is a town of about 7,500 people located in the Iburi subprefecture in central Hokkaido.
Abira Town was formed in 2006 through the merger of "Hayakita Town," known as the birthplace of Japan's first full-scale cheese factory and a pioneer in dairy farming, and more recently as a producer of thoroughbred horses, and "Oiwake Town," the town of Asahi Melons and red sunflowers.
Agriculture is its main industry, with thriving field crops, rice paddies, and dairy farming. Dairy farming in the Toasa area, in particular, has a long history and is an advanced area for dairy cow improvement, supplying many high-quality cattle both within and outside of Hokkaido.
The town enjoys many sunny days and has a relatively mild climate with little snow for Hokkaido.
Abira Town Official Website
Abira Town Facebook
Abira Town Furusato Nozei (Hometown Tax) Information
Abira is an Easy-to-Visit Town
Abira has excellent access by air, sea, and land, making it easy to visit from other parts of Hokkaido, the rest of Japan, and even from around the world.
Neighboring Chitose City, home to "New Chitose Airport," gives Abira great air access. New Chitose Airport serves not only domestic but also international flights, making it the gateway for many visitors to Hokkaido from Japan and abroad.
From New Chitose Airport, it's a short trip to Abira Town (destination: Abira Town Hall), taking as little as 20 minutes by car or about 45 minutes by JR train.
Additionally, its proximity to Tomakomai City, which has the international "Tomakomai Port," provides good access by sea.
From Tomakomai Port to Abira, it's a quick 30-minute drive, or about an hour by JR train and bus, depending on the schedule.
Furthermore, Abira is served by the JR Sekisho Line, Muroran Main Line, and expressways, offering excellent land access.
With the Oiwake-cho Interchange on the Doto Expressway, you can reach Sapporo City (destination: Sapporo City Hall) in a little over an hour and Obihiro City (destination: Obihiro City Hall) in under two and a half hours by car.
Explore Abira to the Fullest!
Plan 1: A Tour of Abira's "Number Ones in Japan"
How about a journey to visit the many "Number One in Japan" spots that Abira has to offer?
Number One in Japan for Cheese
In 1933, a cheese factory was built in what was then Toasa, Abira Village (now the Hayakita area of Abira Town). It was Japan's first large-scale factory specializing in cheese.
The cheese it produced was an instant hit, selling out so quickly that the factory had to expand repeatedly to meet demand, eventually reaching a size of 1,680 square meters.
Image courtesy of Snow Brand Megmilk Co., Ltd. website
After producing high-quality cheese since 1933, the factory relocated to Taiki Town in 1985.
Feeling the weight of the 52 years of history and memories, a new initiative called "Muminsha" was started with the desire to "light the lamp of cheese in this town once again!"
Muminsha produces natural cheeses like Camembert and Mozzarella, as well as sweets made from them. Their delicious and easy-to-eat cheese has garnered a large following.
Photo courtesy of Abira Town
You can enjoy gourmet dishes made with this cheese at Muminsha's directly managed store, "Restaurant Miyamoto."
Not only can you purchase various cheeses, but the menu is packed with cheese-filled delights, such as "Hayakita Camembert Soft Serve," a soft-serve ice cream blended with Camembert cheese, "Camembert Croquettes," and "Caciocavallo and Vegetable Hamburg Steak"!
Why not visit Restaurant Miyamoto to enjoy some cheese and feel the history of the town?
Photo courtesy of Abira Town
Restaurant MiyamotoNumber One in Japan for Steam Locomotives (SL)
The Oiwake area of Abira Town is the last place in Japan where an SL "Farewell Train" ran.
Since the railway was laid in the Meiji era, the area developed as a key railway hub for transporting coal mined from the Sorachi and Yubari regions to the Muroran area. A large engine depot, one of the top five in Hokkaido, was established here.
On December 14, 1975, the last scheduled passenger train operated by a steam locomotive in Japan ran between Muroran and Iwamizawa. The Muroran Line was said to be overflowing with fans bidding farewell to the SL.
Furthermore, on December 24, 1975, the SL "Farewell Freight Train" ran between Oiwake and Yubari. When this coal-dedicated train arrived at Oiwake Station, steam locomotives disappeared from all JNR main lines and were retired.
A spot where you can learn about this SL history is the "Abira Town Railway Museum."
Located next to the Michi-no-Eki Abira D51 Station, the railway museum is a unique tourist spot for a town that developed around its railway, collecting and exhibiting valuable railway-related materials.
The museum houses a D51 steam locomotive, a must-see for railway fans, as well as rare SL parts that are now hard to find.
Whether you're a railway enthusiast or not, you're sure to be impressed by the power and history!
Photo courtesy of Abira Town
Abira Town Railway Museum
Number One in Japan for Forests
Over 100 years ago, in 1902, the forest within the current Shikakoen (Deer Park) was designated as Japan's oldest Health and Recreation Forest.
A Health and Recreation Forest is a forest with high value for preserving the living environment and for health and recreational functions—in other words, a forest that is essential to protect for human well-being.
