Discover Urakawa

Urakawa combines a history of horse breeding with nature experiences and cultural sites. These interests may help you choose where to stay: the forest park is a destination for hiking, birdwatching and forest bathing; museums cover a range of topics, while Yushun Sakura Road offers a cherry blossom spectacle when the trees are in full bloom. A specific travel tip is for Urakawa Daikokuza Cinema.

Horse Breeding and Regional Culture

Thoroughbred breeding is a defining feature of the area. The districts of Nishihorobetsu, in the Hidaka-Horobetsu River basin, and Ogifushi, in the Motoura River basin, are extensive horse-breeding areas. They are known as “Thoroughbred Road.” The name “Thoroughbred Road” refers to the horse-breeding landscape.

The Baji Museum opened in 1980 to share the history of thoroughbred breeding as an important industry in Urakawa. It also explores the relationship between people and horses in this horse-breeding region. Its aim is to deepen understanding of these subjects as part of the region’s culture. The museum therefore focuses both on the history of an industry and on the role of human-horse relationships in the horse-breeding region.

Forest Park and Cherry Blossom Road

Urakawa Forest Park is used for hiking, birdwatching and forest bathing. From the park’s lookout, you can see the Pacific Ocean and the town; the Hidaka Mountains can also be seen in the distance. The park thus combines activities in the forest with a viewpoint overlooking the coast, town and mountains.

Yushun Sakura Road offers a different kind of scenery. It stretches for about 3 km, with more than 1,000 Ezo-yamazakura cherry trees lining both sides of the road. When in full bloom, they form a tunnel of cherry blossoms. While hiking, birdwatching and forest bathing are among the activities described at the forest park, the cherry trees and their blossoms define the scenery along Sakura Road.

Museums and Hands-on Activities

The Urakawa Town Local History Museum features a reconstructed Ainu house and displays household items and attushi fabric made from bast fibers. Its focus differs from that of the Baji Museum: here, the reconstructed dwelling and the everyday objects and textiles on display take center stage, while the Baji Museum focuses on the history of thoroughbred breeding and the relationships between people and horses.

Vegetables can be grown at the AERU Experience Farm. Urakawa Riding Park is a center for promoting horseback riding among residents. A municipal notice dated February 18, 2023, lists beginner courses for residents, including general courses as well as women’s, spring and autumn courses. If you are considering taking a course, please check in advance whether the course you want is currently running and what participation options are available.

Take the Express Bus to the Cinema

Urakawa Daikokuza Cinema is a one-minute walk from the “Daidori 3-chome” stop on the Pegasus express bus route between Sapporo and Urakawa. If you plan to use this service for your trip, check the travel information before departure.

More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Tsurui, Kamikawa, Wakkanai, Furano, Abuta District, Engaru, Chitose, Kameda District

For the main travel overview: Hokkaido.