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Winter in Yubari

More than just melons

Revival through tourism

This once proud coal mining city had a population of over 120,000 during its 1960s heyday, but the closure of the mines hit the city hard, and Yubari went into decline. Now the city has a mere 8,000 residents, most of whom are in their 60s.

Determined to adapt, the home of the famous Yubari melon has launched a fresh number of ideas to bring the city to life again. One such idea is for tourists to enjoy the city in the winter season, so I went along to find out what a snowy Yubari has to offer.

Fun in the snow

Yubari’s Mount Racey Ski Area has become a hub for tourists during the winter season. Its 18 courses range from beginner to advanced, making the area ideal for not only families and beginners but for thrill seekers as well. Courses are suitable for skiing or snowboarding, so all members of each group can be accommodated. The longest course is over 3,500m!

Mount Racey
Mount Racey

Build a snowboard

Situated in the former local elementary school is a number of small craft workshops where artisans make local products. Visitors can watch the products being made or try one of the experiences on offer. You can even build your own wooden snowboard.

Snow Center
Snow Center

Hiking

A walk to the local shrine is beautiful, thanks to the deep, untouched snow. The contrast of the shrine's vermilion hues against the white of the snow is quite unique; in this part of Hokkaido, shrines are a rare find.

If films are your thing, take a gentle stroll through the main street, where the annual Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival is held. You can spot various film posters of all styles and colors on the buildings.

Should you wish to experience a longer, more challenging walk, a hike to the local dam is recommended. It offers stunning views from the top looking down over the valley below.

One of the movie posters
One of the movie posters

Food

Yubari melon maybe out of season, but you can still taste its sweet flavor through a diverse range of local products such as candy and jams. Yubari’s cosy little yatimura (village of food stalls) in front of Mount Racey Ski resort hosts six small independent eateries offering local food and drinks. It’s the ideal place to spend the evening mixing with fellow tourists and local people while tasting a range of dishes from the area.

Yubari Melon Store
Yubari Melon Store

Something for all

With diverse, snowy slopes, delicious local food and the chance to experience something different, Yubari is a great place to spend a few days in winter.

Getting there

Yubari is 105 minutes by car from Sapporo via expressway.

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Sleiman Azizi 2 years ago
I forgot to mention, Charles Bronson!
Elena Lisina 4 years ago
The same amount of snow as in my place! But it's warmer as river isn't frozen, here all ponds, lakes and rivers are frozen till mid April.
Sherilyn Siy 4 years ago
What a quaint place.
Sander van Werkhoven 4 years ago
Didn't the town go bankrupt some years ago in an earlier attempt to revitalize? Now that the train line has been shut down recently, I'm afraid it will only become more difficult. In winter I guess it will be okay, but in summer? i can only hope I'm too pessimistic....
Sleiman Azizi 4 years ago
Bankruptcy was declared, if I recall correctly, in 2007. Things can change and I think the important thing to understand is that the change doesn't have to make an area the same as it was before.
Dermot Killoran 4 years ago
Very helpful information. My thanks to the writer.

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