Explore Tōbetsu: A Samurai-Built Town of History & Culture
1 -DAY
DIFFICULTY
GREEN SEASON
1 day
Min.2,Max.8
- HIGHTLIGHTS
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- Japanese Cultural Experience and Historical Lecture at Tōbetsu Shrine, Where Tōbetsu Town's Founder, Date Kuninao, is Enshrined
- Forest Logging Experience Evoking the Pioneer Era of Tōbetsu Town
- LOCATION
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Tobetsu Town (https://kanko-tobetsu.jp/)
OVERVIEW
An encounter with Japanese culture and the story of the samurai pioneers
Tōbetsu Town, located about 30 km northeast of Sapporo, is a tranquil suburban town surrounded by vast rural landscapes. Unlike many other settlements in Hokkaido that were developed by government-appointed pioneers, Tōbetsu is one of the few towns established by samurai families. In a rare and unique history, the head of the Date clan personally relocated to the area with his retainers to cultivate the land. After his passing, he was enshrined as a deity at Tōbetsu Shrine.
Experience the enduring legacy of the Date family’s samurai culture and stories through various activities and interactions with the local community.
ITINERARY
8:30 Tour Starts
After meeting your guide at Sapporo Station, take a train to Tobetsu Town. From Tobetsu Station, walk to Tobetsu Shrine.
10:00 Shinto Attire Dressing Experience and Japanese Culture & History Lecture Starts
Upon arrival at the shrine, you will experience a traditional dressing session. Women will wear a miko (shrine maiden) outfit, while men will wear a kamishimo (samurai formal attire). As dressing requires special expertise, shrine staff will assist you.
Dressed in these sacred garments, you will have the rare opportunity to enter the main hall, which is specially opened for this tour. You will learn about how Tobetsu Town was developed by a group of samurai, how the leader of the settlement, Date Kuninao, is enshrined as a deity at Tobetsu Shrine, and gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s deeply rooted shrine culture through an easy-to-follow explanation.
12:00 Lunch:Hokkaido's Local Cuisine Jingisukan
Enjoy Hokkaido’s local cuisine, Genghis Khan, at “Ito Genghis Khan,” a restaurant loved by the locals. Ito Genghis Khan also sells fresh meat, allowing you to enjoy high-quality, freshly prepared meat. After lunch, you will travel by private vehicle to the forests in Tobetsu Town.
13:30 Forest clearing Experience Starts
Experience the forest clearing that was once carried out by the pioneers of Tobetsu Town. Using an axe, you will cut down trees. Tobetsu Town is a forest town, with 62% of the town covered by forests. A forest management professional will provide a lecture, ensuring that you can safely experience tree cutting. By participating in this activity, you will help maintain the forest in its proper condition.
16:40 Tour Ends
After the experience, you will return to Sapporo Station by train from Tobetsu Station.
LUNCH
Genghis Khan
Enjoy Hokkaido’s local cuisine, Genghis Khan, at “Ito Genghis Khan,” a restaurant loved by the locals. Ito Genghis Khan also sells fresh meat, allowing you to enjoy high-quality, freshly prepared meat.
Tour Operator / Contact
Meitetsu World Travel inc.
- Address
1-1, kita 3 jo nishi 1 chome, chuo-ku,
Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan 060-0003- TEL
+81 (0)11-241-4986
- Official web site
Meitetsu World Travel, Inc. is a member of the Meitetsu Group, which is centered on Nagoya Railroad, and has offices throughout Japan. Based on the connections with local stakeholders and businesses cultivated through our travel business, we are committed to meeting your needs and creating opportunities for people to interact both within and outside the region. We welcomed guests to Hokkaido Adventure Travel World Summit ( ATWS2023) in 2023. We will contribute to the development of a symbiotic society through encounters and connections with guests from all over the world, in this fascinating land of Hokkaido.
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