| population | 7,087 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 302.52 km² |
| population density | 23.4 peoples/km² |
Mikasa City, located in the central part of Hokkaido, is a region where the rich history of coal mining and abundant natural resources intersect. Once a bustling coal mining town with a population exceeding 60,000 at its peak, it played a vital role in the modernization of Hokkaido. However, after the closure of major coal mines such as the Horonai and Ponbetsu mines, the city’s population declined sharply, and today it is home to about 8,000 residents. Despite this decline, the legacy of the coal era remains tangible, with numerous mining heritage sites and museums that attract both historians and tourists. Mikasa is also designated as a Geopark, with globally significant fossil discoveries, including ammonites and the unique Elasmosaur known as “Ezomikasaryu.” In addition to its heritage, the city thrives on agriculture, producing melons, watermelons, onions, and plums, as well as locally crafted wines. Throughout the year, festivals and events highlight the community spirit and the connection between history, culture, and nature, making Mikasa a truly unique destination in Hokkaido.
Culture and Traditions
Mikasa City retains deep cultural layers shaped by the coexistence of Ainu traditions and the rapid development of the coal industry. The discovery of coal in the Horonai area in 1868 and the opening of the Horonai Coal Mine in 1879 marked the beginning of its transformation. In 1882, the Horonai Railway, the very first railway in Hokkaido, was completed, enabling large-scale transport of coal and fueling the rapid growth of the region. At its height, Mikasa was a vibrant city with a population of more than 50,000 people, bustling with miners, families, and businesses. Although the mines closed in the late 20th century, their presence is still strongly felt through preserved facilities, museums, and cultural practices that continue to this day.
Mikasa is also known as the birthplace of the “Hokkai Bon Uta,” a traditional folk song that originated among coal miners and has since become an iconic summer dance across Hokkaido. Each year, the city hosts a nationwide competition and bon dance festival celebrating this heritage. Many place names in the city are derived from Ainu language, reflecting the area’s much older cultural roots. Local dialects still carry traces of this history, offering a unique linguistic character to the region.
In daily life, residents enjoy the bounty of nature through agriculture and forestry, which continue to be important industries. Farming families have developed a diverse food culture centered on fresh vegetables, fruits, and processed goods such as pickles and wines. Annual events like the “Mikasa Chibikko Snow Festival” in winter, the “Plum Festival” in spring, the “Hokkai Bon Dance” in summer, and the “Katsurazawa Autumn Foliage Festival” in fall are not only sources of recreation but also expressions of local identity and solidarity. Together, these cultural traditions create a distinctive atmosphere that blends historical legacy with modern community life.
Local Specialties
- Mikasa Melons: Renowned for their high sugar content and rich aroma, Mikasa melons are considered premium fruits in Hokkaido. They are especially popular as gifts during the summer season.
- Mikasa Watermelons: With a refreshing sweetness and crisp texture, the watermelons grown here are beloved summer treats, perfect for hot days.
- Mikasa Onions: These onions, grown in fertile soil, are known for their mild sweetness and are widely used in salads, stir-fries, and soups.
- Mikasa Asuka Plums: Cultivated in the historic plum groves of the former Kunbai-en, these plums are processed into pickled plums, plum wine, and other specialties.
- Yamazaki Wines: Produced at the Yamazaki Winery, which manages everything from grape cultivation to bottling, these wines are highly regarded as pioneers of Hokkaido wine-making.
- “Dinosaur Pickles”: A creative product made with locally grown melons, named in homage to the fossil-rich heritage of Mikasa. It has become a quirky specialty item for visitors.
- Kuro Sango Cucumbers: A rare cucumber variety cultivated exclusively in Mikasa. Known for their crisp texture, they are often used for pickling and marketed in nearby cities as well.
Annual Events
- Mikasa Chibikko Snow Festival (February): A family-friendly winter festival featuring snow sculptures, slides, and activities for children, celebrating the snowy climate of Hokkaido.
- Mikasa Plum Festival (May): Held in the “Mikasa Asuka Plum Grove,” this spring event showcases beautiful plum blossoms and offers plum-based products such as pickled plums and wines.
- Hokkai Bon Uta National Competition (July): A nationwide contest celebrating the traditional miners’ song, attracting performers and audiences from across Japan.
- Mikasa Bon Dance & Fireworks Festival (August): Combines large-scale bon dances with fireworks displays, creating one of the city’s liveliest summer celebrations.
- Katsurazawa Autumn Foliage Festival (October): Takes place around Katsurazawa Lake, where visitors enjoy vibrant autumn leaves, seasonal foods, and guided nature tours.
Access
- By Air: The nearest airport is New Chitose Airport, which is accessible from major cities across Japan. From the airport, Mikasa can be reached by car in about 90 minutes via the expressway.
- By Train: Mikasa no longer has active railway service. The nearest stations are JR Iwamizawa Station and Mineyama Station on the Hakodate Main Line. Travelers can continue by bus or car.
- By Bus: Regular buses operate between Iwamizawa and Mikasa, including routes run by Hokkaido Chuo Bus and the city’s municipal buses.
- By Car: The city is directly connected via the Dō-Ō Expressway (Mikasa Interchange). It is about a one-hour drive from Sapporo.
Sightseeing Spots
- Mikasa City Museum – Boasting the largest ammonite fossil collection in Japan, the museum also exhibits the Elasmosaur “Ezomikasaryu,” discovered locally. It provides a comprehensive overview of the region’s geology and paleontology.
- Mikasa Railway Museum – Dedicated to the history of the Horonai Railway, the first railway in Hokkaido. Visitors can explore historic locomotives, rolling stock, and railway artifacts.
- Sumitomo Ponbetsu Coal Mine Ruins – Featuring one of the tallest remaining headframes in Japan, this site offers a striking reminder of Mikasa’s industrial past.
- Katsurazawa Lake – An artificial lake created by Hokkaido’s first multipurpose dam. Popular for fishing, camping, and autumn foliage viewing.
- Tappu Mountain Observatory – A panoramic lookout offering sweeping views of the city and the Yubari mountain range, historically revered as a sacred site by the Ainu people.
