Kitahiroshima: Forests, Paths and History

In Kitahiroshima, forest themes, city history and a range of opportunities for active days come together. You can explore the region’s natural history, learn about traces of Hokkaido’s pioneering era, or discover trails on foot and by bike. Families can also enjoy a snowmobile experience explicitly offered to individuals and families. The theme that interests you most can guide your choice of holiday rental and how you plan your stay.

Forest Landscape and City History

Kitahiroshima Recreation Forest, associated with Kitahiroshima City, is classified as a “森林スポーツ林” (forest sports area) and forms part of the Nopporo Primeval Forest in the Nopporo Hills. The Nopporo Hills stretch from Ebetsu City to Kitahiroshima City. The forest’s classification and its connection to the hills give the landscape a distinct theme: here, the forest takes centre stage as a place for sport and nature.

The Old Shimamatsu Station and Post Station in Shimamatsu offers another perspective on Kitahiroshima City. It was established in 1873 and served as an important hub for transport and freight during Hokkaido’s pioneering era. The single-storey wooden building clearly preserves traces of its original appearance. As the oldest surviving station of its kind in Hokkaido, the site was designated a national historic site in 1984.

Clark is also associated with the Old Shimamatsu Station and Post Station. When he set off for his homeland in 1877, he said goodbye to his students there. He is said to have left them with the words “Boys, be ambitious.” This links the station’s history with a well-known farewell scene. Anyone interested in Hokkaido’s development and its historical figures will find a tangible point of reference here.

Natural History and Places of Remembrance

The Ecomuseum Center Chishin no Eki is the central facility of the ecomuseum for Kitahiroshima City. It collects, shares and displays information about the city’s nature, history and industry. The permanent exhibition includes geological layers and fossils discovered in Kitahiroshima City. It also features a model of a mammoth family made together with children from Kitahiroshima. The exhibition thus brings together geological finds and an engaging model connected to the city’s children.

Another historical connection to Kitahiroshima City is the Peace Flame Park. On 1 September 1996, a flame from Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park was lit there to commemorate Kitahiroshima City’s elevation to city status. This expressed a wish for world peace and friendship. For visitors, this offers another perspective on the city’s history: alongside the pioneering era, the focus here is on a modern civic commemoration.

Sports fans also have a clear point of interest: Es Con Field HOKKAIDO, home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, is associated with Kitahiroshima City. The tourist information centre in Elfin Park offers comprehensive information about Hokkaidō Ballpark F Village, Kitahiroshima City and nearby areas. It is located in the municipal services area right next to JR Kitahiroshima Station and is operated by the Hokkaidō Kitahiro Tourism Association. As opening arrangements may change, check the information centre’s current hours before visiting.

Trails for Active Days and Winter Experiences

The Trim Course, associated with Kitahiroshima City, is a five-kilometre loop through the Kitahiroshima residential area. It is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists and is suitable for walking, jogging and cycling. By contrast, Elfin Road refers to a section of the cycling route between Sapporo and Kitahiroshima associated with Kitahiroshima City. It runs along the JR Chitose Line and is about 8.1 kilometres long. The Trim Course’s distance therefore refers to a circuit, while Elfin Road’s refers to a section of a longer route.

At the Watsutsu course at SNOW WORLD, associated with Kitahiroshima City, individuals and families can ride snowmobiles. The season and operation depend on snow conditions, so check both with the operator before your visit. The options are quite distinct: a loop for getting active on foot or by bike, a section of a cycling route alongside the railway, and a snow-dependent snowmobile experience.

Choosing the Right Holiday Rental for Your Stay

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to first decide which theme appeals to you most: forests and landscapes, the history of the Old Shimamatsu Station and Post Station, discoveries at the Ecomuseum Center, or active days on trails and in winter. These themes offer different ways to plan your trip without having to fit them all into the same day. If you are travelling with children, the mammoth family model made together with children and the snowmobile experience explicitly offered to families provide two distinct points of interest. Look for accommodation that suits the kind of stay you have in mind, and use the tourist information centre for guidance on Kitahiroshima City and nearby areas.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Okushiri, Hokuto, Minamifurano, Obihiro, Monbetsu District, Kawakami District, Shibetsu District, Chitose.

For the wider travel overview: Hokkaido.