Things To Do
in Urakawa
Urakawa is a coastal town on Hokkaido’s Pacific side known for its deep ties to thoroughbred horse breeding and fishing communities. The town sits between the Hidaka Mountain range and wide sandy beaches, offering dramatic coastal views and rolling ranchlands. Visitors come for fresh seafood, equestrian culture, quiet seaside scenery and easy access to mountain trails.
Urakawa feels rural and unhurried — ideal for nature lovers and people seeking an off-the-beaten-path Hokkaido experience.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a visit to the Urakawa Historical Museum, where you can learn about the local culture and heritage. Stroll through the charming streets adorned with traditional Japanese architecture, taking in the serene atmosphere. Stop by a local bakery to enjoy a freshly baked melon bread, a regional favorite, while you soak in the morning sun.
After a delightful lunch at a nearby soba restaurant, head to the Urakawa Furusato Park, where you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes and seasonal flowers. Participate in some local crafts, including pottery or weaving, at one of the workshops available in the park. As the afternoon light begins to soften, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, where you might spot some unique bird species.
As evening falls, find a cozy izakaya (Japanese pub) to indulge in local seafood delicacies and sake. Engage with friendly locals and fellow travelers, sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal. End your day with a peaceful stroll under the stars, appreciating the quiet charm of Urakawa's night sky.
Kick off your day by heading to Urakawa's beautiful coastline, where the sparkling waters await. Dive into a range of water sports, including kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding, to explore the scenic shoreline. Feel the refreshing sea breeze as you enjoy the thrill of gliding across the water.
After some exhilarating water activities, relax on the beach with a packed lunch featuring local bento boxes filled with fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables. Spend your afternoon sunbathing or building sandcastles, soaking up the joyful atmosphere of local beachgoers. If you're feeling adventurous, consider trying your hand at surfing with a lesson from a local surf school.
As the sun begins to set, find a beachfront café to sip on a refreshing drink while watching the horizon change colors. Engage in conversations with locals about the best spots around Urakawa, as you savor the peaceful waves lapping against the shore. Enjoy a beach bonfire if available, sharing stories and laughter under the starlit sky.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍣Seafood set or mid-range meal | $20-35 |
| ☕Coffee and dessert / cafe visit | $3-6 |
| 🏨Budget hotel / ryokan per night | $60-140 |
| 🚌Local bus / short taxi fare | $2-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal and mountain scenery with fewer tourists
- Strong equestrian culture and access to thoroughbred farms
- Excellent, fresh seafood and Hokkaido dairy products
- Peaceful, small-town atmosphere ideal for relaxation
- Remote location with limited public transport and services
- Sparse nightlife and limited dining options after hours
- Language barrier for non-Japanese speakers in rural businesses
- Weather can be severe in winter and affect travel plans
- "こんにちは (Konnichiwa)" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "ありがとうございます (Arigatō gozaimasu)" - Thank you (polite)
- "すみません (Sumimasen)" - Excuse me / Sorry / Thank you (used to get attention)
- "お願いします (Onegaishimasu)" - Please / I request (used when ordering or asking for help)
- "これはベジタリアンですか？ (Kore wa bejitarian desu ka?)" - Is this vegetarian?
Places to Visit in Urakawa
Visit one of these nice places.
Early-morning fishing activity, colorful boats and seafood stalls provide lively documentary-style shots; soft light at dawn is excellent.
Rolling paddocks, thoroughbred stables and grazing horses against mountain backdrops offer classic Hokkaido equestrian imagery.
Wide sandy beaches and rocky headlands yield dramatic sunsets and long-exposure seascapes; stormy weather produces powerful wave shots.
A bit east of town, this rugged cape has windswept grasses, sea spray and panoramic views—great for landscape compositions.
Colorful farm produce displays, dairy products and roadside signage make for charming still-life and travel-detail photos.
