Samani | Travel

Apoi-dake

アポイ岳

4-5hr return hike from Mt Apoi Geopark Visitor Center

Best known for its abundant wildflowers, Apoi-dake (810m) is the easiest and most popular hikes on the Hidaka Mountains. Mid April through November is the time to climb, and particularly beautiful from May to June when the unusual wildflowers bloom. Mt Apoi Geopark Visitor Center (10min walk from Apoi Sanso bus stop) at the trailhead provides the local topography and geology, with information on alpine plants and brown bears.

Kannon-yama Viewpoint

観音山展望台

13min walk from Samani-Honcho bus stop

A 10-minute walk up the slope from Tōju-in is this small mountain (101m), where there is a nicest view of the town from the observation tower. Trout lilies and corydalis ambiguas bloom from April to May.

Toju-in

等澍院

1min walk from Samani-Honcho bus stop

This temple was established in 1806 by the Edo shogunate, close to the natural harbor. The 1811 small wooden Goma-do was rebuilt in 1965. Today the 2006 new main temple building (hondo) on a hillside is open to the public. Friendly chief priest will guide you inside the temple.

Enrumu-misaki

エンルム岬

8min walk from Kaisho-machi bus stop

Enrumu-misaki is a land-tied island with a height of 70m juts from Samani fishing port. Panoramic views of the ocean and the Hidaka Mountains can be had from the observation deck. At low tide, you can walk on the shore behind the cape.

Samani Folk Museum

様似郷土館

5min walk from Kaisho-machi bus stop

Located on the way to Enrumu-misaki, Samani’s small free museum has exhibits on town history, from the Toju-in temple’s old documents to the mid 20th-century.

Oyako-iwa Fureai Beach

親子岩ふれあいビーチ

3min walk from Samani-Nishimachi bus stop

It is easy to get to Hidaka’s only swimming beach facing the legendary Oyako-iwa (parent-child rocks), which offers pleasant sand and a campsite (¥600 per person), with cold showers and a kitchen. The sunset is particularly beautiful. Pick up snacks from the nearby convenience store.

Photo: じゃらんnet

Apoi Sanso

アポイ山荘

1min walk from Apoi Sanso bus stop

Located near the trailhead of Apoi-dake, this hotel is a good place to unwind before or after hiking. Japanese- and Western-style rooms come with either ocean or mountain views. Guests can use the public bath Apoi-no-yu (アポイの湯).

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