Things To Do
in Kuriyama
Kuriyama is a small agricultural town in central Hokkaido known for its wide fields, seasonal scenery and relaxed rural pace. The town serves as a quiet base between larger cities and offers easy access to outdoor activities, onsen and local farms. Visitors will find friendly small-town charm, local produce markets and traditional festivals during the warmer months.
Kuriyama is a good stop for travelers wanting a low-key slice of Hokkaido life while remaining within reach of Sapporo and New Chitose Airport.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Kuriyama and check in to your accommodation. Take some time to freshen up and unpack, soaking in the serene atmosphere of this quaint town. Stroll through the nearby parks and enjoy the crisp morning air while taking in views of surrounding mountains.
After lunch, visit the local Kuriyama Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region. Engage with interactive exhibits and discover the significance of Kuriyama's traditional crafts. End your afternoon with a leisurely walk through the town, stopping at local shops for unique souvenirs.
Dine at a traditional Japanese izakaya where you can taste locally sourced ingredients in comfort. Enjoy the lively atmosphere, savoring delicious dishes and perhaps trying some local sake. Later, take a relaxed evening stroll, enjoying the illuminated sights and sounds of rural Japan.
Start your day early with a hike in the nearby Shirakami Mountains, renowned for their stunning natural beauty. The crisp air and scenic trails provide an invigorating start to the day, making it perfect for photography enthusiasts. Keep an eye out for the local flora and fauna as you navigate the picturesque landscape.
After your hike, return to the town for a traditional bento lunch, featuring seasonal ingredients. Post-lunch, head to the scenic Lake Kuriyama and spend some time kayaking or simply relaxing by the water's edge. The tranquility of the lake is perfect for unwinding the afternoon away.
As the sun sets, enjoy a rustic dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant, sampling dishes prepared with fresh farm produce. Engage with friendly locals who often share stories about their traditions and practices. Conclude your day with a relaxing soak in an onsen (hot spring), allowing the steam to melt away the fatigue from your adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-12 |
| ☕Coffee at café | $3-5 |
| 🚕Taxi (start / short ride) | $5-12 |
| 🚌Local bus fare | $1.50-4 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $70-120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Peaceful rural atmosphere and authentic local life
- Easy access to wide open landscapes and seasonal scenery
- Fresh local produce and simple, hearty cuisine
- Lower tourist density compared with major Hokkaido destinations
- Limited nightlife and fewer entertainment options
- Fewer public-transport connections—car recommended for flexibility
- Limited dining choices for strict dietary restrictions
- Harsh winter conditions that can limit travel and activities
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatou gozaimasu)" - Thank you (very much)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (to get attention)
- "これはベジタリアンですか？ (Kore wa bejitarian desu ka?)" - Is this vegetarian?
- "トイレはどこですか？ (Toire wa doko desu ka?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "道に迷いました (Michi ni mayoi mashita)" - I'm lost
Places to Visit in Kuriyama
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide open fields of rice, potatoes and seasonal crops create classic Hokkaido patchwork vistas—best at golden hour and in summer or early autumn.
Local park with maple and cherry trees (seasonal blooms and autumn color) and a small shrine offering traditional architecture and quiet compositions.
Colorful market stalls, produce displays and wooden farm buildings make for intimate, authentic rural photos.
Look for vantage points just outside town for sweeping panoramas of farmland backed by Hokkaido’s low mountain ranges—especially striking with seasonal snow or mist.
Winter transforms Kuriyama into a serene snowscape—quiet streets, snow-laden trees and warm light from windows provide moodier images.
Food in Kuriyama
Kuriyama Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A rich, warming bowl often featuring miso-based broth, thick noodles and locally produced pork or butter and corn toppings; available at small ramen shops around town.
Must-Try!
Soft-serve ice cream and custards made from Hokkaido milk—look for farm shops and cafés offering milk soft-serve (a Hokkaido staple).