Although the details are unknown as to why a small section of a small town was preserved as a Health and Recreation Forest when primeval forests were abundant throughout Hokkaido at the time, it is speculated that factors included the anticipation of it becoming a railway hub after the SL started running in 1892, and the start of operations in 1900 of a coke plant that was said to be the largest in the East.
It is presumed to be an expression of our ancestors' desire to preserve nature for the future amidst the area's development. This forest is beloved by townspeople as a place of relaxation and is also a popular recreational spot for visitors from outside the town, with facilities such as a campground, an athletic course, and a park golf course.
Also, if you're lucky, you can see fireflies in the park's pond in the summer.
Number One in Japan for Horses
Here in Abira Town is "Northern Farm," the farm that produces the most winning horses in Japan.
Northern Farm, which produced champions like "Deep Impact" and "Almond Eye," is number one in Japan for the number of G1 race winners by producer and for earnings, the prize money used to classify race conditions (classes)!
*Please note that there are no areas designated for horse observation.
Northern Farm
Besides Northern Farm, there are many other racehorse breeding farms in the town. You can see these magnificent horses as you drive through the area.
Additionally, Shadai Stallion Station, one of the farms that stands stallions, is open to the public for viewing of their stallions. This is a recommended facility for those who want to observe the horses up close.
*Please check their website as tours are suspended during the breeding season.
Shadai Stallion Station
Plan 2: Kids and Adults Enjoy All of Abira
How about enjoying a camping trip in Abira, centered around the "Michi-no-Eki Abira D51 Station," a place for both kids and adults to have fun?
Enjoying Michi-no-Eki Abira D51 Station
Let's first take a look inside "Michi-no-Eki Abira D51 Station," designed to resemble a train station building.
It's a hub for tourist information in Abira, featuring a railway museum, a takeout & bakery corner, and a direct sales shop for local specialty products and agricultural produce.
At the "Agricultural Produce Direct Sales Shop," you can buy agricultural products, livestock products, and processed goods grown by producers in Abira and nearby areas. You can purchase fresh-picked vegetables, brought in by the farmers themselves, starting at 9 a.m.
It's the perfect place to shop for vegetables, meat, and drinks for your camping trip.
Photo courtesy of Abira Town
And just outside the Michi-no-Eki Abira D51 Station, "Poppo Land (Kashiwagaoka Park)" opened in April 2021.
It's packed with facilities for children to enjoy, such as the "Fuwa Fuwa Dome," a bouncy, trampoline-like play structure, and a "Mini SL Ride Experience" that runs on coal.
Photo courtesy of Abira Town
While the adults are shopping, the kids can play outside, making it a roadside station the whole family can enjoy.
Michi-no-Eki Abira D51 Station
Michi-no-Eki Abira D51 Station Facebook
Enjoying Camping
Once you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to head to the campground.
Abira Town has two town-run campgrounds: Tokiwa Campsite in the Hayakita area and Shikakoen Campsite in the Oiwake area.
Tokiwa Campsite in the Hayakita area is a free-site campground. Surrounded by a rich natural environment, you can enjoy connecting with nature through bird watching and insect observation. In addition to the free site, it has bungalows, a treehouse, and a permanent barbecue corner. There are also athletic playground equipment, a 70-meter roller slide, and a park golf course, making it the perfect place to refresh your mind and body.
Shikakoen Campsite in the Oiwake area is located within Japan's oldest Health and Recreation Forest, which we introduced in the "Number One in Japan for Forests" section. The "free site" is divided into two areas, and pets are allowed! Also, the "empty-handed camping" plan, limited to 5 groups per day, doesn't require you to set up or take down a tent, making it easy for camping beginners to enjoy the experience.
At Shikakoen, as the name suggests, you can see deer up close. There is also a dog run, so dog owners can enjoy their time with their pets without worry.
Enjoying the Town
Abira Town also has cafes and restaurants where you can casually drop by. Why not stop in for a break and enjoy some delicious sweets, drinks, or a meal?
"Coffee Stand Siesta"
This is a specialty shop for home-roasted coffee. The interior features a tatami seating area where families with children can relax and enjoy their coffee, as well as counter seats. Be sure to try their popular smoothies and sweet drinks.
"Restaurant Miyamoto"
As introduced in the "Number One in Japan for Cheese" section, Restaurant Miyamoto is directly managed by Muminsha, which started with Camembert cheese in the birthplace of cheese factories and now makes 11 types of cheese. They also raise whey-fed Mumin-ton pork and whey-fed chicken, serving dishes that use cheese, pork, free-range eggs, and local vegetables.
What did you think?
Abira Town is a fun place to explore with its many "Number One in Japan" spots. With its excellent access from other towns, why not make Abira your destination for a trip within Hokkaido, or as the first stop on your Hokkaido journey from other parts of Japan or abroad?
In our next article, we'll introduce some of Abira's specialty products and announce a giveaway campaign?! Be sure to check it out.
