Table of Contents：
1. Santa’s Town “Hiroo Town”
2. The Only Santa Land In Japan Recognized By Norway
– What Does Santa Land Do?
– What Can You Do In Santa Land?
– Why Was Hiroo Town Chosen For Santa Land?
– First Of All, Who Is Santa Claus?
3. The Gourmet Seafood Is Also Recommended! Three Types Of Seafood To Try In Hiroo
4. “Hiroo Town” As A Town Of Flowers
5. There’s More Than Just Santa Land! In Hiroo Town, You Can Also Enjoy Both Summer And Winter
For those who are thinking or wondering, “I want to enjoy a romantic Christmas overseas” or “Is it true that there is a Santa Land in Japan?”we would like to introduce you to Hiroo Town in Hokkaido. When talking about Santa Claus in Hokkaido, Hiroo Town is so famous that it immediately comes to mind. However, you may have endless questions, such as “Where is Hiroo Town?” “What kind of town is it, and what is it famous for?”
Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company can resolve any concerns or simple questions you may have, and suggest plans that best suit your needs. Here are some other recommended points about Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company:
・As a tour company specializing in Hokkaido, we have in-depth knowledge of the prefecture
・We are flexible in responding to customer requests
・Dedicated staff will support you throughout your entire trip
Please feel free to contact us even if you only have a vague idea for a trip. Such as, “I’m looking for a plan that the whole family can enjoy.”
Santa’s Town “Hiroo Town”
Hiroo Town is a region near the eastern coast of Hokkaido, flourishing in fishing and dairy farming. It is located on the southernmost tip of the Tokachi region, with Obihiro at the center. Because it faces the sea, there is a lot of fog. The area also has a distinct feature for being relatively cool in summer. In addition, there is little difference in temperature between day and night, making it the warmest and most comfortable area in the Tokachi region. It is about an hour and a half by car from Obihiro, and about an hour to Erimo Town, which is famous for Cape Erimo. As expected from a coastal region, the fishing industry is thriving, and dairy farming and forest management are also actively carried out. Within the fishing industry, Hiroo is particularly famous for its hairy crab, shishamo smelt and salmon. All of these are delicious delicacies that represent Hiroo Town, so be sure to try them.
The biggest feature of Hiroo Town is definitely “Santa Land.” Santa is the Santa Claus who plays a major role at Christmas. You can enjoy Christmas all year round at Santa Land in Hiroo Town, Hokkaido. The next section will provide detailed information about Santa Land, the pride of Hiroo Town, so please read to the end.
The Only Santa Land In Japan Recognized By Norway
Santa Land in Hiroo Town is the only facility in Japan that has been approved by Norway. Located within the grounds of Daimaruyama Forest Park in Hiroo Town, it is known as the beloved “Hiroo Santa Land.”
What Does Santa Land Do?
Hiroo Santa Land is the leading tourist facility in Hiroo Town where you can enjoy Christmas all year round. Although it is a tourist attraction, it is an official facility that has been officially recognized by Norway. It operates based on the wonderful philosophy of “Love and Peace, Gratitude and Service” which was inherited from Santa Land in Norway.
【 1. Hiroo Santa Card Project 】
“Hiroo Santa Card” is a Christmas card sent from Hiroo Town, which is officially recognized as Santa Land. The card design changes every year, and it also includes a message from Santa Claus, making it feel special. Furthermore, you can also include your own thoughtful message, making it a perfect gift for family, loved ones and close friends.In 2024, a quite popular picture book author from Hokkaido designed the card in commemoration of Hiroo Santa Land’s 40th aniversary.
【2. A Project To Support Children’s Dreams 】
Hiroo Santa Land takes part in delivering Christmas cards and presents to children living in orphanages. This project has been running for over 10 years, and every year many children show off their bright, smiling faces. In addition to financial collaboration from companies, a portion of the application fees for the Hiroo Santa Card Project is also used.
