Mashike, a small town in northern Hokkaido, boasts both historical significance and thriving local culture.
Home to landmarks like Maruichi Honmake and Kunimare Sake Brewery, as well as the venerable Mashike Itsukushima Shrine, the town offers a rich tapestry of historical sites.
Located approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes by car from Sapporo, Mashike is accessible primarily by road due to the absence of a JR train line connecting the two locations.
Access
It indicates the location of Kunimare Sake Brewery, a tourist spot in Mashike town.
Upon arriving in Mashike, visitors can explore the JR Mashike station, which is now an unmanned station. It marks the terminus of the JR Rumoi line, which ceased operations on December 5, 2016.
A unique experience awaits at the former station office, where a soba (buckwheat noodle) shop operates on weekends and holidays from 10:00 onwards, serving a final taste of soba.
Parking facilities are available nearby, allowing visitors to conveniently stroll through Mashike town and soak in its charm.
Just a minute’s walk away lies the Maruichi Honmake house, distinguished by its red roofing tiles. This historic residence belonged to a prominent leader of Mashike town and is open to the public from April 24 to November 4 each year.
The house stands as a testament to Mashike’s prosperity during the Meiji era, fueled by its thriving herring fishing industry. Guided tours of the house are available, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and architectural significance.
Just a short 2-minute walk from the Honmake house, you’ll discover the Kunimare Sake Brewery, housed in a charming old wooden building. As the northernmost sake brewery in Japan, Kunimare enjoys renown for its exceptional sake, widely stocked in department stores and liquor shops throughout Hokkaido.
Visitors can indulge in a delightful factory tour and sake tasting experience, both highly recommended for enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this famous sake brand firsthand.
In Mashike, you may come across a ball known as ‘Sugidama (杉玉)’, which serves as a traditional indicator for the optimal time to enjoy new sake. This ball, sometimes red or green, holds cultural significance in the sake brewing process.
When Sugidama is green, it signals that new sake has been brewed but is still maturing and not yet ready for consumption. However, when Sugidama turns brown or red, it signifies that the sake has matured and is at its peak for drinking—indicating it’s the perfect time to savor this fresh batch of sake.
There is also a small Sake museum showcasing the rich history of Kunimare.
Link
Related Story
- Itsukushima Shrine in Mashike
- Maruichi Honmake, the former merchant house in Mashike
- Kunimare, the northernmost sake brewery
