Mori Machi, Hokkaido Hokkaido Komagatake Town: The cherry blossoms in Mori Machi, Scallops from Uchiura Bay, Torizaki Hakkei, Nigorikawa Onsen

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Enjoy Slow Travel in

MORI MACHI

The town of Mount Komagatake, scallops, and cherry blossoms

[ Overview of Mori Machi ]
■ About 45 minutes by express train from Hakodate Station to Mori Station
■ About 20 minutes by express train from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station to Mori Station

Mori Tourism Association
144-1 Miyukicho, Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：+81-1374-7-1286

Mori Tourism Association Official Website

A port town on Uchiura Bay and Mount Komagatake of HokkaidoMori Machi is a nature-rich town close to Mt. Komagatake of Hokkaido and Uchiura Bay which are landmarks of the Southern Hokkaido district. Just beyond the coast lies a lush green zone of forests and woodlands. For example, the “Torizaki Hakkei” (Eight Scenic Views of Torizaki) along the Torizaki River features dynamic, untouched natural scenery and is symbolic of Mori Machi’s charm. The curved shape of Uchiura Bay makes it a natural harbor. So calm is the water that, during the late Edo period, the former shogunate army led by Enomoto Takeaki landed in Mori Machi from Edo to launch an attack on Goryokaku.
The nutrients carried from the mountains enrich the sea, yielding a bounty of fresh seafood like scallops, Alaska pollock, horsehair crab, and botan shrimp. Many gourmet enthusiasts are devoted fans of Mori Machi.
It’s about a one-hour drive from Hakodate. Visit Mori Machi for activities that let you enjoy its lush green forests, blue sea, delicious cuisine, and abundant nature. Squid rice (ikameshi)? That’s another Mori Machi specialty!

The mascot characters of Mori Machi
‘Kuritan, Sakurin’

One of Hokkaido's premier cherry blossom spots.

The cherry blossoms in Mori Machi — 1,500 trees bloom from late April to mid-May — mark the beginning of a new year starting in spring.

Mori Machi cherry blossoms map

is a cherry blossom variety unique to Mori Machi.

View Oniushi Park
View Aobagaoka Park
Cherry Blossom Map
Let’s learn all about cherry blossoms with the Mori Machi Cherry Blossom Special (bloom forecast, types of cherry blossoms, and cherry blossom-themed gourmet)!

Nature and Experiences in Mori Machi

Nature Experiences in Mori Machi: From late April to May, enjoy cherry blossom viewing at Oniushi Park and Aobagaoka Park. During the green season, recommended activities include hiking Mt. Komagatake in Hokkaido, horseback riding at the mountain’s base, hiking through the Torizaki Hakkei scenic area, relaxing in the hot springs of Nigorikawa Onsen, exploring the stone circle at the Washinoki archaeological site, and fishing in Uchiura Bay.

Mori Machi Urban Area City Walk

Ounishi Park

The name Oniushi means a place with many trees in the Ainu language. The origin of the place name "Mori."
It is a garden of about 500 cherry blossom trees.

Aobagaoka Park

Starting with Somei Yoshino, about 1,000 cherry trees of 17 varieties bloom beautifully.

Michi-no-Eki You Yu Mori

The rooftop observation lounge, offering panoramic views of Mt. Komagatake, Mt. Yotei, and Funka Bay, is very popular.

Michi-no-Eki Tsudoru Plaza Sawara

The upper floor of the local products hall is an observation hall where you can enjoy views of Funka Bay.

Remains of the Mori Pier

This is the site of a pier where ships once docked for the sea route between Mori and Muroran, which formed part of the Sapporo Road (a transportation route between Hakodate and Sapporo).

Washinoki Site

A nationally designated historic site. These are 602 stone circles (ring-shaped stone arrangements) built in the first half of the Late Jomon period, approximately 4,000 years ago.

The monument of disembark in Washinoki

This is the place where Enomoto Takeaki, the commander-in-chief of the shogunate forces during the Hakodate War, landed in Hokkaido.

