10 Things to Do in Yubari City

10 Things to Do in Yubari City

Yubari (夕張市) is a city situated in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. This former coal mining city is now known for its delicious Yubari Melon. The city's name originates from the Ainu word, “Yuparo” which means "a place where mineral springs flow".

For those planning to visit this city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Yubari City:

Yubari City's manhole cover

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Yubari City. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover in the city. 

Yubari Shrine

2. Visit the Yubari Shrine (夕張神社), the main shrine of Yubari City. You can visit at any time of day to offer your prayers and pay your respects. If you're collecting goshuin (shrine stamps), be sure to get one from this sacred site.

Yubari Roadside Station

3. Stop by the Yubari Roadside Station, officially known as Roadside Station "Yubari Merodo" (道の駅 夕張メロード). Conveniently located near Shin-Yubari Station and along National Route 274, it’s easy to get to. Here, you can purchase the famous Yubari melons, or if you're looking for something more affordable, try the delicious Melon soft cream instead.

Shimizusawa Art Power Plant

4. Join a tour and explore the old buildings of Shimizusawa Art Power Plant (旧北炭清水沢火力発電所). If you don’t join the tour, you can only take a photo of its façade from Shimizusawa Dam.

Kashima Chobo Park

5. Head to Kashima Chobo Park (鹿島眺望公園) and take in the stunning views of the Yubari River. This expansive park also features several informational boards that tell the story of the village that was submerged underwater following the construction of the dam. There is a statue here of a naked mother and child. Oftentimes, visitors would put clothes on them.

Mount Racey Ski Area

6. Hit the slopes at Mount Racey Ski Area (マウントレースイスキー場), a fantastic spot for beginners. While it's smaller than the well-known ski resorts in Sapporo and Niseko, it offers a gondola and several downhill runs, making it a great option for a more relaxed ski experience.

Hamamatsu Cafe

7. Grab a coffee at Hamamatsu Café (浜松カフェ), which is said to be the location of the Hamamatsu Barber Shop (浜松理容院) featured in the 1977 film Yellow Handkerchief, starring Ken Takakura. It’s a great spot to enjoy a drink while soaking in a bit of cinematic history.

Melon Kuma head of Natsuzora 2nd Store

8. Snap a photo with the giant Melon Kuma head at Natsuzora 2nd Store (なつぞら２号店). While you're there, don't miss the melon buffet where you can enjoy all-you-can-eat melon for 30 minutes. Just be sure to make a reservation, as it tends to get crowded.

The Yellow Handkerchief Memorial Park

9. Visit The Yellow Handkerchief Memorial Park (幸福の黄色いハンカチ想い出ひろば) and take in the preserved filming set from the 1977 movie Yellow Handkerchief. The park features several buildings from the film, carefully maintained for visitors. Be sure to check out the iconic yellow room and the film museum – they’re highlights you won’t want to miss.

Yubari Coal Mine Museum

10. Discover the rich history of Yubari City's coal mining industry at the Yubari Coal Mine Museum (夕張市石炭博物館), one of the top coal mine museums in Hokkaido. The museum features a simulated mine shaft, giving you a firsthand experience of what it was like to work as a miner.

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Yubari City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this former coal mining city in the Sorachi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

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