Urakawa brings together the history of horse breeding with nature and cultural experiences. Its attractions range from extensive breeding areas and museums to a forest park and a cherry blossom-lined road. When choosing your destination, you can decide whether you are more interested in the region’s history, exhibitions or nature.

Horse Breeding as Part of Local History

The Nishihorobetsu districts in the Hidaka-Horobetsu River basin and Ogifushi in the Motoura River basin are extensive horse-breeding areas. Together, they are known as “Thoroughbred Road.” These areas give horse breeding a tangible connection to Urakawa.

The Urakawa Baji Museum opened in 1980 to present the history of thoroughbred breeding as an important industry in Urakawa, as well as the relationship between people and horses in this horse-breeding region. It also aims to deepen understanding of these subjects as part of the region’s culture. Visitors interested in horses will find not only the history of breeding here, but also its cultural context.

Museums with Different Areas of Focus

The Urakawa Town Local History Museum recreates an Ainu house and displays household items and atゥshi textiles made from bast fibers. This gives it a different focus from the Baji Museum: here, the emphasis is on the reconstructed Ainu house and everyday items on display, while the Baji Museum focuses on thoroughbred breeding and the relationship between people and horses. When choosing cultural stops, you can distinguish between the two museums by their clearly different themes.

Forest Park and Cherry Blossom Road

Urakawa Forest Park is used for hiking, as well as birdwatching and forest bathing. From the park’s observation point, you can see the Pacific Ocean and the town. In the distance, you can also see the Hidaka Mountains. The park therefore offers something for a range of interests: hiking, nature observation, and views of the town, sea and mountains.

Yushun Sakura Road offers a different natural highlight. 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. Unlike the forest park, with its variety of activities, the road is especially appealing to travelers planning their visit around the cherry blossoms. For this experience, peak bloom is the key reference point.

Experiences and Practical Planning

At the AERU Experience Farm, visitors can grow vegetables. Urakawa Riding Park is a center that promotes riding for residents. A municipal listing dated February 18, 2023, mentions general beginner courses, as well as courses for women and spring and fall courses. If you are interested, check which courses are currently offered before your visit.

Urakawa Daikokuza cinema can also be reached using a specific travel detail: it is a one-minute walk from the “Daidori 3-chome” stop on the Pegasus express bus route between Sapporo and Urakawa. Check the timetable and stop information before traveling. This lets you include the cinema in your plans without relying on unverified bus connections.

For an overview of destinations across the region: Hokkaido.