Mori Machi Komagatake, Akaigawa Area Walk

Climbing Mt. Komagatake, Hokkaido: Mt. Komagatake (also known as Oshima Fuji) is an active stratovolcano located on the southern coast of Uchiura Bay in the eastern part of the Oshima Peninsula in southern Hokkaido. It spans three towns: Nanae, Mori, and Shikabe. The mountain is composed of three main peaks: Ken-ga-mine (1131m), Sawara-dake (1113m), and Sumida-mori (892m). Due to major eruptions in 1640, 1694, 1856, and 1929, the mountain has taken on its current horseback-shaped silhouette. It is believed to have once stood at approximately 1700 meters with a Fuji-like shape, but now measures 1131 meters. The only trailhead for climbing is located in Akaiwa, Mori Machi. However, access to the summit (around the crater) is restricted. Entry is subject to time and area limitations.
Climbing Mt. Komagatake, Hokkaido: Mt. Komagatake (also known as Oshima Fuji) is an active stratovolcano located on the southern coast of Uchiura Bay in the eastern part of the Oshima Peninsula in southern Hokkaido. It spans three towns: Nanae, Mori, and Shikabe. The mountain is composed of three main peaks: Ken-ga-mine (1131m), Sawara-dake (1113m), and Sumida-mori (892m). Due to major eruptions in 1640, 1694, 1856, and 1929, the mountain has taken on its current horseback-shaped silhouette. It is believed to have once stood at approximately 1700 meters with a Fuji-like shape, but now measures 1131 meters. The only trailhead for climbing is located in Akaiwa, Mori Machi. However, access to the summit (around the crater) is restricted. Entry is subject to time and area limitations.
Horse trekking: Sunny's Stable. This is an authentic horseback riding experience that takes you trail riding at the foot of Mt. Komagatake. After a briefing, beginners can enjoy a guided course, while experienced riders can start right away on the advanced course. There are three course durations available: 90 minutes, 150 minutes, and 210 minutes. The horses used are Western horses, the kind used by cowboys.
Horse trekking: Sunny's Stable. This is an authentic horseback riding experience that takes you trail riding at the foot of Mt. Komagatake. After a briefing, beginners can enjoy a guided course, while experienced riders can start right away on the advanced course. There are three course durations available: 90 minutes, 150 minutes, and 210 minutes. The horses used are Western horses, the kind used by cowboys.
Greenpia Onuma: A comprehensive resort facility that the whole family can enjoy. Greenpia Onuma is an all-inclusive resort hotel with an expansive site covering 4.39 million square meters.
Greenpia Onuma: A comprehensive resort facility that the whole family can enjoy. Greenpia Onuma is an all-inclusive resort hotel with an expansive site covering 4.39 million square meters.

Cuisine of Mori Machi

Mori Ikameshi (stuffed squid)

Hokkaido is the place for ikameshi, Mori Machi in particular. It even ranks high consistently in the national ekiben (station lunchbox) ranking.

Mori Sushi Paradise

The rich fishery products of the Mori fishing port are outstanding, even for sushi. There is a lot of competition with Mori sushi. It's very popular.

Mori Soba

How would you like some hand made soba ground in a stone mortar?

Mori Pork

'Hikoma pig' which was grown by Particular feed and Breeding method. Also you can eat pork steak, pork cutlets, pork bowl and so on.

Mori Ramen

The soup stock is delicious when rich in seafood. The simple ramen noodles are naturally great.

Mori Bread

The dough is made so very carefully along the whole process taking great care, then baked in the oven using charcoal of Mori Machi.

Mori Kamaboko (boiled fish paste)

The Mori fishing port also hauls in Alaska pollock, and there is delicious kamaboko!

Mori Ice-Cream (gelato)

The farm called Mt. Komagatake milk which it produces and sells is in Mori Machi. This directly managed shop has abundant kinds, too.

Mori Machi Torizaki Valley Area Walk

This is a one-way course of about 10 km that follows the upstream path of the Torizaki River. A natural story unfolds as one scenic spot after another appears.
*Please take precautions such as equipping a bear bell.

Tori Jigoku / "Bird Hell" (Located 2 km from the national highway)

It is named so because carbon dioxide gas is emitted from the ground, causing wild birds to suffocate and die.

Byobu Cliff (Located 2.5 km from the national highway)

A cliff about 100 meters high stretches for about 2 kilometers, continuing like a folding screen (Byobu).

Futamiga Falls (Located 4 km from the national highway)

A waterfall splits into two streams and gently flows down in the depths of a forest. During the autumn foliage season, it is a must-see for its breathtaking beauty.

Shishihazama (Located 4.5 km from the national highway)

A strangely shaped rock, resembling a shishi-gashira (lion's head) used in kagura dance, stands upright along the riverbank.

Nijikake Iwa / "Rainbow-Hanging Rock" (Located 5.5 km from the national highway)

The name originates from the fact that a rainbow occasionally appears over the rock base.
* Due to the danger of falling rocks, vehicle traffic is prohibited.

Komagatake Dam (Located 7.5 km from the national highway)

The water-filled lake surface blends beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

Shintorizaki Bridge (Located 8 km from the national highway)

From the bridge that crosses the dam, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the green lakeshore and the surrounding mountains. The autumn scenery is especially spectacular.

Kamio Falls (Located 10 km from the national highway)

It’s a dynamic waterfall that plunges from a height of 10 meters, sending up sprays of mist. The Ainu people also called it “Poroso”, meaning “Great Waterfall.”

Mori Machi Nigorikawa Onsen Area Walk

Located in the rural landscape of the Nigorikawa Basin, Nigorikawa Onsen is a hot spring area where you can enjoy visiting multiple baths, each offering different water qualities.
In front of Motoyu Shinsenkan, the site where the hot spring was first discovered, stands a monument marking “The Birthplace of Nigorikawa Onsen” erected in 1963 (Showa 38).

