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An unexpected story behind the origin of the name!? I walked along "Anpan Road"
There is actually a road in Sapporo called "Anpan Road." It's a very unique name, but if you trace its origins, you'll find that it dates back to the Meiji period. What's more, it seems to have a heartwarming story behind it that even Sapporo residents don't know much about... Why not actually walk along Anpan Road and experience the history of Sapporo?
Anpan Road is located in Toyohira Ward, Sapporo. It is about 2.6 km long. Let's start from Hiragishi Elementary School, located on the Hiragishi side, near Minami Hiragishi Station on the Namboku Subway Line. There is a large sign on the fence of the elementary school explaining about Anpan Road, so it will be a good landmark.
The walking course from Hiragishi is an uphill road, perfect for a short walk. And if you actually walk along the road, you'll understand that it has a connection to Sapporo's history. For example, you'll see a monument like this along the way.
The monument reads, "Completed in 1911 with the labor and service of the soldiers of the 25th Infantry Regiment and the local people." Let's take a quick look at the history here.
It all started in 1910, when the town hall in Toyohira was moved to Tsukisamu. The residents of Hiragishi had to make a long detour to get to the town hall. Moreover, due to financial difficulties at the time, it was not possible to build a new road. So the 25th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Division of the Japanese Army, which was stationed there, volunteered to help build the road.
During the construction, local people distributed five anpan to each soldier per day to show their gratitude. Seven stores were contracted to make anpan, one of which still remains today. It is the "Tsukisamu Anpan" that is well known to all Sapporo residents. That is why the road, which was completed in just six months, was named Anpan Road.
Well, the Anpan Road that we started walking on from the Hiragishi side is finally approaching its finish line. On the Tsukisamu side, we reach the front of Exit 1 of Tsukisamu Chuo Station on the Toho Subway Line. Isn't it heartwarming to think that the kindness of the soldiers and the gratitude of the local people gave birth to this Anpan Road in the Meiji era?
It's a great place to stop by when sightseeing, and it might also be a good place for Sapporo residents to take a stroll and explore the history.
The walking course from Hiragishi is an uphill road, perfect for a short walk. And if you actually walk along the road, you'll understand that it has a connection to Sapporo's history. For example, you'll see a monument like this along the way.
The monument reads, "Completed in 1911 with the labor and service of the soldiers of the 25th Infantry Regiment and the local people." Let's take a quick look at the history here.
It all started in 1910, when the town hall in Toyohira was moved to Tsukisamu. The residents of Hiragishi had to make a long detour to get to the town hall. Moreover, due to financial difficulties at the time, it was not possible to build a new road. So the 25th Infantry Regiment of the 7th Division of the Japanese Army, which was stationed there, volunteered to help build the road.
During the construction, local people distributed five anpan to each soldier per day to show their gratitude. Seven stores were contracted to make anpan, one of which still remains today. It is the "Tsukisamu Anpan" that is well known to all Sapporo residents. That is why the road, which was completed in just six months, was named Anpan Road.
Well, the Anpan Road that we started walking on from the Hiragishi side is finally approaching its finish line. On the Tsukisamu side, we reach the front of Exit 1 of Tsukisamu Chuo Station on the Toho Subway Line. Isn't it heartwarming to think that the kindness of the soldiers and the gratitude of the local people gave birth to this Anpan Road in the Meiji era?
It's a great place to stop by when sightseeing, and it might also be a good place for Sapporo residents to take a stroll and explore the history.
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Hokkaido Tourism Camera Writer
Team Buchineko
Team Buchi Neko has many connections to Hokkaido's tourist spots and facilities. There are many wonderful resources in Hokkaido that we take for granted when we live there. We will spread the word about the charms of this wonderful place.
