| population | 108,779 peoples |
|---|---|
| area | 1,427.41 km² |
| population density | 76.2 peoples/km² |
Kitami City, located in eastern Hokkaido, is the central city of the Okhotsk General Subprefectural Bureau. Stretching from the Okhotsk Sea coast to the Sekihoku Pass in the Daisetsuzan Mountains, it boasts one of the largest municipal areas in Japan. The current city was established in 2006 through the merger of the former Kitami City with Tanno, Tokoro, and Rubeshibe towns, combining diverse industries such as agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and commerce. Kitami is renowned as the top producer of onions and white kidney beans in Japan, while Tokoro District is known as the birthplace of scallop aquaculture. The city also gained international fame as a curling hub, producing numerous Olympic medalists at the Advics Tokoro Curling Hall. Another distinctive feature is its vibrant barbecue culture; Kitami has one of the highest numbers of yakiniku restaurants per capita in Japan. Every February, the “Kitami Extreme Cold Barbecue Festival,” where people grill meat outdoors in subzero temperatures, has become a local winter tradition. Kitami’s identity is shaped by its Ainu heritage, the pioneering spirit of the Meiji era, and its modern industries, all harmonized with the vast natural environment of northern Hokkaido. Visitors are captivated by its seasonal landscapes, unique food culture, and welcoming community spirit.
Culture & Traditions
The culture of Kitami reflects both the influence of the indigenous Ainu people and the legacy of Meiji-era pioneers. The city was once the global leader in mint production, with Kitami’s peppermint oil accounting for 70% of the world market at its peak. This heritage lives on through museums and specialty products. Agriculture is a cornerstone of local life, with onions, beans, wheat, and sugar beets grown across the fertile lands. Tokoro District is especially famous for curling, with its dedicated facilities and teams, including Olympic medalists like “Loco Solare.” The harsh winter climate also inspires unique cultural events. The “Kitami Winter Festival” brings together residents with snow sculptures and winter activities, while the “Extreme Cold Barbecue Festival” draws nationwide attention for its bold outdoor grilling. Local dialects and customs color everyday life, while annual events like the Chrysanthemum Festival and the Saroma Lake 100 km Ultramarathon attract visitors from across Japan. Kitami’s culture, blending history, nature, and community, offers both warmth and vitality to anyone who experiences it.
Local Specialties
- Onions: Kitami is Japan’s largest producer, with processed products such as onion soup and curry seasoning widely available.
- White Kidney Beans: Mainly grown in Rubeshibe, these beans are prized for sweets such as candied beans (amanatto).
- Scallops: Tokoro is regarded as the birthplace of scallop aquaculture, offering dried scallops and smoked delicacies.
- Peppermint Products: Kitami’s historic peppermint industry continues through oils, cosmetics, and herbal goods.
- Okhotsk Beer: The first craft beer brewery in Hokkaido, established after Japan’s 1994 tax reform.
- Yakiniku Culture: Fresh beef skirt steak (sagari) and pork offal are served with unique raw dipping sauces, symbolizing Kitami’s food identity.
Annual Events
- Kitami Extreme Cold Barbecue Festival (February): Residents and visitors grill meat outdoors in subzero temperatures.
- Kitami Winter Festival (February): Features snow sculptures, ice slides, and family-friendly winter attractions.
- Saroma Lake 100 km Ultramarathon (June): An internationally recognized ultramarathon attracting runners from around the world.
- Kitami Bonchi Festival (July): Summer celebrations include parades, fireworks, and traditional performances.
- Kitami Chrysanthemum Festival (October): A vibrant exhibition of chrysanthemums, drawing crowds from across Hokkaido.
Access
- By Air: The nearest airport is Memanbetsu Airport, with direct flights from Tokyo and Sapporo. Approx. 40 minutes by car to Kitami.
- By Train: From Asahikawa, JR Sekihoku Line express trains “Okhotsk” or “Taisetsu” reach Kitami Station in about 3 hours.
- By Bus: Long-distance buses operate between Sapporo and Kitami, taking around 5.5 hours.
- By Car: About 4.5 hours from Sapporo via Route 39 and the Dōō Expressway.
Tourist Attractions
- Kitami Mint Memorial Museum & Distillery – Exhibits the history of Kitami’s world-leading mint industry.
- Pearson Memorial Hall – The preserved residence of missionary Edwin Pearson and his wife.
- Yama no Aquarium (Onneyu Hot Springs) – Known for its unique waterfall tank and freshwater exhibits.
- Wakka Wild Flower Garden – Japan’s largest coastal grassland, rich in flora along Lake Saroma.
- Kitami’s Yakiniku District – Famous for its dense concentration of barbecue restaurants.
