Japan isn't all shrines, temples, and food! Sometimes it's the sheer amount of attention given to something that many would consider utterly mundane. Is it just a 10m tall tapered concrete pole? Yes. But did you know it's also been in service for 103 years, has a partner pole nearby, and when they did the sidewalk they laid a path between the two so they could be together? There are heaps of cool buildings and shops in this area but visiting this pole really made my day.

This pole is a real beauty! I never really thought of traveling around the world to find telephone poles until this day! I dare say this magnificent structure may have changed the course of my life… probably forever. I will be returning next year with my children so they may witness the power coursing through the lines overhead!

As soon as I saw this on the map I knew I couldn't pass this up. What a sight to behold! I could feel the legacy of a century of electric power coursing through the wires overhead. I brought a friend along too but I think he just didn't get it. It was everything I expected and more - I'd have been satisfied making the short walk back to the station but I guess there's other stuff to do in Hokkaido too

this first concrete electricity pole (of japan) was everything i wanted and more. just because there’s a gondola up the street that offers an entire view of the city, or there’s several highly rated restaurants in the area on tablelog, doesn’t mean this pole shouldn’t get the attention it deserves. it was japans FIRST concrete electricity pole.

Randomly stumbled on this on the walk from Mt Hakodate to the Red Brick warehouses. Very impressive dedication, helping spread light and power for over a century.