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#1 in "Photogenic Modern Industrial Heritage Ranking"! Meiji Park in Nemuro City, Famous for its Red Silos
Did you know that Meiji Park, including these silos, is actually a park with a rich history? Let's introduce Meiji Park and delve a little into its past.
In 1875, the second national stock farm in Japan was established in Nemuro City. This was the "Kaitakushi Nemuro Stock Farm," the predecessor of Meiji Park. Later, the farm came under the jurisdiction of the Hokkaido government and was eventually sold to the private sector.
The Yushukai, a group chaired by Shibusawa Eiichi—the face of the next 10,000 yen bill—was managing the farm around the time the three silos were built. This means the three silos have a connection to Shibusawa Eiichi.
The silos, which are the symbols of the park, differ in their construction year and size. The first and third silos were built in 1936, while the second was built in 1932. Their heights also vary slightly, at 15m, 12m, and 14m, respectively, starting from the first silo.
The second silo is the second oldest existing brick silo in Japan, while the first and third silos are among the largest in the country. Due to their historical value, all three were designated as Registered Tangible Cultural Properties in 2001.
(Photo courtesy of Nemuro Tourism Association)
Let's return to Meiji Park. After 1921, the park was owned by the Hokkaido Condensed Milk Company (later Meiji Dairies). In 1979, it was developed and named Meiji Park, a nod to the company's name. After this long and winding history, Meiji Park was born. In 2006, it was selected as one of the "100 Best Historical Parks in Japan," and the following year, in 2007, it was designated as a "Heritage of Industrial Modernization."
(Photo courtesy of Nemuro Tourism Association)
Even with its rich history, the park remains a place of relaxation for local residents. The park features a fountain square, playground equipment, and a barbecue corner, often echoing with the laughter of children.
Additionally, a bird-watching hide is set up on the north side of the park, allowing visitors to enjoy bird-watching without disturbing the birds. Species that can be observed include the Brown-eared Bulbul, Chestnut-cheeked Starling, Oriental Greenfinch, Long-tailed Rosefinch, Oriental Turtle Dove, and Black-faced Bunting, among others.
Meiji Park offers a quintessentially Hokkaido experience. You can visit for the photogenic three silos, for bird-watching, or of course, just to connect with nature without any specific plan.
(Photo courtesy of Nemuro Tourism Association)
When you visit, keeping in mind that this place was once a national stock farm might make the scenery before you look a little different.
▼For more details, please see the Domingo spot page
Meiji Park
<In cooperation with>
Nemuro Tourism Association
Address: Tourism Information Center, 2-10 Kowa-cho, Nemuro, Hokkaido
Phone: 0153-24-3104
Official Website: https://www.nemuro-kankou.com
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Hokkaido Tourism Camera-Writer
Team Buchineko
We are "Team Buchineko," with many connections to tourist spots and facilities in Hokkaido. Even things that seem ordinary to us living in Hokkaido are wonderful resources. We will continue to share the charm of this wonderful Hokkaido.