The coastal town of Urahoro in eastern Tokachi flourishes with primary industries like fisheries and farming. It is also the home of a Urahoro Charcoal, a charcoal maker with a long history. The smoke from their kilns has become a familiar sight for the locals. In this tour, you will visit the kiln of Urahoro Charcoal and experience various tasks related to charcoal-making. You can also enjoy a barbecue lunch cooked over charcoal while enjoying the warmth of a traditional irori hearth.

Highlights

• Visit a charcoal kiln and learn about the charcoal-making process
• Experience various tasks related to charcoal-making
• Enjoy a charcoal-grilled barbecue lunch at a traditional irori hearth

Urahoro Charcoal is a charcoal maker with a history of over 100 years. Their kiln is located near the center of Urahoro Town.

Urahoro Charcoal is currently owned by Madoka Seko, who took over the company in 2021 after the last remaining charcoal burner in Urahoro Town decided to retire. She aims to preserve the town’s long tradition of charcoal-making, while also building on it by trying out various novel initiatives.

First, you will visit the charcoal kiln and learn about the charcoal-making process. You can then experience the actual work done by charcoal burners. The tasks you can try will depend on the timing of your visit. Some of the tasks you can do include chopping the logs, loading the wood into the kiln, taking the charcoal out of the kiln, and sawing and packaging the finished charcoal.

After the work experience, you can enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch grilled with the charcoal of Urahoro Charcoal, while relaxing in the warmth of a traditional irori hearth. Choose from one of three courses: Butadon Course (pork rice bowl), Salmon Chanchanyaki Course (salmon and mixed vegetables), or the Urahoro Full Course (includes Wagyu beef, mutton, and salmon chanchanyaki).

Butadon Course

Salmon Chanchanyaki Course

Urahoro Full Course (sample)

Cooking skewers at irori hearth

Note: All images are for illustration purposes only. Your actual experience may vary.

Schedule

10:00	Meetup at Urahoro Charcoal, orientation
10:10	Charcoal kiln tour
10:40	Charcoal-making work experience
11:40	Barbecue lunch at irori hearth
13:00	Tour finish