Ashibetsu: Waterfall, Wildlife, and Cultural Heritage

Ashibetsu offers a wide range of experiences for a trip: a broad waterfall with a more challenging trail, activities on the lake, nature experiences, and traces of its coal-mining history. There is also a park inspired by the world of Anne of Green Gables and distinctive local cuisine. When looking for a vacation rental, consider which of these experiences you want to shape your days; options range from culture and scenery to water activities.

Culture and History in Ashibetsu

The Hoshi no Furu Sato Centennial Memorial Hall (星の降る里百年記念館) exhibits finds from the Takisato Ruins and everyday items used by the Ainu. Among the exhibits is the クマ形石製品, a bear-shaped stone object designated as a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido Prefecture. The museum was built in 1993 to commemorate 100 years since the beginning of Ashibetsu’s development and is adjacent to a roadside station. It is worth checking the latest visitor information before your visit.

Another cultural world is recreated at the privately operated Canadian World park (カナディアンワールド), inspired by the world of the novel 赤毛のアン, known in English as Anne of Green Gables. Recreated buildings include Green Gables (Anne’s House) (グリーンゲイブルズ（アンの家）), a church, and Diana’s House (ダイアナの家). Ashibetsu’s coal-mining heritage is also visible: the former Mitsui Ashibetsu Railway Tanzan River Bridge (旧三井芦別鉄道炭山川橋梁) crosses the Tanzan River. The bridge was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2009 and registered in 2019 as part of Japan Heritage site “Coal, Iron, and Port” (炭鉄港). The city’s cultural background also includes its sister-city relationship with Charlottetown, Canada.

Parks, Animals, and Scenery

Among the plants growing in Asahigaoka Park (旭ヶ丘公園) are lilacs and Ezo corydalis (エゾエンゴサク); a central flower bed brings color to the park throughout the year. The park is considered one of Ashibetsu’s outstanding cherry blossom spots, though seasonal conditions affect the blossom displays. The park is within the Furano-Ashibetsu Prefectural Natural Park (富良野芦別道立自然公園). You can enjoy forest bathing in the Lions Forest (ライオンズの森) and Suiyo Forest (すいようの森); with a little luck, you may also spot wild Ezo squirrels there.

The park’s animal area is home to many Japanese macaques, as well as ponies and other animals. In the petting area, visitors can hold the small animals there on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays. Even small children can do so. These different nature experiences offer a range of ways to plan your trip: plants and the possibility of seeing animals make for a different focus than an outing to the water or a viewpoint.

Sandan Falls (三段滝) is 10 meters high and 70 meters wide. A short trail leads from the parking lot to the waterfall in a few minutes; roots and rock slabs make it somewhat difficult to walk. For a view over the city, the Kamikongo Mountain Observation Deck (上金剛山展望台) sits on a hill at an elevation of 314 meters. At Koganemizu-matsu Park (黄金水松公園) stands the Koganemizu-matsu yew (黄金水松): it is estimated to be 1,700 years old, 21 meters tall, and 6.2 meters in circumference.

Lake Activities and Local Cuisine

Takisato Lake Auto Campground (滝里湖オートキャンプ場) is on the shore of Lake Takisato (滝里湖). You can fish, canoe, and ride jet skis on the lake; you will need to bring your own equipment. This means water activities can complement the parks’ walking trails and nature experiences, though you cannot plan to use the same equipment for both.

Ashibetsu is also known for gatatan (ガタタン), a hearty soup with many ingredients and a thickened broth that has been passed down as a local specialty. The Ashibetsu Roadside Station Star Plaza (道の駅スタープラザ芦別) serves as a tourist hub for Ashibetsu and offers souvenirs and food. Products include Ashibetsu rice, processed cherry products, sweets, and items related to gatatan. A dog run for small and medium-sized dogs opened on the grounds in June 2024. Since seasonal opening hours and product availability may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

If you are looking for a vacation rental in Ashibetsu, choose one based on the outings that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Muroran, Shintoku, Urahoro, Okushiri, Engaru, Bibai, Akkeshi, Abashiri District.

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