Image provided by: Yubari Maple Festival Executive Committee

When people hear the name Yubari, many probably think of the delicious Yubari melon with its orange flesh.
However, that impression is so strong that many people may not know what other tourist attractions there are, or where in Hokkaido it is located, even though they know the name Yubari.

Yubari City is located in the Sorachi region of Hokkaido, and is actually easily accessible, just an hour from New Chitose Airport.
Moreover, with its abundant nature, beautiful flowers, winter skiing, attractive tourist spots, gourmet food, hot springs, wonderful accommodations, and events to participate in, it's a place that adults and children alike can thoroughly enjoy.

I'd like to introduce you to some of the best tourist spots in the charming city of Yubari.
Information updated on 2017/8/21.

<Contents>
・I want to go! 5 recommended tourist spots in Yubari! Plus 1
I want to eat it! I want to buy it! Yubari gourmet food and souvenir shops
・I want to stay here! Various types of recommended accommodations in Yubari
・It looks fun! I want to participate! An event in Yubari!
Let's go! Access information to Yubari

A breathtakingly beautiful gorge! Chidorigataki Falls at Takinoue Park.

Yubari is a place where you can enjoy the breathtaking beauty and awe-inspiring atmosphere created by the passage of time and the majestic natural world, truly deserving of the title "spectacular scenery."

Within the park, which is called "Ponsou Kamuykotan" in the Ainu language and means "place where gods reside" or "place with small waterfalls," you can enjoy the beautiful gorge scenery of "Ryusenkyo" and witness the breathtaking sight of strangely shaped rocks formed by the erosion of the Yubari River and numerous waterfalls of various sizes cascading down.

The park boasts numerous attractions, including a suspension bridge, walking paths, and the impressive brick-built Takinoue Power Plant, constructed in 14.
It displays a variety of beautiful scenes, from the cherry blossoms of spring to the fresh greenery of summer.

And this place is also famous as a spot to see the autumn foliage.
During the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful sight that is beyond words, so if you visit Yubari in the fall, be sure to check it out.

Takinoue Park
Address: 5 Takinoue, Yubari City, Hokkaido
TEL: 0123-52-3159 Yubari City Construction Division
Opening period: Late April to early November
Closed days: Open every day during the period.
Access: 5-minute walk from Takinoue Station on the JR Sekisho Line. Approximately 1 hour by car from Sapporo.
Parking: Yes

[Currently closed] Experience the longed-for Taisho Romance at "Yubari Rokumeikan"

Image provided by: Yubari Rokumeikan
*As of June 2017, the museum is closed.
In Yubari lies a stately building exuding the romanticism of the Taisho era, which has been designated a Modern Industrial Heritage site and a Hokkaido Heritage site, and where Emperor Showa once stayed. This is the Yubari Rokumeikan, a famous historical building that blends Japanese and Western architectural styles and boasts a grand presence, built in 1913 as a guesthouse for the former Hokkaido Coal Mining & Steamship Company.

Image provided by: Yubari Rokumeikan
The magnificent building, which served as a state guesthouse until 58, boasts a modern, eclectic blend of Japanese and Western styles inside, and, combined with its beautiful furnishings, makes you feel as if you've stepped into a world straight out of a Taisho-era romantic drama.

Image provided by: Yubari Rokumeikan
Furthermore, the corridor of light, adorned with approximately 150 stained-glass lamps, presents a breathtakingly fantastical sight.
Now open to the public as a memorial museum, please take the time to fully appreciate the timeless beauty that has endured through the ages, along with the well-maintained gardens.

Yubari Rokumeikan (Currently closed)　
Address: Yubari Rokumeikan, 2 Shikanotani, Yubari City, Hokkaido
TEL：0123-53-2555
Regular closing days: Currently closed.
Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 18:00 PM (Last entry at 17:30 PM)
Access: [Train] 7-minute walk from Shikanotani Station on the JR Sekisho Line [Car] Approximately 25 minutes from Yubari Interchange
Admission fees: Adults (junior high school age and older) / 500 yen, Elementary school students / 300 yen, Infants free
Parking: Yes

Mount Racey Ski Resort is just 55km from New Chitose Airport!

Here's some useful information for the winter season!
Believe it or not, Yubari has a ski resort that's only 55km from New Chitose Airport, making it one of the shortest ski resorts in Hokkaido in terms of distance from an airport.
Furthermore, it's a ski resort with excellent access, being just a short walk from Yubari Station by train, and also accessible by bus from Chitose Airport and Sapporo Station.