Shin'eikan: Spring quality / Boric acid, alkaline earth, and saline spring
Chuosou: Spring quality / Sodium, bicarbonate, and chloride spring
Onsen Ryokan Ten'yu: Spring quality / Sodium spring, bicarbonate spring
Motoyu Shinsenkan Nigorikawa Onsen Nikori-no-Yu: Spring quality / Sodium, magnesium, chloride, and bicarbonate spring

Events of Mori Machi

Mori Machi Cherry Blossom Festival

(Late April to early May)

Rakuichi Rakuza Morimachi Shoku"King"-ichi (Food King Market)

(Early May to early November)
May 4th (Sunday), July 6th (Sunday), September 7th (Sunday), November 2nd (Sunday)

Summer Festival in Mori

(Late July)

Mori-mori Moriagatte Sangyo Matsuri (Lively and Exciting Three Industries (agriculture, commerce and fishing) Festival)

(Late August)

Sawara Furusato Festival

(Mid September)

Mori Aki-Aji Matsuri (Mori Autumn Salmon Festival)

(Late October)

View event information (official website)

Sightseeing around Mori Machi

World Cultural Heritage: Jomon Sites

[Ofune Site, Kakinoshima Site, National Treasure "Hollow Dogu"] Valuable artifacts have been unearthed from the excavated remains that tell of the lives of the people of that time.
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Hakodate

Onuma Park

It was designated as a Quasi-National Park for the scenic beauty of Mount Komagatake and Lake Onuma in Hokkaido. That’s how beautiful this place is throughout the four seasons.
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Nanae

Kijihiki Highland

From the panoramic observation deck at an elevation of 560 meters, visitors can see Mount Hakodate, Onuma and Komagatake, as well as the huge arc of the Hokkaido Shinkansen elevated bridge. The indoor observatory is also equipped with a sales area, rest area, and restrooms.
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Hokuto

Michi-no-Eki Shikabe Geyser Park

It takes about 30 minutes by car from Mori Machi. The roadside station has an intermittent spring where hot spring water erupts, and steamed dishes using the hot spring water and Hama-no-Kaasan Restaurant are popular.
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Shikabe

Shirotai Ranch

The night view of Hakodate is one of the world’s top three nightscapes. This spot, known as the “hidden night view,” is the Shirotai Ranch Observatory and Shirotai Skyline. It’s a popular destination.
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Nanae

Goryokaku Park

A flat, star-shaped fort with five points. At its center stands the former Hakodate Magistrate’s Office.
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Hakodate

Mount Hakodate Observatory

Mount Hakodate, one of the world’s three greatest night views (along with Hong Kong and Naples). If you come to Hokkaido, this is a view you absolutely must see! The temperature at the summit is low, so don’t forget to dress warmly.
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Hakodate

Yunokawa Onsen

A view of the hot spring town divided by the Matsukura River. With 22 hot spring sources, it boasts an abundant flow of hot water. There are around 20 hotels and ryokan (traditional inns).
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Hakodate

Specialty local products of Mori Machi

Access to Mori Machi

Mori Machi Digital Guide Map
View in full screen

Recommended route: From Hakodate Airport

About 50 minutes by car (about 48 km)
About 20 minutes by shuttle bus toward Hakodate Station.

Recommended route: From Sapporo

Take the Ltd. Exp. Hokuto from Sapporo Station to Mori Station (about 3 hours)
About 3 hours 30 minutes by car (via Route 230) 200 km

Recommended route: From Tokyo

Haneda Airport - Hakodate Airport about 80 minutes
Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station (about 4 hours 16 minutes) Transfer to the express train to Mori Station (about 20 minutes)

Bus (Hakodate Teisan Bus, Hakodate Bus, Onuma Kotsu)
  • Hakodate Airport – Shuttle bus toward Hakodate Station about 20 minutes
  • Hakodate Ekimae – Mori Ekimae about 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Hakodate Airport – Onuma Koen Shuttle Bus about 70 minutes
Rent-a-car
  • From Hakodate Airport : about 48 km, about 50 minutes
  • From Hakodate Station : about 45 km, about 60 minutes
  • From Sapporo Station : about 270 km, about 3 hours 30 minutes
JR, Shinkansen
  • Tokyo Station – Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station (Shinkansen) about 4 hours 16 minutes
  • Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station – Mori Station (Local train) about 40 minutes
  • Hakodate Station – Mori Station (Limited Express) about 45 minutes
  • Sapporo Station – Mori Station (Limited Express) about 3hours
Airplane
  • Hakodate – Sapporo about 40 minutes
  • Hakodate – Tokyo about 80 minutes
  • Hakodate – Nagoya about 90 minutes
  • Hakodate – Osaka about 95 minutes
FREE PASS Hakodate area

Mori Tourism Association
144-1 Miyukicho, Mori-machi, Kayabe-gun, Hokkaido
TEL： +81-1374-7-1286

Mori Tourism Association Official Website

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