Jun 25, 2013 - 1 min read

The Historical Town of Esashi

Walking through the town that herring built

By R.S. Reynolds

Community writer

Yokoyamake - The residence of the only family in Southern Hokkaido in the Edo era engaged in fishing

The steps that lead to Higashi Honganji Betsuin

Cool water to refresh oneself on a warm day

It was only appropriate that after taking a JR Hokkaido Train as far east as I possibly could to Nemuro, that I do the same for the other side of the island. This time, I ventured to end of the line in a westerly direction and got off at the last station in the seaside city of Esashi. First developed after the advent and development of the herring fishing industry, the town serves as a quaint, historically-minded visit for day-trippers from Hakodate. The one kilometer stretch that runs through the old part of town has a number of modest shrines and buildings designated to be culturally important, which allow visitors to enjoy a leisurely small town stroll.