Simple preparations highlighting potatoes, corn and other produce grown locally—often at family restaurants and farmers’ markets.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small agricultural cooperative markets and seasonal roadside stalls sell fresh vegetables, fruits, homemade pickles and baked goods—perfect for sampling regional produce and snacks.
During festivals or harvest events you’ll find yakitori, grilled corn and sweet treats at outdoor stalls—check local event calendars for seasonal happenings.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional accommodations or smaller restaurants—look for a genkan (entrance) and follow host cues.
Keep noise levels low on public transport and in shared spaces; phone conversations are discouraged on trains and buses.
A small bow and polite phrases (arigatou, onegaishimasu) go a long way—be respectful to staff and neighbors in this small community.
Bring your own bag for trash and follow local sorting rules—public bins can be scarce, especially in rural areas.
Safety
Tipping in Kuriyama
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan; good service is standard and leaving money can be confusing. If you wish to show appreciation, a small gift or a polite thank-you is preferred.
Cash (Japanese yen) is widely used—smaller shops, markets and rural establishments may be cash-only. Major businesses accept credit cards, and IC transit cards (e.g., Kitaca, Suica) work in many parts of Hokkaido, but carry cash for full flexibility.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms and early green shoots appear; cool days and occasional rain. Festivals and agricultural activity resume—good for farm visits and flower photography.
Warm days with long daylight hours; fields are lush and great for cycling and outdoor activities. Mosquitoes can appear near water and some sun protection is recommended.
Crisp air and colorful foliage; harvest season brings fresh produce and lively farmers’ markets. Nights cool quickly—layer up for evening outings.
Cold with regular snowfall; ideal for quiet snow scenery and nearby winter sports. Roads and trails can be icy—winter tires and warm clothing are necessary.
Kuriyama at Night
Hiking in Kuriyama
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A collection of gentle trails and forest walks in the low hills around the town—good for half-day hikes, birdwatching and seasonal foliage viewing.
Access points to trails leading into the Yubari range (regional mountains) offer longer day-hike options and panoramic views; prepare for changing weather and check route conditions.
Easy, flat walks along nearby rivers and streams—pleasant for casual strolls, photography and light exercise any time of year.
Airports
How to reach Kuriyama by plane.
The main international and domestic airport serving the Sapporo region—the most convenient gateway for Kuriyama. From the airport you can reach Kuriyama by rental car, regional bus or a combination of train and bus; travel time is roughly within one to one-and-a-half hours by car depending on conditions.
A smaller domestic airport serving some regional flights; useful for limited domestic connections, though New Chitose has broader service and international flights.
Further north, serves the central Hokkaido region with domestic flights—useful if combining Kuriyama with northern Hokkaido travel, but longer overland travel required to reach the town.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of Kuriyama’s residents work in agriculture and related industries—farming shapes local culture and economy.
Like many regional towns in Japan, Kuriyama has a mix of families and an aging population; community life centers around schools, local events and civic organizations.
Some residents commute to larger nearby cities for work, balancing rural living with employment opportunities in urban centers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
While Kuriyama itself is lowland, nearby ski areas in Hokkaido attract locals and visitors in winter—popular recreational activities during the snowy months.
Community sports like baseball and soccer are common in town youth and adult leagues; look for local school fields and community tournaments.
Cycling around rural roads is popular in warmer months—both for leisure and commuting between nearby towns and farms.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kuriyama.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: cafés and some restaurants can prepare vegetable-forward dishes, and markets sell fresh salads and vegetable sides. Learn a few key phrases (see key phrases) to explain vegetarian needs, and plan ahead by checking menus or bringing snacks when traveling farther afield.
Vegan and strict gluten-free dining is more challenging in a small town; larger supermarkets and health-food shops in nearby cities (Sapporo) offer more options. Communicate restrictions clearly and consider staying in accommodations with kitchen access to prepare meals.
Carry allergy cards in Japanese, especially for severe allergies (shellfish, dairy, gluten). Staff are often helpful but kitchens may use shared equipment.