![An unexpected anecdote about the origin of its name! I walked down "Ampang Road."|Domingo](https://p1-634a4370.imageflux.jp/w=768,f=webp:auto,q=78/https%3A%2F%2Fdomingo.ne.jp%2Fwp%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F07%2Fcd0b892bcdeb462682e1d267c51bcc54.jpg)
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An unexpected anecdote about the origin of its name! I walked down "Ampang Road."
Anpan Road is located in Toyohira-ku, Sapporo. Let's start from the Hiragishi side, in front of Hiragishi Elementary School near Minami Hiragishi Station on the Namboku Subway Line. There is a large sign explaining about the Ampan Road on the fence of the elementary school, so it will be a good landmark for you.
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The course from the Hiragishi side has a series of uphill slopes, perfect for a short walk. The fact that Ampan Road has something to do with the history of Sapporo becomes clear when you actually walk along it. For example, you will see this monument along the way.
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The monument reads, "Completed in 1911 by the labor of soldiers of the former 25th Infantry Regiment and the service of local residents. Let's take a brief look at the history here.
It all started in 1910 when the town office in Toyohira was relocated to Tsukisamu. Residents of Hiragishi had to make a long detour to get to the town hall. Moreover, at the time, the city was in financial difficulties and could not afford to build a new road. The 25th Infantry Regiment of the Army's 7th Division was stationed in the area and helped build the road free of charge.
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During the construction, the locals distributed five loaves of ampan per soldier per day to show their gratitude. Seven stores were contracted to make the anpan, one of which still remains today. It is "Tsukisamu Anpan," known to all citizens of Sapporo. That is why the road, completed in just six months, was named Anpan Road.
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Now, the Anpan Road, which we started walking from the Hiragishi side, is finally approaching its goal. On the Tsukisamu side, the road ends in front of Exit 1 of Tsukisamu Chuo Station on the Toho Subway Line. Isn't it kind of heartwarming to think that the generosity of the soldiers and the gratitude of the local people gave birth to this anpan road in the Meiji era?
It would be a good idea for Sapporo citizens to take a stroll and explore the history of the area.
Writer Profile
Hokkaido Sightseeing Tortoise Writer Bubu-Neko
I'm Bubaneko, a writer with many connections to sightseeing spots and tourist facilities in Hokkaido. There are many wonderful resources, even the ones we take for granted when we live in Hokkaido. I will be sharing these wonderful attractions of Hokkaido with you.