Mashike, Hokkaido

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Mashike (増毛町; -chou) is a town located in Mashike District, Rumoi, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of 2004, the town has an estimated population of 5,736 and a density of 15.52 persons per km². The total area is 369.64 km².

Mashike is a small but charming town. Its main distinction is the sake brewery Kunimare, which is very well known throughout Hokkaido. Friendly staff includes at least one woman who speaks English well, and free tastings are available. Mashike also has several fruit farms, and it's easy to buy directly from the farmers. There are many pictures of fruit about town pointing you in the right direction.

Mashike has a small ski resort, with only 2 lifts, although it is the biggest one in Rumoi District. Driving up 231, it's easy to find the resort by following the pictures of the skier. Driving further up into the mountains from the ski resort is the Shokanbetsu Quasi-National Park and Mt. Shokanbetsu (1491 meters). Camping facilities are available in the park.