Coastal Discoveries:
Mashike Day Trip
from Asahikawa
We'll visit the wonderful coastal town of Mashike, where we can experience the town's rich history, tied to the Sea of Japan.
Asahikawa Station
1st Jun - 30th Sep
09:00~ 8hrs
Have you ever heard of Mashike? It's no surprise if you haven't - this small, coastal town is often overshadowed by nearby Rumoi City. But after this day trip from Asahikawa, you're sure to remember it for the rest of your life!
One thing you will notice about Mashike is how its architecture more closely resembles mainland Japan than the rest of Hokkaido. While much of the rest of Hokkaido was only founded around the beginning of the 20th century, Mashike's history dates back to the start of the 1700s! It was founded as a fishing town, one of its principal industries to this day. Naturally, we will make the most of this by visiting a local seafood restaurant when we arrive and you can savour the town's fresh sushi and sashimi for yourself.
After lunch, we will take a little stroll along the town's high street, where you'll be able to appreciate its uniquely Japanese architecture. We'll start with the remains of Mashike Station, where we will be able to see first-hand how the advent of cars resulted in the dwindling population of many small railway-linked towns in Hokkaido. Next, we'll visit an Important Cultural Property of Japan - a traditional Japanese home, the Maruichi Honma House, home of the Honma merchant family integral to the town's history. We'll then drop into the Kunimare Sake Brewery - the northernmost sake brewery in Japan! We'll enjoy a little sake tasting there, overseen by a knowledgeable brewery employee.
After picking up a little something sweet to keep us going on our journey home, we'll return to Asahikawa Station.
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Not available on Thursdays.
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This tour departs from Asahikawa City only. If you are staying elsewhere (e.g. Biei or Furano) please make your way to Asahikawa to participate in this tour.
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The journey between Asahikawa and Mashike is about 2 hrs and toilet stops are limited. Your Dohoku Local will give you a heads-up when you are about to pass the last toilet for a little while!
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Participants under the age of 20 may not take part in sake tasting.
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We can provide you with rental sun hats and rain ponchos if you do not have your own.
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Please inform us of your dietary requirements at the time of booking. If you cannot have seafood, we can instead stop at a convenience store or supermarket in Mashike to pick up a picnic lunch.
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The tour will take place in rain but will be cancelled free of charge in the event of typhoons, thunderstorms or other extreme weather.
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If you are staying in Rumoi and would like to enjoy this tour, please let us know - it is possible to arrange pick-up / drop-off in Rumoi!
Price (Per Group)
¥50,000
*Maximum 3 People. Minimum age 6 y/o.
Included
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Services of your Dohoku Local
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Complimentary bottled water
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Entrance fee to Maruichi Honma's house
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Sun hats and or ponchos if needed (please request in advance)
Not Included
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Lunch (pay on the day)
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Any additional drinks, snacks or souvenirs that you may wish to purchase.
*Please make sure you wear comfortable shoes for this tour. Non-cotton socks are also advised to prevent blisters.
Terms & Conditions
We know, it's boring.
But if you'd like to join an experience, there are some particulars.
We appreciate your taking the time to read this before booking!
1. The minimum age for this experience is 6 years and above but your child must be happy to walk fairly long distances without sitting down and walk around museums and attractions without becoming bored. If your child is small enough to be carried, that's no problem! 2. If you are feeling unwell during the tour, please notify your Dohoku Local and we will immediately return to Asahikawa. Refunds cannot be given for experiences terminated partway through by your instruction. 3. This tour cannot take any detours to other cities or towns (e.g. Fukagawa, Rumoi etc). 4. If you require pick-up / drop-off in Rumoi, please inform us at the time of booking. Your Dohoku Local will still have to come to you from the Asahikawa area however, so note that there is no change in fee. 5. Bookings are accepted a minimum of 3 days in advance. Unfortunately we cannot accept bookings later than this. 6. Please let us know if you have any health or mobility issues that may affect you on this experience. 7. Aggressive or threatening behaviour towards your Dohoku Local or Mashike townspeople will not be tolerated. 8. The participant accepts that they bear responsibility for any accident or injury, except for those caused by negligence or poor behaviour on the part of their Dohoku Local. 9. We reserve the right to cancel the reservation on the spot with no refund given if any of the T&C are breached. 10. Cancellation Policy: Full refund if cancelled by you, the participant, more than 24 hours before the experience. 100% cancellation fee if cancelled within 24 hours of the experience. Unfortunately we do not accept illness or injury as mitigating circumstances. If we have to cancel the experience due to unforeseen circumstances on Dohoku Local's end, a full refund will be given.