Nakasatsunai: Culture, Nature and History

Nakasatsunai can be explored through several distinct themes: the history of a former farmhouse, garden landscapes at the Hidaka Mountains, and insights into beans and mountain nature. When planning your trip, it is useful to consider cultural sites, landscapes and seasonal offerings as separate elements. The town offers both historical connections and natural features that change throughout the year.

History at the 開拓記念館

The 開拓記念館 is housed in a former farmhouse on the grounds of 道の駅なかさつない. A farming family who immigrated from Toyama during the Meiji era used the building until 1988. Donated as a historical heritage site, it was moved to its present location and restored in 1992. Here, you can encounter both the history of the settler family and the later preservation of the house.

A room at the back of the house is designed in the 書院 style; decorated balustrades add to the impression of the farming family’s life at the time. These details draw attention to the house’s design and former use, telling its story through more than dates alone.

Gardens, Mountain Views and a Waterfall

六花の森 is located in Nakasatsunai Village, in front of the Hidaka Mountains. Elm trees more than 100 years old grow there, and diverse wildlife flourishes along the clear 三番川. The flowers known as “十勝六花” include エゾリンドウ and ハマナシ. Their colors change throughout the year, making this a natural attraction that cannot be summed up in a single view.

一本山展望タワー offers panoramic views of the Hidaka Mountains and the Tokachi Plain. The tower is open seasonally and closed in winter; check current visiting days before planning your trip. Another distinctive landscape feature is ピョウタンの滝: the waterfall has a ten-meter drop and is located at the entrance to 札内川園地, in front of 虹大橋. The mountain panorama and waterfall thus serve as distinct landmarks within the town.

Culture and Activities in the Town

The former Nakasatsunai Station is also part of the town’s history: its site has been developed as a railway memorial park. At 豆資料館, the focus is on beans. The building is designed as the home of the fictional 豆畑拓男氏（ビーンズ氏）. Visitors can walk through the rooms, learn about beans and view various related materials; there are also games and activities centered on beans.

日高山脈山岳センター has an exhibition room about the nature of the Hidaka Mountains and the history of mountain accidents. Its opening period is seasonal. 坂本直行記念館 offers a different historical connection: it is housed in an old residence relocated from Croatia. The two places have different focuses—one on mountain nature and accidents, the other on a foreign building as a distinctive setting.

During the campground’s operating season, 札内川園地 offers programs such as nature walks, fishing experiences and pizza-making. These are available only while the campground is open. At the ポロシリ restaurant, seasonal home-style dishes and desserts made with local produce are served during the seasonal opening period of the art village. It is therefore worth planning your visit around the offerings that interest you.

For an overview of the wider area: Kasai District.