“Erimo Town”A Town of Kelp and Wind
Erimo Town’s location and climate
Erimo Town is located in the south of Hokkaido and positioned in the southern region of the Hidaka Mountain Range. Just about a 4-hour drive from Sapporo and about a 2 and a half hour drive from Obihiro.
In terms of climate, it’s quite a cool place year-round and is distinctly known as a nice place to escape the heat at the height of summer. In the summer of 2023, the average daily temperature of Cape Erimo was measured to surpass 25 degrees Celsius only 5 days during the month of August. Established in Cape Erimo, the AMeDAS (Automated Meteorological Data Acquisition System) has surprisingly never measured a temperature surpassing 30 degrees Celsius in the area.
Erimo also has dense fog with over 100 days per year. It’s said that the number of days with dense fog reaches an average of 20 days per month between May and August. This is why the lighthouse in Cape Erimo plays such an important role for the sailors in the area.
Erimo Town is a region famous for kelp harvesting as well as the strong winds of Cape Erimo. The kelp, which is the regions local specialty, is known as “Hidaka Kelp” and is one of the most famous kelp brands in Japan. It is said that the town of Erimo actively harvests Hidaka Kelp which consists of over 65% of Japan’s supply. Hidaka Kelp has special characteristics, and can be used in many different ways. It’s fibers are soft, it’s great for making Japanese soup stock as it’s known for not having a strange aftertaste, and great for making Oden, Konbu Maki and Nimono dishes. How did Erimo Town begin producing Hidaka Kelp, which has become so crucial to Japanese Cuisine? Please check the link below if you’d like to read more about Kelp.
https://hokkaido-treasure.com/column/041/
When considering Japan as a whole, Erimo Town in Hokkaido is a region not recognized on a large scale. However, “Cape Erimo”is quite famous and known by many people. Cape Erimo comes from the Ainu word, “Onne Enrum.” “Onne = big” “Enrum = protruding place = Cape.”
The Cape is known as an astounding region with windstorms that sweep over the cape at an average yearly speed of 8.3 meters per second. Aside from windstorms, the region is also known for seals that inhabit the area. Furthermore, located just Northeast of Erimo Cape is the Toyoni region with an abundance of wildlife and also a zone designated as a conservation area for semi-endangered animals, such as the “Ezo naki rabbit.”There are also mountain roads still being used that were once traveled by prominent figures of Japan. You can enjoy a touch of history while being surrounded by nature.
There are many recommended sightseeing spots, such as the longest road tunnel in Hokkaido, and delicious gourmet seafood from the port city.
The history and culture of Erimo Town
The town of Erimo, which is surrounded by mountains and a rich ocean was formerly called, “Erimo Desert” and was a region that suffered from devistation. There is actually a history to the current lush green restoration thanks to the efforts of the local residents. Currently, there is a movie being created on the story of the restoration of Erimo from the desert era. A story hard to talk about without shedding a tear.
Due to the cutting down of many trees in the area, the town became covered with sand and the disorder began to spread from the mountainous areas. As the mountains began losing their water retention, sand was being washed into to the ocean, which lead to contamination. In order to restore Erimo back to its original state of lush greenery, the local people took charge and started an operation of tree planting. However, the operation didn’t advance as well as expected. But through trial and error and over 40 years of effort, the Erimo Desert finally began transforming into its current restored state. How did the convinced pioneers persevere and restore the lush green landscapes of Erimo Town?
Cape Erimo’s Charm and Hyakunin Hama
Cape Erimo’s harbor seals and nature watching
The most prominent characteristic of Cape Erimo has got to be its windstorms. It’s considered a zone home to some of the strongest winds in Japan, with an average yearly speed of about 8.3 meters per second, and winds reaching over 10 meters per second more than 260 days a year. There are times when the windstorms blow so violently making it hard to even open a car door. Because of the severe winds, the area is called, “the land of extreme wind.”
