Hello to everyone watching Cool Japan Video! This is the Iwanai Tourism Association. We bring you travel and event information about Iwanai-cho, Hokkaido, facing the Sea of Japan. For our first post, we’ll introduce Iwanai-cho and its sightseeing spots! Iwanai-cho sits on Hokkaido’s west coast and is famous as the birthplace of asparagus. The town’s name is said to come from the Ainu words iwau meaning sulfur and nai meaning river. The population is 11,173 (as of the end of August, Reiwa 5). Because it faces the Sea of Japan, winters are severe, but it is relatively mild compared with other parts of Hokkaido. Average summer temperatures reach around 25°C, with highs near 32°C. Winter brings snowy scenery that is perfect for skiing and snowboarding. Iwanai-cho pumps up deep seawater from the Sea of Japan and uses it in local industry. At the Iwanai Deep Sea Water Facility (the local industry support center) in town, residents and visitors can purchase deep seawater. This mineral-rich deep seawater is also excellent for cooking. Iwanai-cho offers stunning natural surroundings and historical sites where you can enjoy a wonderful time. Here are some of Iwanai-cho’s most attractive sightseeing spots! Along the Doudou Iwanai Port Line, Roadside Station Iwanai and the product information center Taramaru-kan provide tourist information about Iwanai-cho. Please use them as a reference for sightseeing. Local specialties such as tarako and kazunoko, plus taramaru goods, are also on sale. Kikoin Temple lets you experience Japanese culture and is the oldest temple in Iwanai-cho. Its wooden Buddha, entirely covered in gold leaf and standing 6.8 meters high, is designated Iwanai Town Tangible Cultural Property No. 1 and is truly impressive. Kikoin is about a 10-minute walk from Roadside Station Iwanai. Maruyama Observatory, at the foot of Mount Iwanai, is a recognized Japan Nightscape Heritage site and a must-see attraction. It’s beautiful by day, and the sunset and night views are especially recommended. You get a panoramic view over Iwanai-cho and the Kaitan Peninsula. Iwanai also hosts the Kida Kinjiro Museum of Art, dedicated to Nihonga painter Kinjiro Kida, who spent his life here. Enjoy Kida’s works arranged by period. The museum also stages exhibitions by other artists and concerts. Outdoor fans can enjoy hiking, camping, and many nature-rich spots. ■ Camping / Iwanai Auto Campsite Marine View This campsite features a vast lawn and offers cottages, RV sites, car sites, and free tent sites to suit different needs. The center house has showers, a shop, laundry, a library, and a meeting room. ■ Hiking / Mount Iwanai and Mt. Raiden Mount Iwanai, which continues from Iwanai Auto Campsite, rises to 1,086 m and is the Niseko range’s easternmost peak on the Sea of Japan side. Iwanai Onsen and nearby ski areas make good rest and recreation spots. Next to it stands Mt. Raiden at 1,211 m. In spring, alpine plants color the slopes, offering a delightful trail experience surrounded by nature. ■ Rental cycles / Kikoin Temple Exploring Iwanai-cho’s scenic spots by bicycle is recommended. Kikoin offers free rental bicycles. The rental desk is at the temple office, so please visit if you wish to borrow one. Iwanai-cho has a wide range of comfortable accommodations to meet travelers’ needs. Choose from hotels, guesthouses, or campsites to suit your trip to Iwanai. Various events and festivals are held in Iwanai-cho. The summer Iwanai Doto Festival fireworks display lights up Iwanai Port with 5,000 shells reflecting on the water for a spectacular show. Stage events and food trucks add to the gourmet offerings. (Contents from the August 2023 event) Finally, here is information on hometown tax donation gifts packed with Iwanai specialties. We offer a variety of local products as return gifts. Popular gifts include salted kazunoko, a special roast chicken, and the Kurashima Milk cheese and butter set! Tarako and nishin-meshi are also highly recommended. This time we shared part of the charm of Iwanai-cho, Hokkaido! Please visit Iwanai-cho and enjoy a special time. We look forward to your continued support!