TRAVEL
Esashi
Legend has it that after the Fujiwara clan landed in Esashi in 1189, it became the birthplace of Hokkaido culture.
Esashi-cho is one of the oldest port cities in Hokkaido, and its name originates from the Ainu language "e-sas-us," meaning kelp. This small town has traditionally relied on fishing for its livelihood. In the Edo Period, Esashi's population had grown to over 30,000 people, earning it the reputation of "Esashi having a better time than Edo in May" due to the high demand for hinoki cypress and herring, along with their trade. Its port served as a major route to and from Ezo (the collective term for Hokkaido at the time).
With the rising need of transportation of lumber and seafood from Hiyama to various regions, Esashi Station began operations on 10 November 1936, allowing direct access from Goryokaku. However the once-thriving fish market and wholesale activities gradually shifted to Hakodate. Eventually the railway line from Kikonai to Esashi Station was abolished on 12 May 2014, and transportation to and from Esashi is now only managed by Hakodate buses. The station headlight box used at the former Esashi Station holds significant commemorative value and is currently preserved at the former Hiyama Nishi-gun Government Office.
For public transportation, taking bus number 610 from Hakodate Station to Esashi takes approximately two hours. Another option is to travel from JR Hakodate Station to JR Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto Station in about 20 minutes, and then take the same bus number 610 for the remaining journey, which is about an hour plus. Although this option shortens the bus ride, the fare remains the same as for the entire journey. Furthermore you need to confirm the schedule in advance that matches both traffic. Therefore, taking the bus directly from Hakodate Station is more convenient.
Esashi still preserves many historical buildings and landmarks, including the Yokoyama House and the Esashi Oiwake Kaikan. The Yokoyama family has been engaged in herring fishing for 250 years since its first generation, making it extremely representative of the area. Its building, which is 200 years old, has been designated as a tangible folk cultural asset of Hokkaido. At the Yokoyama House, visitors can also taste traditional herring soba noodles. Esashi Oiwake is a unique musical genre characterized by distinctive melodies. It was once sung by boatmen as rowing songs and is considered the king of Japanese folk songs, with the saying "Folk songs begin with Oiwake and end with Oiwake."
Esashi's old streets still preserve many trading warehouses, merchant houses and temples from the old era of time. There are also non-liquid barometers on the streets, donated by the Sekikawa family in 1928 to Esashi fishing village. These barometers use long needles to indicate humidity, rain and other weather conditions, providing weather forecasts for villagers as reference before they head out to sea.
English 
Chinese