Akenogaoka Park Pira-ri

A mysterious “Pira-ri” is situated in the Akenogaoka Park. The park is approximately 3 kilometers southeast from central Makubetsu. “Pira-ri,” a monument symbolizing Makubetsu, is in one corner of the park. The word “Pira-ri” means “great cliff” in the Ainu language. It was constructed in 1996 as one of the commemorative works of the 100-year anniversary of the town’s foundation. About 50 residents participated in a workshop to decide its design. “Pira-ri,” which rises up as if looking down at the ground, has a cliff as the motif as its name suggests. It also represents an eye on the ground that gazes into the future. It symbolizes the wish that “Pira-ri” will watch over all households and their happiness. From the 8-meter high observatory tower, one can enjoy a panoramic view of Makubetsu, vast crop fields, the Hidaka Mountains as well as the Taisetsu mountain range.