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Complete Guide to Yubetsu Town, Hokkaido | Tourism, Culture, Local Products, and Access Information

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北海道湧別町の風景
人口 7,841 人
面積 505.79 km²
人口密度 15.5 人/km²

Located along the coast of the Okhotsk Sea in Hokkaido, Yūbetsu Town is a charming area where rich nature and deep history blend beautifully. Influenced by the culture of the indigenous Ainu people and later developed by settlers during the Meiji era, the town retains both tradition and vitality. The majestic Yūbetsu River runs through the town, and the nearby Lake Saroma offers breathtaking scenery in every season. Agriculture, dairy farming, and fishing form the backbone of its economy—particularly dairy products and seafood such as scallops and oysters are well known. The residents live in harmony with nature, speak in the warm tone of the Hokkaido dialect, and welcome visitors with genuine hospitality. Throughout the year, Yūbetsu hosts various festivals and community events that celebrate local pride, seasonal beauty, and friendship. This is a town where nature, culture, and people coexist in balance, creating a calm and heartwarming atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who visits.

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Cultural Traditions

The culture of Yūbetsu Town reflects the coexistence of Ainu heritage and the pioneering spirit of the Meiji-era settlers. The town’s origins date back to the establishment of the Tondenhei (military settler) colonies, and traces of this history remain in place names such as North Heison and South Heison. The local people often use the Hokkaido dialect in daily life, and community ties are notably strong. Yūbetsu’s economy is centered around dairy farming, agriculture, and coastal fishing on Lake Saroma. Residents maintain a lifestyle that harmonizes with nature, producing milk, vegetables, and seafood that represent the pride of the region. Cultural events also play an important role in the community. Highlights include the Yūbetsu Genya Okhotsk Cross-Country Ski Race held in February, and the famous Kami-Yūbetsu Tulip Fair from May to June, when over a million tulips bloom in full color. During winter, the town lights up with the enchanting Yūbetsu Snow Lantern Festival, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere of snow and light. Workshops featuring Ainu crafts and local cooking classes are open to visitors, offering hands-on cultural experiences that connect people to Yūbetsu’s traditions and way of life.

Local Specialties

  • Yūbetsu Milk & Dairy Products: Fresh milk, cheese, and yogurt produced by local dairy farmers are renowned for their rich flavor and high quality. Available at JA Yūbetsu Town and local stores.
  • Scallops & Oysters from Lake Saroma: Harvested from the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Okhotsk Sea and Lake Saroma, these shellfish are exceptionally sweet and flavorful. Visit Okhotsk Yūsenkan seafood market for the freshest catches.
  • Asparagus & Onions: Grown in fertile Hokkaido soil under cool climates, Yūbetsu’s asparagus and onions are known nationwide for their sweetness and crisp texture.
  • Yūbetsu Apples: As Japan’s northernmost apple-growing region, Yūbetsu produces apples with a unique, rich sweetness developed through sharp day-and-night temperature differences. Apple-picking events are held every autumn.
  • Yūbetsu Honey: Collected by local bees from the wildflowers surrounding Lake Saroma. This pure honey is aromatic and perfect for desserts or cooking.

Annual Events

  • Yūbetsu Genya Okhotsk Cross-Country Ski Race: Held every February, this major winter event attracts skiers from across Japan to glide over the vast snowfields of the Okhotsk region.
  • Kami-Yūbetsu Tulip Fair: From early May to early June, the Kami-Yūbetsu Tulip Park bursts into color with over 200 varieties and 1.2 million tulips. A must-see floral festival in northern Japan.
  • Lake Saroma 100 km Ultramarathon: A globally recognized marathon held every June, where runners enjoy stunning lake views and fresh air as they race through Yūbetsu’s natural landscape.
  • Yūbetsu Ryūgū Shrimp & Scallop Festival: This lively summer event in August features local seafood markets, open-air stalls, and stage performances, celebrating the town’s rich ocean harvest.
  • Yūbetsu Industry Festival: Held every September, this event showcases local agricultural and dairy products, with food stalls, exhibitions, and live performances that attract visitors from across Hokkaido.

Access

  • By Air: The nearest airport is Monbetsu Airport, about 50 minutes by car from central Yūbetsu. Direct flights operate from Tokyo (Haneda) in approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes.
  • By Train: The nearest JR station is Engaru Station on the Sekihoku Main Line. From there, local buses or taxis reach Yūbetsu in 25–40 minutes.
  • By Bus: Hokkaido Kitami Bus and Hokumon Bus operate regular routes connecting Yūbetsu with Kitami, Monbetsu, and Engaru.
  • By Car: From Asahikawa, take the E39 Asahikawa–Monbetsu Expressway to Engaru, then follow National Routes 238 or 242 toward Yūbetsu (approx. 2.5 hours). From Sapporo, the drive takes about 4.5 hours.

Tourist Attractions

Related Links

List of Major Cities in Hokkaido

Hokkaido Major Cities – Overview Page

Okhotsk General Subprefecture List

Okhotsk General Subprefecture Overview
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