Cape Erimo also has an establishment called, “House of Wind”where you can experience winds of up to 25 meters per second. It might be a fun family memory to experience a powerful windstorm.
There is almost never a day when winds aren’t blowing in Cape Erimo, and although it is a place with violent winds, at the same time it is also an interesting region where you can see an unusual and extraordinary phenomenon. It’s a phenomenon where the sun rises from the Pacific Ocean and sets in the Pacific Ocean. In Japan, it’s typical for the sun to rise from the mountain side (or ocean) and then set in the ocean side (or mountain). There are places where the sun does rise and set in the ocean, but usually the ocean where the sun rises and sets is different. Because of this, Erimo Town is a special place where you can experience the phenomenon of the sun rising and setting over the Pacific Ocean from Cape Erimo.
In Cape Erimo, more than just experiencing a windstorm and enjoying the beautiful scenery, you can also enjoy viewing the sunrise and sunset from the beautiful ocean horizon. Please have a look for yourself of this incredible phenomonon. Your trip in Hokkaido will be even more enjoyable.
We also recommend a spot where you can see the harbor seals that inhabit the reef of Cape Erimo. The number of harbor seals inhabiting the coast off Cape Erimo has the largest density and the highest number in Japan, said to be more than 830. The color and patterns of the harbor seals are almost identical to the surrounding rocks, which makes it hard to pinpoint them at first. However, as the waves come crashing into the shore, the harbor seals move their bodies to try and dodge the waves and at this time begin to stand out.
Although harbor seals can be seen year-round, the breeding season is from May to June which makes for a great opportunity to see baby seals and even births. Especially around the beginning of May. This is when you can see cute baby seals swimming around on their mother’s backs. July through August is also recommended as the hair begins to change. This is also the time of year when you can see the most seals.
You’ll need a telescope in order to see the harbor seals. There are telescopes available for anyone to use located within the “House of Wind” building at Cape Erimo.
Moreover, on the Kelp Boat Cruise, you can ride an actual fishing boat that’s used for kelp harvesting and enjoy a tour around Cape Erimo. The Tour Cruise is only conducted if the wind speeds are 10 meters per second or less. If you’re lucky, you may be able to enjoy the cruise around Cape Erimo with blue skies above and up close views of the harbor seals.
Hyakunin Hama and a stroll through lush vegetation
If you head toward the Tokachi area from Cape Erimo, there is a continuous sandy beach and a place called, “Hyakunin Hama.” Here your eyes can enjoy viewing a variety of plants, such as Hamahirugao (Japanese bindweed), Hamanigana (daisies), Ayame (Iris) and Hamanasu (Japanese roses). It’s also interesting to look for different sand patterns and circular formations that have been carved out by the winds. In Hyakunin Hama, there is also a place called, “Hiren Numa” (Tragic Love Pond), a small pond with a circumference of about 400 meters. It’s an attractive spot with many wetland plants growing in the area, such as Iris ensatas, Menyanthes trifoliatas and more.
Although the scenery is wonderful in Hyakunin Hama, it’s name actually derives from a sad legend. A long time ago in the open sea of Erimo, there was a large ship that shipwrecked in the Nanbu province and many corpses washed ashore. Even the people who survived the wreck, ended up loosing their lives to hunger and hypothermia. It is said that 100 people lost their lives.
Since long ago, Cape Erimo has been known as a rough area due to the dense fog, high waves and strong winds. In response to the shipwrecks and accidents that often occurred, a stone monument was built for the people who lost their lives at sea and a memorial service was held in 1806. Historically, this monument has great value and is deffinitely worth seeing once.
Cape Erimo and the coast of Hyakunin Hama is part of Japan’s largest quasi-national park, called “Hidaka-sanmyaku Erimo Quasi-National Park.” If you like being around nature, this is a recommended place to visit when traveling around the Hidaka region.
*It has been announced that in the summer of 2024, the area will change from a quasi-national park to an official Nation Park.
