Mashike, Hokkaido

Mashike (増毛町) is a town located in Rumoi Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan.

As of September 2016, the town has an estimated population of 4,634 and a density of 13 persons per km2. The total area is 369.64 km2.

Mashike's main distinction is the sake brewery Kunimare, which is well known throughout Hokkaido. Mashike also has several fruit farms, and it is easy to buy directly from the farmers.

Mashike was the terminus of the JR Hokkaido Rumoi Main Line which ran from Fukagawa, but the section of the line between Rumoi and Mashike was closed on 4 December 2016, owing to declining passenger use.

Mashike has a small ski resort with only two lifts, although it is the biggest one in Rumoi District. Driving further up into the mountains from the ski resort is Shokanbetsu-Teuri-Yagishiri Quasi-National Park and Mt. Shokanbetsu (1491 meters). Camping facilities are available in the park.

Mascot
Mashike's mascot is Mercy-kun (マーシーくん) who is a shy sailor seagull. He is known to protect anyone (especially children). His get his energy from eating shrimp, cherries, apples and sake. His charm point is his eyes which allows him to sense any incoming danger. He is unveiled on July 1, 1990.