Food in Urakawa
Urakawa Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Locally caught fish, shellfish and squid served raw or over rice; available at the morning fish market and small coastal restaurants.
Must-Try!
Simple charcoal-grilled fish and shellfish that highlight freshness; look for seasonal specials at izakayas and seafood stalls.
Rich milk, cheeses and famously creamy soft-serve ice cream sold at farm shops and roadside stations (michi-no-eki).
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Early-morning market stalls where fishermen sell fresh catch; try a seafood donburi or buy scallops, crab and seasonal fish to taste right away.
Roadside rest areas selling local produce, dairy goods and snacks—great for soft-serve ice cream, local milk and fresh fruit when in season.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Bowing is the common greeting—keep interactions polite and modest. Use basic Japanese phrases and a friendly tone in shops and restaurants.
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional establishments; follow signage or hosts’ instructions about indoor slippers.
Keep noise levels low in public spaces and on public transport; queuing and orderly behavior are the norm.
Ask permission before entering private farm property, avoid disturbing livestock and follow posted rules to respect local farming and coastal environments.
Safety
Tipping in Urakawa
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and can be declined or awkward; excellent service is already included in the price—simply say thank you to show appreciation.
Cash (Japanese yen) is preferred in Urakawa—many small restaurants, farms and markets accept only cash. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants, and regional IC transit cards are less widely used than in major cities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Late April to May brings thawing landscapes, budding trees and fewer tourists; roads clear gradually but some higher trails may still have snow early in the season.
June to August is mild and pleasant—ideal for hiking, coastal activities and agricultural markets; expect more daylight and occasional rain or fog along the coast.
September to November offers crisp air and colorful foliage in the Hidaka foothills; seafood and dairy remain excellent and the town grows quieter after the summer months.
December to March brings cold temperatures, snow and strong coastal winds; winter scenery is beautiful but travel can be affected by heavy snowfall and icy roads.
Urakawa at Night
Hiking in Urakawa
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day-hiking routes in the lower Hidaka slopes offering wildflowers, river valleys and mountain vistas; trails vary from easy to moderate difficulty.
A well-known geomorphological area with unique alpine flora and defined trails—ideal for botanically inclined hikers (check access distances from Urakawa).
Walks around coastal headlands and capes provide dramatic sea views and birdwatching opportunities; dress for wind and check tide conditions.
Airports
How to reach Urakawa by plane.
Regional airport serving central eastern Hokkaido—closer than Sapporo for many visitors; ground transport or car drive of a couple hours connects to Urakawa depending on route.
The largest international airport serving Hokkaido with the widest range of flights; expect a 3–4+ hour drive to reach Urakawa, or connect via rental car and regional transport.
Another regional option on eastern Hokkaido; travel time to Urakawa varies but can be useful depending on flight schedules and travel plans to eastern Hokkaido.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-established families involved in agriculture, dairy and fisheries form the backbone of the community.
Breeders, trainers and stable staff associated with thoroughbred horse farming are a notable demographic in the area.
Like many rural Japanese towns, Urakawa has an aging demographic with a relatively small youth population and gradual population decline.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Hidaka region is famous for thoroughbred breeding and training—equestrian culture, horse farms and related events are central to local identity.
Coastal and recreational fishing are popular among locals and visitors, from shore fishing to chartered boat trips.
Walking, hiking and mountain activities attract nature-lovers in warmer months; winter sports such as backcountry skiing are practiced in higher elevations.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Urakawa.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: request vegetable tempura, rice, miso soup (ask about dashi fish stock) and side dishes. Larger restaurants or cafes may accommodate with advance notice, but carry snacks for remote outings.
Vegan choices are sparse in rural Hokkaido; plan ahead, bring supplies, and learn a few Japanese phrases to explain restrictions. Farm shops provide fresh produce for simple meals.
Soy sauce and many prepared foods contain wheat—ask for tamari when available and avoid fried items unless ingredients are confirmed. Bringing your own staples is advisable for strict diets.