There will also be an ocean route walking course in Hyakunin Hama. We recommend checking out this course as you’ll be able to see many of the highlights we’ve covered in this section. Such as, the small pond, stone monument, and the coast line plant community. All within about a 2 hour walk around the course. We can incorporate a customized tour for those who are especially interested in plants and vegetation.
Kelp Harvesting and Erimo’s Gourmet Seafood
Kelp harvesting is a seasonal characteristic of summertime in Erimo
There is no doubt that kelp is Erimo Town’s local specialty. Kelp harvesting is Erimo Town’s key industry and from July to September is prime time to harvest. Before fishing bans are lifted, or days when boats can’t go out, “picking up kelpt” is conducted along the shore.
The kelp fisherman paddle out into the ocean early morning. They use a long rod to reel kelp from the seafloor and tug it in by hand with the aid of the rod. They can harvest the kelp by using the needle at the pointed end of the rod to assist them in bundling up the kelp.
After harvesting kelp from the ocean, a drying place called a “Kanba,” is used. This is a designated area with gravel spread across the surface. The kelp is then neatly lined up and dried using the sun’s heat. The secret to making delicious kelp is to dry it under the summer sun. The kelp recquires absolutely no cultivation or drying machines. Furthermore, it’s completely additive-free and organic, making it a healthy ingredient for the body.
The delicious Hidaka kelp is often worked on and made by families as a whole. Adults and young people with stamina, as well as young kids and elderly can all work together to spread the kelp over the gravel for drying, as well as cutting, bundling and organizing the already dried up kelp.
In summer, if you drive along the coast during the kelp harvesting season, you can see the sight of families working together to line up kelp on the drying grounds. After the kelp is spread out over the gravel, the distinct good smell of kelp drifts in the air. It’s safe to say that this is Erimo’s distinct summer characteristic.
If you happen to travel to Hokkaido in the summertime, make sure to stop by Erimo Town. Roll down the car window and enjoy the nice aroma of kelp and the scenery of the kelp process.
Erimo’s gourmet seafood
Enjoying “gourmet”on your trip from each location you visit is one of the real charms of traveling. Erimo Town is a fishing village, therefore seafood is highly recommended. There are many great kinds of marine products available. However, the following are a few we think should be on your “must have” list.
・Seafood Ramen
・Hatahata Izushi (Japanese Sandfish Sushi Bowl)
・Barfin Flounder “Oucho”
・Sushi
The “Seafood Ramen” located in the Tourism Center at Cape Erimo is definitely one of the gourmet spots we recommend experiencing. The soup stock is flavored with the remarkable local marine products, and depending on the season, crab and whelk are also added into the flavor creating the ultimate satisfaction. If you ever come to Cape Erimo, please try the Seafood Ramen as one of the enjoyments of your trip.
Hatahata Izushi is also one of Erimo Town’s regional specialties. Izushi is one of Hokkaido’s regional cuisines and is basically made by soaking fish in malted rice, then lactic fermenting and preserving. Most Izushi is made from Salmon or Mackerel, but Erimo Town is distinctly known for using Hatahata (Sandfish). It is said that Hatahata Izushi is quite a scarce regional food as it is not sold in supermarkets and depending on the household, the flavor and way of making it varies.
Furthermore, Erimo Town also takes pride in its righteye flounder, what they call, “Matsukawa Garei.” The larger ones can reach a size of up to 80 centimeters long and are twice as firm as lefteye flounder. As it’s called the King of righteye flounder, the flavor is strong and the innards are exquisite. The high-grade Matsukawa is such a rarity that it’s even scarce within Erimo Town. The circulation and the amount of sushi restaurants that handle it is quite low. Therefore, if you would like to taste the Matsukawa delicacy, it would be wise to consult with a Hokkaido tour company.
Eating fresh marine products in the form of sushi caught and unloaded in Erimo Town is one of the most luxurious ways to spend time in Erimo. There are many shops handling fresh seafood and each shop takes great pride in what they offer. Savoring sushi in Erimo that can only be experienced in the southernmost tip of the Hidaka region will heal you in an instant of any travel fatigue you may have.