The facilities, including rentals, hot springs, and a restaurant, were excellent, and I was very satisfied. Please see below for a summary of the facility information.
Also, for more information about Hotel Mount Racey, which is adjacent to the ski resort, please refer to the "Recommended Accommodations in Yubari" section below.

Mount Racey Ski Resort
Address: 2-4 Suehiro, Yubari City, Hokkaido
TEL：0123-52-5151
Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 17:00 PM (Hours may vary depending on the season, so please check beforehand.)
Operating period: Late November to late March (please confirm)
Closed days: Open every day during the period
Parking: Available. 1,500 spaces. Free. Operating hours: 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM
Access: [By car] 55km from New Chitose Airport, 60km from Sapporo [By train] Immediately accessible from JR Sekisho Line Yubari Station [By bus] Ski bus available from Sapporo Station, Chitose Station, New Chitose Airport, etc.
Official website

The setting for the classic film, "The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness: A Place of Memories"

Are you familiar with the movie "The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness"?

Directed by Yoji Yamada, who has created many memorable films such as "Tora-san," and starring Ken Takakura, with other actors including Chieko Baisho, Kaori Momoi, Kiyoshi Atsumi, and Tetsuya Takeda in his film debut, "The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness" is a masterpiece of a road movie featuring a renowned director and actors that everyone knows.

The story follows the protagonist, who has just been released from Abashiri Prison, a young traveler, and a woman traveling alone who is approached by the young man. Together, the three travel through Hokkaido, heading towards Yubari, where the protagonist's wife lives. The moving final scene was filmed in Yubari, and the "Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness Memorial Square" is still visited by many fans today.

With sets remaining just as they were during filming, yellow handkerchiefs fluttering just like in the movie's emotional final scene that have left a lasting impression on so many, cars used in the filming on display inside the building, and countless messages written by visitors plastered all over the walls, it's a heartwarming tourist spot that makes you feel happy just by visiting.

The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness Memorial Square
Address: 4 Hiyoshi, Yubari City, Hokkaido
TEL: 0123-52-3456 (Yubari Resort)
Opening period: Late April to early November
Closed days: Open every day during the period.
Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 17:00 PM (until 10:16 PM from mid-October)
Price: Adults/ 520 yen, Children/ 310 yen
Access: From JR Yubari Station, take the Yutetsu Bus and get off at "Yellow Handkerchief Filming Location" bus stop, then walk for 5 minutes.
By car: Approximately 1 hour from Sapporo
Parking: Yes
Official website

Explore in complete darkness! "Coal Museum"

Here's an introduction to a truly fun and interesting spot where you can see, touch, learn, and even explore.

The Coal Museum, one of the largest coal mining museums in Japan, offers a fascinating and detailed look at the origins of coal, how it was used, and what life and work were like during the coal mining era.

In addition to learning about the history of coal and coal mining, it also offers the enjoyment of an interactive museum experience.
Amazingly, you can have a thrilling and exciting experience called "Pitch Black Exploration," where you tour actual mine shafts and coal seams using only the light of a headlamp. The inside of the mine shafts stays cool even in summer, so a summer visit would be great too.

石炭博物館
Address: 7 Takamatsu, Yubari City
TEL: 0123-52-3456 (Yubari Resort)
Opening period: April 29, 2017 to November 5, 2017
Currently, due to planned renovations to the main museum building, the only area open for viewing is the "Simulated Mine Tunnel (Historical Site of Yubari Mine)."
Closed days: Every Monday and Tuesday. If Monday is a public holiday, the park will be closed on the next business day.
Business hours: 9:30-17:00
Admission fee: Adults/ 600 yen, Children/ 200 yen. *Tours are limited to the "Simulated Mine Tunnel (Historical Site of Yubari Mine)".
Access: [Train] Take the Yutetsu Bus from JR Yubari Station and get off at Shako bus stop, then walk for 5 minutes. [Car] Approximately 60 minutes from Sapporo.
Parking: Yes
Official website

Plus 1: Uni Garden, one of the largest herb gardens in Japan.

Did you know that one of the largest herb gardens in Japan is located in Yubari County?

Located in Yuni Town, Yubari District, about 24 kilometers and 30 minutes by car from Yubari City, "Yuni Garden" is easily accessible from Sapporo, just an hour's drive away. On its vast grounds, equivalent to 10 Tokyo Domes, there are 15 gardens themed around happiness.

In particular, June, when 102 million linaria (pictured above) are in full bloom, presents a picturesque scene that you could gaze at forever without getting bored.