【3. The Earliest Tree Lighting Ceremony in Japan 】
The tree lighting ceremony at Santa Land in Hiroo Town takes place on the fourth Saturday in October, and is known as the earliest place in Japan where people can enjoy a Christmas tree. It has been held every year since it was certified by Norway in 1984, and even during the COVID-19 pandemic, it continued as a live-streamed online lighting ceremony. Every year, many people gather at Santa Land in late autumn to enjoy the lighting ceremony. On the day of the event, greetings from the town’s mayor, as well as Christmas songs sung by choruses made up of children are held. Fireworks are later launched at the end of the lighting ceremony. The Norwegian Ambassador in Japan came to give a speech for the 40th anniversary of Hiroo Santa Land in 2024.
What Can You Do In Santa Land?
What can you do at Santa Land in Hiroo Town? Here we will introduce how to enjoy Santa Land.
【1. Enjoy The Christmas Lights (Winter Only) 】
When you think of Christmas, you think of Christmas lights. You’ll forget the cold of winter while being surrounded by about 150,000 colorful lights. If there is a lot of snow, you can experience the fairytale-like Christmas lights among the white snow. It’s a great place to visit as a couple or with your family for a wonderful Christmas. The Christmas lights are only on display in winter and will surely become a romantic memory of your winter trip in Hokkaido.
In recent years, Christmas lights incorporated with wooden lanterns have been added as part of Santa Land’s forest management. The Christmas lights, which are lit up in box-shaped lanterns made from the Hiroo Town’s lumber brand “Hiroo Santa Land Wood,” are truly “gifts of light.” You can spend a heartwarming moment even in the bitter cold.
【2. Buy Christmas Goods At Santa’s House 】
“Santa’s House” is the large triangular-roofed building located on the grounds of Santa Land. Its bright green roof stands out even when viewed from the observation deck of Daimaruyama Forest Park. Santa’s House sells Christmas goods 365 days a year, so whether it’s a hot summer day or a pleasantly warm spring day, you can get into the Christmasspirit in no time. The lineup of goods is so extensive that we can’t even introduce them all here, including stylish ornaments, cute snow globes, small but real Christmas trees and more. Making it quite an attractive feature. There are also original goods that can only be purchased at Santa’s House, so be sure to check them out. There is also a café space where you can take a nice relaxing break with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.
【3. Ring Santa’s Bell And Pledge Eternal Love 】
As a matter of fact, Santa Land is also a famous spot known as a “sacred place for lovers.” In 2011, it was acknowledged as a suitable place for proposals because of its romantic atmosphere that is memorable for couples. “Santa’s Bell” is positioned in a place where you can see Santa’s entire house. This is a popular place where couples, families and friends can ring it together to bring good luck and happiness. Furthermore, there is a “Key of Love Monument”next to Santa’s Bell. A kind of metaphor where people can vow their “eternal love” by hanging a padlock on a Japanese fir tree-themed monument. A proposal amidst the fairytale-like Christmas lights and the key pledging eternal love, would make for a wonderful memory as a couple.
If you are thinking that you have a partner you want to propose to, or if you want to express your feelings to a special someone, please leave it to Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company to help. We will provide you with full support, including suggesting ideas and designing plans, so that your feelings will surely be conveyed.
Why Was Hiroo Town Chosen For Santa Land?
Why was Hiroo Town chosen for Santa Land, out of all the cities and towns? It all began in 1980, 45 years ago. In that year, Hiroo Town’s Marine Aquarium Science Museum and the National Aquarium in Bergen, Norway became sister cities. Exchanges with Norway began from there. Because of that, the town of Hiroo then found out that the Noregian capital of Oslo was operating as “Norway Santa Land.” Children from all over the world sent letters to Santa Claus in the city of Oslo, and “Christmas Cards”were then sent out to all of the children in return. The town of Hiroo took notice and approached the city of Olso, saying, “We would like to also share this with Japanese children,” which then led to the creation of Hiroo Santa Land. Later, in November of 1984, Hiroo Town was officially recognized as Santa Land, and the first town in the world to receive such a certificate. Santa Land in Hiroo Town is the first of its kind outside of Norway, and is currently the only establishment of its kind in Japan.
First Of All, Who Is Santa Claus?
So far, we have introduced Santa Land in detail, but what kind of person is Santa Claus, the person who plays the leading role in Christmas? The origin of Santa Claus is said to be a real clergyman called, “Saint Nicholas” who lived around the 4th century. He was known as a very compasionate person who existed near what is now Turkey. Here is one episode. One day, Saint Nicholas threw a gold coin into the house of a very poor familiy he wanted to help. The coin landed in a stocking that was hanging by the fireplace, and the family who was so poor that they were even considering selling their daughter, was overjoyed. It is said that this is the origin of the custom of Santa Claus putting presents in stockings.