Aside from what was mentioned in this article, there are many other marine products available in Erimo Town. Including salmon, sea urchin, botan shrimp, hair crab and more. The availability may differ depending on the season. You may want to aim for a certain season in your travel plans if you would like to have a particular kind of seafood.
Earlier in the article we introduced Erimo Town’s wonderful wildlife and nature. However, Erimo Town was formerly in such destruction it was called, “Erimo Desert.” In this next section we will introduce the history of how Erimo desert was restored into the lush green environment it is today.
The Restoration of Erimo Desert
Although Erimo is currently blessed with an abundance of beautiful nature, it was once a region in such destruction that it was called, “Erimo Desert.”In order to live in such harsh conditions with intense cold temperatures and windstorms, fuel was needed. It was during the developmental period of the Meiji Era when trees were cut, and before they new it, many mountains had become deforested. Due to the cutting of trees, the mountains were no longer able to retain moisture in the soil and because of that, the top soil and sand began to flow into the ocean causing contamination. As a result, the local population fell into a dilemma as the village could no longer harvest kelp, which they relied on for their livelihood. The circumstances got even worse when the strong winds of Erimo started blowing mountain sand into the residential areas, mixing sand into their food supply.
In response, Erimo Town’s Mayor at the time and local resident supporters got together and started a Tree Planting Project in order to save what had become, the “Erimo desert.” The Erimo Tree Planting Project was implemented in 1953 and received aid from the country. One of the parliamentarian members at the time was originally from Erimo and had seen the Erimo desert first hand. He was shocked by the devastation and was able to request aid from the country.
However, the Erimo desert Tree Planting Project soon came across a problem. They began planting pasture grass seeds, which is needed before tree planting, but due to the strong winds, the seeds kept getting blown away. After trying to lay branches over the seeds and many other failed attempts, at the end of their trial and error they finally discovered a successful way that they call, “Erimo’s Tree Planting Method.” It simply consists of getting rough seagrass to cover the seeds. In Erimo it’s called, “Goda.”The method was successful due to the nature of the seagrass, which gets heavy when wet and sticks together like glue. It was a revolutionary method as the “Goda”was able to cover the ground and protect the seeds from wind. As a result, the seeds were able to grow while receiving a supply of nutrients from the seagrass. “Goda” was then used in the farmlands as fertilizer in the Erimo area.
When the grass finally started to settle in, they began planting Japanese Black Pine Trees, but were concerned about how the trees would take root. Not only because of the cold temperatures and strong winds, but also because of the foggy weather, which created a deficiency of visible daylight time. Japanese Black Pine Trees aren’t originally native to Hokkaido, but were chosen because once the roots are developed, they can withstand strong winds and remain long lasting.
Steadily and little by little they planted. When success was met with the Japanese Black Pine Trees getting rooted, they would move on to the next area again and again and just like that, the forest transformed.
After over 40 years, revival has been achieved and the marine product resources such as kelp, salmon, hair crab and more have come back. Thanks to the success of the afforestation in the mountains.
Just like Erimo Town restored the greenery, there are now plans to start planting trees and vegetation that were once native to Erimo such as Japanese Emperor Oak Trees.
On general tours, the attention is usually on Cape Erimo’s wind and gourmet seafood. We can also consider it as a connection with the way of a sustainable environment and a chance to see how the steady efforts of the local people of Erimo Town went from devistation to complete revival and forest restoration.
If you climb to the top of the Observation Tower located in Hyakunin Hama where the afforestation took place, you can see a sweeping view of what is now lush greenery. You can also see a display of the materials that were used for the afforestation.
Toyoni Area’s Nature and a Golden Road
In the Toyoni area in Erimo, Hokkaido, there is a famous Toyoni lake known as Heart Lake. The actual place is also called, “Horseshoe Lake.” Let’s have a look at the legend and see where the name came from. During the 10th year of the Kansei Era (1798), a very elite explorer by the name of Kondo Juzo was on an expedition to the Kurile Islands. On the way back, he was taking a mountain trail above this lake. Suddenly, a strong gust of wind blew one of his servants off the cliff along with his horse. Since that time, the lake has gradually warped into the shape of a horse’s hoof.