This place was also selected as the fourth "Lover's Sanctuary" in Hokkaido, and within the park there is a bell of happiness,
photo by　Free stock photos of Hokkaido: DO PHOTO
With even a chapel-style wedding cottage, a wedding ceremony in this location, surrounded by a beautiful garden, seems to promise a future filled with happiness.

Furthermore, from late April to late October, a continuous display of beautiful flowers unfolds, creating a magnificent floral landscape.
With a trolley train that circles the vast grounds, as well as restaurants, cafes, and shopping options, it's the perfect spot to spend a relaxing day.

Uni Garden
Address: 134-2 Fushimi, Yuni-cho, Yubari-gun, Hokkaido
TEL：0123-82-2001
April 22nd (Sat) - October 22nd (Sun), 2017
Opening hours: [Weekdays] 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM / [Weekends and Holidays] 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Access: 50 minutes by car from Sapporo, 35 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport.
Restaurants: In addition to a buffet-style restaurant, there is also an open-air cafe overlooking the garden.
Getting around the park: You can tour the gardens by trolley train, and wheelchairs and strollers are available for rent.
Official website

Happy♪ All the food you want to eat is gathered here! "Yubari Food Stall Village Barry Food Stalls"

As soon as I got off at Yubari Station, I discovered a place where all the delicious food from Hokkaido was gathered!

The exterior, made from the wood of the coal mine's barracks, is charming, but inside, you'll find a collection of food stalls selling sushi, Jingisukan (grilled lamb), ramen, oden, curry, and izakaya (Japanese pub food).

What's more, the central area where the food stalls are lined up is a free space, so even if you visit as a group and everyone wants to eat something different, you can all enjoy a satisfying meal.

There's also a charming private room (pictured on the right) that can accommodate 10-12 people, and reservations are possible for groups of 6 or more, which is great news for group travelers.
You can enjoy yourself in a private room, or you can have fun in the central space (left in the image).

It's a special place where you can eat and drink your favorite things, share various things with others, and spend a truly memorable and delicious time.

Yubari Food Stall Village (Barry Food Stalls)
Address: 1-81 Suehiro, Yubari City, Hokkaido
TEL：0123-52-0230
Closed: Varies by store
Opening hours: Approximately 11:00 AM to 20:00 PM/22:00 PM (may vary depending on the store and day of the week, so please check beforehand)
Access: [Train] Get off at Yubari Station on the JR Sekisho Line and it's right there. [Car] Approximately 70 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport. 90 minutes by car from Sapporo.
Parking: Yes
Card payments: Not accepted at any store.
Official website

Perfect for souvenir shopping! Roadside Station "Yubari Merode"

The "Yubari Merode" roadside station, located along National Route 274, is good news for those traveling by train. Conveniently, this roadside station is adjacent to JR Shin-Yubari Station, making it easily accessible by both car and train.

The shop sells Yubari melons directly from the farmers' market in the summer, as well as many other Yubari melon-related sweets, including Yubari melon Baumkuchen, making them perfect souvenirs.

There's also a takeout corner, and a snack corner where you can get things like Yubari melon soft serve ice cream and venison burgers, so it would be a good place to use for lunch.

In addition, there's a JA Yubari City Producers' Direct Sales Corner with plenty of fresh vegetables, making this a great roadside station where you can fully enjoy shopping.

Roadside Station Yubari Merode
Address: 529 Momijiyama, Yubari City
TEL：0123-53-8111
休館日：1月1日～1月4日、1月31日、4月30日、7月31日、10月31日　※8月～4月は毎週月曜日休館
営業時間：5月～7月　9:00～19:00 8月～4月　10:00～18：30
Access: [Train] Immediately after alighting at Yubari Station on the JR Sekisho Line. [Car] Approximately 70 minutes by car from New Chitose Airport, 90 minutes by car from Sapporo, along National Route 274.
Parking: Available, 35 spaces
Official website

Mount Racey, a resort hotel with direct access to the ski slopes.

This resort hotel boasts an excellent location, right next to Yubari Station, and offers both great facilities and dining options.

The hotel offers a variety of room types, from twin rooms to family rooms, to suit the number of people in your party, and even provides free rental of baby items.

In addition to the spacious indoor bath with large, open glass windows offering panoramic views, the natural hot spring "Racei no Yu" also features an open-air bath and a mist sauna, and is known as a "beauty-enhancing hot spring," which is especially appealing to women.

