Esashi, Harbor town in Hiyama district, Japan
Esashi is a coastal town in Hiyama district on Hokkaido's western shore facing the Sea of Japan, spreading along the waterfront with mountains rising to the east. The settlement follows the natural contours of the bay, creating a linear arrangement of buildings and streets that hug the coastline.
During the Edo period, Esashi became a major herring fishing center that brought significant wealth to the region. The fishing trade remained the economic foundation that shaped the town's development for generations.
The Esashi Oiwake music tradition is maintained through gatherings each September, with songs rooted in the lives of traveling merchants from centuries past. Locals keep this singing style alive as part of their community identity.
Ferry service connects the town to Okushiri Island for those wanting to explore the nearby area. The municipal office can help arrange lodging and point out things to see in the region.
The Doba Shishimai is a local lion dance performed in three distinct acts that blend Shinto ritual movements with traditional pestle-swinging sequences. This performance appears at special occasions and reveals practices passed down through generations.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
Katsuyama-date
8 kmTate Castle
17.9 kmJōkoku-ji
7.8 km
Esashi Oiwake Museum and Esashi Yama Museum
79 m
Esashi Town Historical Museum
151 m
鶉川ゴヨウマツ自生北限地帯
28.2 km
Hiyama Prefectural Natural Park
1.1 km
Ubagami Daijingū
366 m厚沢部町郷土資料館
10.1 km旧関川家別荘
971 mScenic viewpoint
7.2 km折居社跡
613 mかもめ島
1.1 km瓶子岩
978 mアネロイド気圧計
625 m旧笹浪家住宅
7.6 km海水浴場
958 m江差町水堀町民プール
7.5 km江差の繁次郎
3 km史跡松前氏城跡館城跡
17.9 km道南農事試作場跡
9.8 km忠魂碑
9.7 kmメークイン発祥の地
9.9 km江差高等学校跡の碑
10 kmStele, memorial
818 m江差町強度民芸会館 追分会館
108 m旧JR江差駅記念モニュメント
1.4 km旧江差駅
1.4 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes