Esashi Oiwake Kaikan, Esashi Yama Kaikan
Hear the Soul of Hokkaido’s Seafaring Past
Esashi Oiwake Kaikan
In Esashi, a historic port town in southern Hokkaido, the Kaikan showcases the region’s famous folk song, Esashi Oiwake, born from melodies sung by Edo period (1603–1868) merchant sailors and herring fishermen. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the song’s profound lyrics and heritage. Crucially, the hall offers live performances of Esashi Oiwake from late April to October, usually three times a day. This is the best way to hear the melancholic, soulful melody firsthand. Hands-on singing lessons are also available.
Esashi Yama Kaikan
Home to Hokkaido’s oldest festival (370 years), the Ubagami Daijingu Togyo Festival runs from August 9 to 11. This spectacular event features 13 magnificent, multi-tiered floats (called yama), built by wealthy merchants and reflecting cultural influences from Kyoto and Edo. At the Yama Kaikan, visitors can see two of these exquisitely decorated yama displayed on rotation. Large screen footage allows you to experience the festival's exhilarating atmosphere, even outside the August dates.
Located adjacent to each other, these two halls offer a vivid, integrated glimpse into Hokkaido's deep-rooted culture. Step away from the major cities and immerse yourself in the authentic history and soul of Esashi.
- * Please note that the text shown on this page includes machine translations.
- Category
- With friends
- Museums, science museums, art galleries, archives
- History, culture, art
- Other experiences
- Couple
- Travel style
- Experiences, tours
- Travel Inspiration
- Ideas for a rainy day
- Nearest airports
General Information
- Postal code
- 〒043-0034
- Address
- 北海道檜山郡江差町中歌町193-3
- Telephone Number
- 0139-52-0920
- Open
- 9:00-17:00
- Closed
- Apr. to Oct. Open everyday
From Nov. to Mar. Every Monday and the day after a national holiday
The New Year's holiday (Dec. 31-Jan. 5) - Car Park
- 20 spaces, free
- Directions
- ●By bus: About 120 minutes from JR Hakodate Station, get off at “Nakautacho” and walk About 5 minutes
●By car: About 90 minutes from Hakodate Airport - Website
* Information on facilities is subject to change. Please check each official website for the latest information.
