As you all know, Hokkaido is located in the Hokkaido region of Japan, and its capital is Sapporo, the only “province” among the 47 prefectures in Japan.

As of 2021, Hokkaido has been ranked No. 1 for 13 consecutive years in the Brand Research Institute’s “Prefectures’ Attractiveness Ranking,” and is also No. 1 in terms of willingness to tourism and purchase products, and No. 3 in terms of willingness to live in the prefecture, making it a region highly rated in terms of willingness.

We would like to introduce the charms of Yubari City (famous places, special products, etc.), which are surprisingly unknown in Hokkaido.

Outline of Yubari City

Yubari City is located in the center of Hokkaido, in the southern part of the Sorachi region, and measures 24.9 km east to west and 34.7 km north to south, with an area of 763.07 square kilometers.

The Yubari area is hilly, nurtured by the rich forests and clear streams of the Yubari Mountains. The Yubari River, which flows from Mt. Yubari (1,668 meters) and its tributaries, runs almost through the center of the city, and the city is formed in a strip along the basin.

Surrounded by mountains and hills, the topographical features of the city result in large seasonal and day-night temperature changes, and the winds are blocked and dampened by the surrounding mountains. The amount of precipitation is average for the mainland, and snowfall has been low in recent years.

Next, I would like to introduce some of Yubari City’s famous landmarks and special products.

Kofuku no Kiiroi Handkerchief (The Yellow Handkerchief of Happiness) Memory Plaza

This is a facility that recreates the moving final scene in “The Yellow Handkerchief” (directed by Yoji Yamada), the 1977 film that won numerous domestic film awards, including the Best Picture Award at the first Japan Academy Prize.

Countless yellow handkerchiefs fluttering in the wind are a symbol of happiness that has remained unchanged since ancient times. Even if you have never seen the movie, the warmth that envelops the plaza and the leisurely flow of time will make you feel nostalgic.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the movie’s release, the facility has been completely renovated. It has been reborn as a sanctuary where people of all ages can think and feel “true happiness. Inside a five-story coal mine house that supported the “one mountain, one family” culture that took root in Yubari, a prosperous coal mining town, “happiness” depicted in the movie is displayed with photos and props actually used in the film. The space is also filled with yellow sticky notes on which visitors have written messages to their loved ones. In addition, a video interview with director Yoji Yamada about “happiness” is shown exclusively at this facility.

Yubari Shuparo Dam

The Yubari Shuparo Dam is a newly constructed 155-meter downstream of the Oyubari Dam, and is a redevelopment project multipurpose dam with a continuous siphon intake system managed by the Hokkaido Development Bureau. Construction began in 1995 and was completed in 2014. It has the second largest water area and the fourth largest total storage capacity in Japan.

Mt. Yubari

Yubari-dake (夕張岳) is a 1,668 M-high mountain located at the southern end of the Yubari Mountains, which run north-south through the central part of Hokkaido. It straddles Yubari City and Minamifurano Town, Sorachi-gun, and the mountain area is designated as “Furano Ashibetsu Provincial Natural Park” together with Ashibetsu-dake to the north.

Mount Racey Swiss Ski Resort

This ski resort is only 60 kilometers from Sapporo and 55 kilometers from New Chitose Airport, making it easily accessible from other parts of Japan and around the world.

The longest run is 3,200 meters with a maximum slope of 43 degrees. A total of 17 courses specializing in all-needs skiing can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

The high quality powder snow unique to Mount Racey is a firm favorite among skiers and snowboarders, allowing you to enjoy the winter in Yubari to the fullest.

Village House Shin Chiyoda (Chiyoda, Yubari City, 1LDK type and 2LDK type) is located within a 10-minute drive and is recommended for singles and families.

Yubari Melon

Yubari melons have been produced since 1960 as a representative regional brand of Hokkaido.

The Yubari melon is characterized by its mellow, liqueur-like aroma, rich sweetness, and bright orange flesh with a melt-in-your-mouth texture. These characteristics have been maintained for 50 years since the variety was developed in 1960, without a single change. The Yubari melon is

The Yubari melon is truly a “godsend” that possesses all the ideal characteristics of aroma, sugar content, and texture.

In addition to the places of interest and specialties introduced here, Yubari City has many other attractive places of interest and specialties.

If you live in Hokkaido or are considering living in Hokkaido, Village House has many rooms available, so please feel free to contact us!

Related articles:

• Getting Around Japan – Practical Tips and Tricks
• The Beginner’s Guide to Car Rental in Japan
• 5 Quirky and Unusual Museums You Have to See in Tokyo
• Discovering Saga Prefecture: Unearthing Hidden Gems in Japan’s Countryside
• Exploring Kagawa – Japan’s Quiet Paradise of Art and Culture