Discover Ashibetsu: Nature, Cultural Heritage, and Local Cuisine

Ashibetsu combines nature experiences with insights into local culture and history. When planning your trip, you can choose from parks, a waterfall, Lake Takisato, and local specialties. If you’re looking for a hotel in Ashibetsu, the focus of your trip can help you decide which interests are the best fit for your stay.

Culture and History in Ashibetsu

The 星の降る里百年記念館 was built in 1993 to mark 100 years since the start of Ashibetsu’s development. Exhibits include the “クマ形石製品,” designated a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido Prefecture, finds from the Takisato ruins, and everyday Ainu objects. The museum is next to a roadside rest stop. The exhibits offer a range of ways to explore the themes of local history, archaeological finds, and everyday objects.

Another cultural attraction is カナディアンワールド, a privately operated park that recreates the world of “赤毛のアン.” Buildings recreated from the novel include グリーンゲイブルズ（アンの家）, a church, and ダイアナの家. The city also has a sister-city relationship with Charlottetown, Canada.

The 旧三井芦別鉄道炭山川橋梁 crosses the Tanzan River and is considered an important part of Ashibetsu’s coal-mining heritage. It was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2009, and in 2019 it was registered as part of Japan Heritage site “炭鉄港.” The two years represent different designations for the bridge.

Parks, Views, and a Waterfall

旭ヶ丘公園 is located within 富良野芦別道立自然公園. Plants growing in the park include lilacs and エゾエンゴサク; a central flower bed adds color throughout the year. The park is considered one of Ashibetsu’s top cherry blossom spots. You can enjoy forest bathing in the “ライオンズの森” and “すいようの森” areas. If you’re lucky, you may also spot wild Ezo squirrels there—but this is a possibility, not a guarantee.

The park’s animal area is home to numerous Japanese macaques and, among other animals, ponies. In the petting area, visitors can hold small animals on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays; small children can do so too. Operating hours vary by season, so it’s a good idea to check the current hours before your visit.

三段滝 waterfall is 10 meters high and 70 meters wide. A short walking trail leads from the parking lot to the waterfall in just a few minutes. Roots and rock slabs make the trail somewhat difficult to walk, so keep this in mind when choosing your activity. 上金剛山展望台 sits on a hill at an elevation of 314 meters and offers expansive views of Ashibetsu’s urban area.

At 黄金水松公園 stands the 黄金水松 yew. It is estimated to be 1,700 years old, 21 meters high, and 6.2 meters in trunk circumference. These estimates offer a different point of interest from the views from the hill or the scenery around the waterfall.

Lake Activities and Local Specialties

滝里湖オートキャンプ場 is located on the shore of 滝里湖. You can fish, canoe, or ride a jet ski on the lake; you’ll need to bring your own equipment. If you’re planning a stay by the water, be sure to account for this when making arrangements. The なまこ山 park golf course has 36 holes and is recognized by the Japan Park Golf Association (NPGA).

One of Ashibetsu’s local specialties is ガタタン, a hearty soup with many ingredients and a thickened broth. It is passed down as a local dish. 道の駅スタープラザ芦別 has places to eat and souvenir shops; its offerings also include rice from Ashibetsu, processed cherry products, sweets, and products related to ガタタン. The availability of individual products may change.

道の駅スタープラザ芦別 also has a dog run for small and medium-sized dogs. Seasonal operating hours may change. Ashibetsu’s range of attractions offers different ways to plan your trip—from culture and scenery to lake activities and local food.

Discover more destinations: Eniwa, Chitose, Rishirifuji, Kawakami District, Samani, Iwamizawa, Engaru, Oshidomari.

For the overview of the wider region: Hokkaido.