Toyoni Lake is the only natural lake shaped like a heart in Hidaka. You can arrive there from the Erimo Town streets by car in about 1 hour, plus about a 20-minute walk, making it comparatively easy to access.
Furthermore, there is a mountain trail in the Toyoni area called, “Saruru Mountain Trail.” It’s known for having a deep connection with an eminent Japanese person by the name of Ino Tadataka. Ino Tadataka is famous for making his way across Japan on foot, measuring and making efforts to create a map of Japan, which he started over the age of 50. Towards the end of the Edo Period another eminent figure by the name of Matsuura Takeshiro, also walked this trail. Matsuura Takeshiro visited many places all around Japan recording culture and topography, and is said to be the godparent and namer of “Hokkaido.”
Saruru Mountain Trail has an abundance of nature and is loved by the locals. Here we would like to introduce the Ezo Naki Usagi (Hokkaido Crying Rabbit), which is a distinct wild animal of the region. The Ezo Naki Usagi is related to rabbits inhabiting high mountain regions and are believed to have survived the ice age. The mountianous areas in Erimo are the lowest point in Hokkaido that inhabit the rabbits. If you happen to hear a squeaking sound, the rabbits could be nearby! Aside from the Ezo Naki Usagi, you can also observe Black Woodpeckers, Eurasian Jays, Great Spotted Woodpeckers and more. Try having a look for yourself!
The Saruru Mountain Trail is an intermediate level course, and a great opportunity for people with stamina to join the trekking tour while being surrounded by untouched nature. Also, there are Hokkaido bears inhabiting the area, so it’s very important that you follow the tour guide’s instructions.
In Erimo Town there is a National Highway called, Route 336. It’s a famous road with a popular nickname called, “The Golden Road.” The name comes from the idea of the high costs of materials and construction funds that were required to build it. In order to build it, they had to fill some areas along the coast line and shave off parts of the cliffs. The over-all length is 33.5 kilometers and is a road that stretches all the way to the neighboring town of Hiro. It took a total of 7 years to complete. Also, along the Golden Road is the longest tunnel in all of Hokkaido called, “Erimo’s Golden Tunnel,” with an over-all length of 4,941 meters.
If you happen to travel to Erimo, it would be fun to design your itinerary so that you can take a drive on the Golden Road and through the Golden Tunnel. It’s a nice drive along the coast, and in the cold winter season you can even see a frozen waterfall.
Summary: Kelp and Wind, an Afforestation Town. Make Erimo Town Your Travel Destination
In this article, we’ve introduced a part of what makes Erimo Town attractive. In Erimo Town, located on the southern tip of Hokkaido, you can experience numerous natural and historical sites. As well as seals, nature walking tours, gourmet seafood and more. As well as learning about how the Erimo desert transformed into the lush green landscape it is today. It is a highly recommended destination when traveling through the Hidaka region.
The summer season is the perfect time to travel to Erimo Town. The climate is nice and cool, making it the best place to escape Japan’s hot summer. Furthermore, it’s the best time to see the harbor seals and other lively plants and animals on a suitable nature walking tour. You can also get an up-close look of the local people working on the kelp, as it’s the prime harvesting season in Erimo Town. The foundation of Japanese Cuisine consists of kelp and is made simply by the ocean and the sun’s energy. Wonderful marine products, such as kelp, salmon and flounder will satisfy your mind and body, and will surely contribute to some of your best summer memories.
Please feel free to contact HOKKAIDO TREASURE ISLAND TRAVEL if you are interested in anything involving a travel tour to Erimo Town. We will design a wonderful custom tour for you and create an attractive tour proposal that will surely bring your family lasting memories. Please click on “Contact Us” for further inquiries.