The Gourmet Seafood Is Also Recommended! Three Types Of Seafood To Try In Hiroo
So far, we have mainly introduced Santa Land. However, it would be good to also keep in mind that Hiroo Town, which faces the Pacific Ocean, is also a thriving fishing area. Among the seafood caught here, the most famous are shishamo smelt, salmon, and hairy crab.
Although it is not well known even in Japan, shishamo smelt is actually a fish native to Japan. In addition, shishamo smelt only lives in the Pacific Ocean areas of Hokkaido, so they can only be caught in limited areas of the prefecture. Hiroo Town is a producer of these precious shishamo smelt, and at one point in the past, Hiroo Town was actually the leading place for the most shishamo smelt caught in all of Japan.
Salmon is called different names depending on the season, with salmon caught from May to June being called, “Tokishirazu” and salmon caught from September to November being called, “Akiaji.” Tokishirazu is especially very popular because it is fatty and tender.
The season for hairy crab is during the cold winter months from December to January. Because they store nutrients in their bodies to survive the harsh winters, they are surprisingly rich and full of flavor. In December, the “Hiroo Hairy Crab Festival” is held, a food event where you can taste Hiroo’s local specialties including hairy crab and other seafood. If you’re interested, please check out the section below, “Winter: The Hiroo Hairy Crab Festival And The Impressive Funbe Falls.”
As Hiroo is a seaside town, there is an abundance of restaurants where you can enjoy gourmet seafood. With fresh ingredients and a skillful chef, the food is exquisite no matter what you try. If you find a restaurant that interests you, or if you have a certain kind of seafood you want to try, please consult with Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company. We will customize your trip and selection of restaurants to meet your needs.
Enjoy “Hiroo-cho” As A Flower Town
Although it is not widely known, Hiroo Town is actually a town with so many flower viewing spots that it can be called, “the town of flowers.” For example, there are spots such as;
・Daimaruyama Forest Park’s Ezoyama Azaleas
・Cherry Blossoms at Tokachi Shrine
・Santa’s Hill Flower Garden
・Omori Garden
・Tashiro-no-Mori
Azaleas are the flower of Hiroo Town and are so popular that the “Hiroo Azalea Festival” is held every May. The contrast between the greenery of the forest and the red color of the azaleas is so beautiful that you can’t help but take photos. For more details, please see the section, “Spring: The Hiroo Azalea Festival, And Various Plants.” Santa’s Hill is located within the grounds of Daimaruyama Forest Park where the main venue of Santa Land is. Here you can enjoy beautiful perennial plants according to the seasons. From early summer to early autumn, about 20 kinds of flowers show off their cute and colorful appearance.
We also recommend Omori Garden and Tashiro-no-Mori. At the Omori Garden, there is an area called, “The Garden” where you can enjoy beautiful perennial plants carefully selected by the owner. The garden invites visitors into a world of plants designed to bring out the best in each flowering plant. Enjoy a lovely stroll while chatting with your family and maybe even get inspired for new garden plans. At Tashiro-no-Mori, beautiful and delicate flowers bloom and the sight of the giant trillium in full bloom is particularly spectacular. Here, tours are held where you can admire the entire fields of flowers while sipping coffee made with love by the owner. The coffee is made with sap collected from Tashiro-no-Mori, giving it a special appeal. Enjoy a relaxing time with the beautiful flower plant scenery and a special cup of coffee. If you have any questions about the garden’s seasonal opening periods, tour reservations, or anything else, please contact Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company. We can propose a plan that is perfect for you, including plant viewing and a relaxing time.
There’s More Than Just Santa Land! In Hiroo Town You Can Also Enjoy Both Summer And Winter!
Aside from Santa Land and plants, there are many activities and events to enjoy all year round. Here we will introduce the main events and recommended spots for each season: fall, winter spring and summer.