And for those who enjoy the food, starting in June, the buffet restaurant will offer all-you-can-eat Yubari melon! If you're going to Yubari during this time of year, you'll definitely want to take advantage of this.

What's more, this hotel is recommended not only in summer but also in winter! It has direct access to the gondola at Mount Racey Ski Resort, which we also introduced as a recommended tourist spot, so you can fully enjoy your skiing trip.

Hotel Mount Racey
Address: 2-4 Suehiro, Yubari City, Hokkaido
TEL: 0123-52-3456 (Yubari Resort Reservation Center)
Access: [Train] Get off at JR Yubari Station, it's right there. [Car] Approximately 30 minutes from Yubari Interchange.
Parking: Available (80 spaces)
Number of Rooms: 118
Check-in: 14:00
Check-out: 11:00
Accommodation fee: 8,600 yen per person per night (including two meals) (prices vary depending on the season and number of people)
Official website

All-you-can-eat Yubari melons♪ "Yubari Hotel Shuparo"

In addition to being able to fully enjoy skiing at Mount Racey Ski Resort in winter, Yubari Hotel Shuparo is also one of the venues for the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival (see event information for details), making it a hotel that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways throughout the year.

We offer a variety of room types, from single rooms to twin rooms, suites, and Japanese-style rooms, so you can choose the room that best suits your needs, whether for business or leisure.

After relaxing and unwinding from your travels in the large natural hot spring bath exclusively for hotel guests, enjoy a delightful dinner!

Choose from a buffet with a wide variety of options, or a luxurious selection of Japanese and Western set menus. And, even better, from June to early August (please check the exact dates), you can enjoy all-you-can-eat Yubari melons from Hokkaido during dinner!

Thankfully, even on days when they offer a Japanese-Western set menu, the all-you-can-eat melon is included, so you can make a reservation with peace of mind.

Yubari Hotel Shuparo
Address: 2-216 Honcho, Yubari City, Hokkaido
TEL: 0123-52-3456 (Yubari Resort Reservation Center)
Access: [Train] 5 minutes by taxi after getting off at JR Yubari Station. [Car] Approximately 60 minutes from Sapporo/New Chitose Airport.
*During the ski season, a shuttle bus is available from New Chitose Airport.
Parking: Available (60 cars, 6 buses)
Number of Rooms: 153
Check-in: 14:00
Check-out: 11:00
Accommodation fee: 6,000 yen per person per night (including two meals) (prices vary depending on the season and number of people)
Yubari Hotel Shuparo

Have fun with your friends! Stay overnight at the school!! "Himawari Camp Inn"

I discovered a really interesting inn in Yubari! It's called "Himawari, the Training Camp Inn."
Believe it or not, this is an accommodation facility that has been renovated from the building of a former high school.

Since it used to be a high school, it has a spacious gymnasium where you can enjoy various sports. There are also rooms converted from former classrooms that can accommodate 8 to 16 people, making it perfect for a lively get-together with a large group.

The facility has a coin laundry and is suitable for long-term stays, making it ideal for school camps and club trips. It also has meeting rooms, so it could be used for training sessions.
Alternatively, a trip with old club friends from your student days, reminiscing about those times, might be a lovely and nostalgic experience.

Himawari (Himawari) Accommodation for Training Camp
Address: 18 Yamate-cho, Shikanotani, Yubari City, Hokkaido
TEL: 0123-52-3456 (Yubari Resort Reservation Center)
Access: [Train] 15-minute walk from JR Yubari Station [Car] 25 minutes from Yubari Interchange
Parking: Available (60 cars, 6 buses)
Number of Rooms: 50
Check-in: 14:00
Check-out: 10:00
Accommodation rates: 1 night with breakfast (tax included) Adults (junior high school age and older): 4,900 yen Children (4 years old to elementary school age): 4,200 yen
One night with two meals (tax included): Adults (junior high school age and older) 6,500 yen, Children (4 years old to elementary school age) 5,800 yen
Official website

Absolutely fantastic! "Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival"

Photo courtesy of the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival Executive Committee
February 1990. The first "Yubari International Adventure & Fantastic Film Festival" was held with the Yubari Civic Hall as the main venue.
The festival was temporarily suspended in 2007, but there was a great deal of regret over its hiatus. It was revived the following year as a community-organized film festival, attracting much attention and delighting many film fans.

