About 10km north of Rumoi, Obira (小平町) was also once a herring fishing village, and there were underground coal mines in Tappu (達布: about 20km east of Obira) until 1967. From early July to mid August, the town’s two sandy beaches, Usuya (臼谷) and Onishika (鬼鹿), are the sparkling playgrounds.
PRACTICAL TIPS
Location 10km northeast of Rumoi on the Ororon Line
Population 3000
Highlights Old Hanada Family Fishing Hut
Tourist Information Michi-no-eki Obira Nishin Ban-ya (道の駅おびら鯡番屋): see below
01 LOCAL HISTORY & ROADSIDE STATION
Old Hanada Family Fishing Hut
旧花田家番屋 / Kyu Hanada-ke Ban-ya / 35-2 Onishika-Hirotomi / 8am-5pm Apr-Oct, 10am-4pm Nov-Apr / Closed Mon except 3rd Mon in Jun-2nd Mon in Aug / Admission ¥400
Hokkaido’s largest wooden fishing hut like a herring palace, the 1905 Hanada-ke Ban-ya was once the temporary living quarters of the fisherman’s chief and some 200 seasonal workers. The hut contains large-scale fireplaces, beds and the owner’s gorgeous living room.
Adjacent to the house is the Michi-no-eki Obira Nishin Ban-ya (道の駅おびら鯡番屋) that has a roadside station, tourist information center, gallery and good restaurant.
Along the coast is Nishin Bunka Rekishi Park (にしん文化歴史公園) with great ocean views.
The hut is facing the Hanada Ban-ya-mae (花田番屋前) bus stop. Local and intercity buses stop here.
02 BEACH
Onishika Twin Beach
おにしかツインビーチ / Tel 0164-57-1951 / Early Jul-mid Aug / Parking fee ¥500 (motorcycle ¥200) per day
Onishika has a child-friendly ocean pool and a natural sandy beach, camping is also available from ¥2000 per tent. There are reputable seafood restaurants and stores around the beach. The nearest bus stop is Onishika Minato-machi 3 (鬼鹿港町3区), 400m south of the beach.
OBIRA MAP
GETTING THERE
Engan Bus operates intercity buses for Haboro from Sapporo, stopping at the Hanada Ban’ya-mae and Onishika Minato-machi 3. There are also local buses between Rumoi-ekimae and Haboro.
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