Mori

Mori is a town on Uchiura Bay on the eastern side of Oshima Peninsula, wrapped by forests and facing Mount Komagatake volcano. The settlement spreads between the coast and green hills, with the 1,132-meter volcano framing the view from many parts of town.

The settlement started as a fishing base for Pacific herring in the 15th century, built by fishermen from Hakodate. It received its town status in 1921, marking its transition from a small fishing community to an official municipality.

The name comes from the Ainu word Oniushi, meaning forested area. Local festivals show traditional drum performances and food stalls where you can taste the daily rhythm of community celebrations.

The town is connected by the JR Hokkaido Hakodate Main Line, with stations offering regular train service to Hakodate and Sapporo. You should check train schedules beforehand, as departures are less frequent than in larger cities.

Ikameshi, a rice-stuffed squid dish, was created during wartime and originated at Mori Station. The original inventor's shop still operates there, keeping this wartime recipe alive as a local specialty.

Location: Kayabe district

Inception: April 1, 1902

Reference: 013455

Shares border with: Hokuto, Nanae, Yakumo, Assabu, Shikabe

Website: https://town.hokkaido-mori.lg.jp

GPS coordinates: 42.10497,140.57642

Latest update: December 20, 2025 01:39