Photo courtesy of the Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival Executive Committee

And for good reason. The film festival screens films of all genres, including science fiction, horror, adventure, action, suspense, and fantasy, and has a variety of sections, making it a festival that will truly satisfy not only film fans but also the many visitors who come to the festival.
The image shows scenes from the 2015 film festival. You can feel the sense of satisfaction and energy that fills the venue, making it a film festival you'll definitely want to attend.

Event dates: February (Please check the official website for detailed dates)
Venue: Adire Hall Yubari, Yubari Hotel Shuparo, and other venues in Yubari City
Organized by: Yubari International Fantastic Film Festival Executive Committee and Yubari Fantastic Film Festival (a specified non-profit organization)
Official website

I found an amazing festival! The "Yubari Melon Festival"

Every year during Yubari melon season, there's a fantastic event called the "Yubari Melon Festival." It offers free Yubari melon tastings (limited to the first people) and lots of other fun activities.

Incidentally, some of the events from the 2014 program included a performance of Yubari Taiko drums, a mock auction of Yubari melons, a children's melon eating contest, a melon horse race featuring the Yubari couple, and a raffle—all of which sounded like a lot of fun. The auction, in particular, might offer a chance to bid on melons at a bargain price, so why not give it a try?

Date: Sunday, August 2018, 6 24:10-00:15
Venue: Yubari City Public Local Wholesale Market
Organizer: Yubari Melon Festival Executive Committee
For inquiries: 0123-53-4011 (Yubari Tomoyuri Market)

Expanded to three days this year! The 5th Yubari Maple Festival is back!

Image provided by: Yubari Maple Festival Executive Committee

One of the charms of autumn in Yubari is its beautiful autumn foliage! At the famous "Takinoue Park," you can enjoy the beautiful autumn leaves along with
There will be lots of fun events, including a live performance by Okhotsk Tourism Ambassador laufen and a direct sale of fresh local vegetables.
The Yubari Maple Festival will be held during the October long weekend!

The "Yubari Maple Festival" was a regular festival that was held for over 30 years until it was discontinued due to the city's financial collapse.
This festival, revived by dedicated volunteers, is celebrating its fifth year in 2017. Previously a one-day event, its growing popularity has led to its extension to three days.

How about enjoying the autumn foliage in Yubari this year?

Image provided by: Yubari Maple Festival Executive Committee

Date and time: October 7th (Sat) - October 9th (Monday/holiday), 2017
Venue: Takinoue Park
Organizer: Yubari Maple Festival Executive Committee
For inquiries: 0123-57-7651 (Organizing Committee)

Yubari boasts excellent access not only from New Chitose Airport but also from popular Hokkaido tourist destinations like Sapporo and Furano. Here's access information by car, bus, and train.

Access by car

Approximately 60 km from Sapporo
From the Yubari Interchange on the Doto Expressway, take National Route 274 and National Route 452 for approximately 90 minutes.

Approximately 55 km from New Chitose Airport
From the Chitose-Higashi Interchange on the Doto Expressway, take the Doto Expressway to the Yubari Interchange, then take National Route 274 and National Route 452 for approximately 60 minutes.
It's about 100 km from Furano, via National Route 452, and takes about 120 minutes.

Access by bus

Yubari City / Yubari ⇔ Sapporo　Approximately 90 minutes by Yutetsu Bus
Yubari Sales Office Phone: 0123-56-5602
Click here for details

Yubari ⇔ Sapporo Approximately 90 minutes by the express Yubari bus.
Chuo Bus Sapporo Terminal Phone: 011-231-0500
Click here for details

Ski season
Yubari ⇔ New Chitose Airport　Approximately 70 minutes by ski bus
Phone: 011-231-0500 (Chuo Bus)
Click here for details

Access by train

Yubari ⇔ Chitose Airport
There are no direct flights; you will need to transfer at Minami-Chitose.

Yubari ⇔ Sapporo
There are no direct trains. If you use the Limited Express Ozora (Sapporo ⇔ Kushiro) or Limited Express Tokachi (Sapporo ⇔ Obihiro), you will need to transfer at Shin-Yubari. If you use the Local or Rapid Airport train, you will need to transfer at either Chitose or Minami-Chitose.
*Please note that some limited express trains do not stop at "Shin-Yubari," so please check beforehand.
JR Hokkaido's timetable isClick Here

Summary

What did you think of the attractions of Yubari? It boasts excellent accessibility and a wealth of unique facilities, including a food stall village and a hotel perfect for group stays.
There aren't many places that offer so many different ways to have fun, are there?

If this article has piqued your interest in Yubari, I encourage you to visit and experience its charm firsthand.

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