Fall: The Santa Land Tree Lighting Ceremony
Hiroo Santa Land is the first place in Japan to light up its Christmas tree. The tree lighting ceremony is held as autumn deepens and the weather gets colder. It is so popular that it attracts many visitors every year. The atmosphere quickly changes to Christmas the moment the Christmas lights are lit up under the cold skies. Starting with the lighting of the main Christmas tree, followed by a simultaneous lighting of Santa’s House and the surrounding area, creates an environment like being surrounded by a sparkling world.
Winter: The Hiroo Hairy Crab Festival, And The Impressive Funbe Falls
The highlight of winter in Hiroo Town is the famous “Hiroo Hairy Crab Festival.” This delicious event is held every year when hairy crabs are in season. In addition to selling hairy crab soup and seafood, there is also a crab-eating contest, a raffle for local specialties, and much more. This is a very popular annual gourmet event. Actually, in 2024 approximately 10,000 people coming from inside and outside of Hiroo Town attendended, creating quite a lively event. Of course, the most prominent food from the Hiroo Town Festival is hairy crab, however other seafood is also worth trying. Such as, shishamo smelt, giant snow crab, lightly roasted and salted salmon, and much more. Also local specialties from other collaborative cities including, mandarin oranges, grilled flying fish, Nagasaki castella and more. This is definitely one of the events you’ll want to participate in if you come to Hiroo.
Furthermore, on the road that connects Hiroo Town with Erimo Town, also known as “The Golden Road,” there is Funbe Falls. The frozen Funbe Falls in winter is so impressive that you’ll want to stop your car to have a closer look.
Spring: The Hiroo Azalea Festival, And Various Plants
Spring is the season when Hiroo Town, a town of flowers is filled with colorful plants. Beautiful flowers bloom in abundance at the Omori Garden and Taishiro Forest. You can also see trillium flowers in large clusters. One of the most recommended events has to be the Hiroo Azalea Festival, which is held every year in mid-May. Azaleas are so closely related to the town that they are designated as the town’s flower. The event is held at Daimaruyama Forest Park, where Santa Land is located. Not only can you enjoy the Azaleas, but there are also stage events and seafood sales that the whole family can enjoy. Also, the combination of the approximately 12,000 Ezoyama Azaleas and the greenery of the forest is totally reminiscent of Christmas. From the observation deck at Daimaruyama Forest Park, you can see the bright red Azaleas standing out against the greenery. Spring is the recommended time to visit the beautiful botanical gardens of the Omori Garden and Tashiro Forest. The sight of lively, peaceful plants, always soothes the soul after a long winter.
Summer: Tokachi Port Fireworks Festival
The Tokachi Port Fireworks Festival is undoubtedly the most exciting event held in summer. Although the fireworks display is the main event, the event starts in the afternoon. The venue is livened up with stage performances and gourmet food from Hiroo Town such as fried Shishamo Smelt. In 2024, more than 18,000 people from in and outside of Hiroo Town attended this lively event, while enjoying the pleasant breeze of the port. At night, more than 6,000 spectacular fireworks are set off. There is also a wide variety of fireworks, including Chinese fireworks, continuous fireworks and underwater fireworks, creating an event that keeps the audience’s attention the entire time. Furthermore, surfing and fishing are also recommended summer activities. One of the best surfing spots in Hokkaido is located along the Golden Road that connects Hiroo Town with Erimo Town. In summer, and especially on weekends, the area is bustling with surfers who come from various places. If you plan to visit Hiroo Town in Hokkaido in summer, please contact Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company. If you especially want to see a fireworks show or experience a lively festival, we can help design an attractive plan that also includes Hiroo’s summer gourmet food.
In this article, we introduced in detail about Santa’s Town in Hiroo. Santa Land, which is officially recognized by Norway, is the perfect place to spend time with your family and loved ones. You will surely be mesmerized by the Christmas lights in the snowy landscape. Another attraction is that you can send original Christmas cards and buy Christmas goods all year round.Of course, there are plenty of other recommended things to do besides Santa Land. There are so many things to enjoy from fall to summer, such as plants, gourmet food and the fireworks festivals, so we can make sure to propose a plan that will allow you to fully enjoy each season. At Hokkaido Treasure Island Travel Company, please feel free to contact us with any requests you may have, such as “I need help proposing to my loved one” or “I want to try all of the delicious food!” Our staff, who has great knowledge about Hokkaido will do their best to help you have a wonderful trip. Please click on this button for further enquiries and questions.
