An online survey called "Ranking of the Most Photogenic Modern Industrial Heritage Sites" was conducted by "Seikatsu Guide.com" in 2020. Something in Hokkaido came in first place in the nation. These are three silos in Meiji Park in Nemuro City. Did you know that Meiji Park, including this silo, is actually a historic park? Let's introduce Meiji Park and unravel a little bit of its history. In 1875, the second national livestock farm in Japan was established in Nemuro City. It was the "Kaitakushi Nemuro Livestock Farm" and the predecessor of Meiji Park. The farm later came under the jurisdiction of the Hokkaido Prefectural Government, and was eventually sold to the private sector. The three silos were built around the time that Eiichi Shibusawa, who will be the face of the next 10,000 yen banknote, was in charge of running the Yushukai Association, whose chairman he was. In other words, it can be said that the three silos are buildings that have a connection to Eiichi Shibusawa. The silos, which are the symbol of the park, differ in construction year and size. The first and third silos were built in 1936, and the second silo in 1932. There is also a slight difference in height, from the first silo onwards, at 15m, 12m, and 14m. Silo No. 2 is the second oldest surviving brick silo in Japan, while Silos No. 1 and No. 3 are the largest. Due to their historical value, all three were designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in 2001.

(Photo courtesy of Nemuro City Tourism Association)

Let's go back to Meiji Park. Since 1921, Meiji Park has been owned by Hokkaido Condensed Milk Company (later Meiji Dairies), and in 1979, it was named after the company and developed. Thus, Meiji Park was born after many twists and turns, and in 2006, it was selected as one of the "Top 100 Historical Parks of Japan," and the following year, 2007, as a "Modern Industrial Heritage Site."

(Photo courtesy of Nemuro City Tourism Association)

This historic park remains a place of relaxation for locals. There is a fountain plaza, playground equipment, and a barbecue area, and the laughter of children echoes through the park. There is also a bird watching hut on the north side of the park, where you can enjoy bird watching without disturbing the wild birds. Birds you can observe include brown-eared bulbuls, red-cheeked starlings, ginger siskins, scarlet finches, oriental turtle doves, and Japanese buntings. Meiji Park is a place where you can enjoy a truly Hokkaido-like experience. You can go there to see the three photogenic silos, to watch wild birds, or of course just to be in touch with nature without thinking about anything.

(Photo courtesy of Nemuro City Tourism Association)

When you visit, if you keep in mind that this place was once a national livestock farm, the scenery before you may look a little different. ▼For more information, please see the Domingo spot page. Meiji Park <Interview cooperation> Nemuro City Tourism Association Location: Tourist Information Center, 2-10 Kowacho, Nemuro, Hokkaido Phone: 0153-24-3104 Official website: https://www.nemuro-kankou.com