Yubari Onsen (夕張温泉)

Yubari Onsen: Cinema Nostalgia, Golden Melons, and Silky Thermal Baths

Famous throughout Japan for its legendary melons and its nostalgic “Cinema Road,” Yubari Onsen (夕張温泉) offers a unique window into Hokkaido’s industrial past and its resilient future. Located about 90 minutes from Sapporo and 60 minutes from New Chitose Airport, Yubari was once a booming coal-mining hub. Today, it is a destination for those who appreciate “Showa-era” nostalgia, quiet landscapes, and the incredible Mount Racey ski slopes. The onsen water here is highly alkaline, known for its ability to leave the skin feeling exceptionally smooth. For international visitors, Yubari provides a fascinating, slightly surreal atmosphere where history, agriculture, and relaxation intersect in a way found nowhere else in Hokkaido.

Key Information Table

The Healing Waters: The “Silky Skin” Effect

The water in Yubari is often described as “thick” or “viscous” because of its high alkalinity and bicarbonate content. As soon as you enter the bath, you will feel your skin becoming incredibly slippery—this is the natural soap-like effect of the minerals cleaning your pores. The primary bathing facility, Yubari Onsen Shuparo, features large indoor pools and a sauna. The “after-bath” feeling is one of deep moisturization, making it a favorite for travelers who suffer from the dry Hokkaido air. The mineral content also helps improve blood circulation, which is perfect after a day of exploring the town’s hills.

Inbound Traveler Guide: Tattoos, Accessibility, and Logistics

• Tattoo Policy: Hotel Mount Racey is a large international-style resort and is accustomed to foreign guests. While they officially ask to cover tattoos in public baths, they provide “cover stickers” for a small fee at the front desk. For guests with extensive tattoos, the hotel’s larger rooms often include high-quality private baths, allowing for a worry-free soak.
• Language & Services: Due to its history as an international film festival host, you will find more English signage here than in other remote towns. Most staff are familiar with using translation devices to help with check-in.
• Cashless Payments: The main hotel and resort facilities accept all major credit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. However, the smaller “Cinema Road” shops and local eateries still prefer cash (JPY).
• Connectivity: High-speed Wi-Fi is reliable in the resort areas. In the historic “Coal Mine” museum areas, signal can be weak depending on your provider.

Dietary Needs: The Legend of the Yubari King Melon

Yubari is world-famous for the Yubari King Melon.
Vegan/Vegetarian Delight: From late May to August, you can find fresh melon at every corner. It is 100% vegan and arguably the most delicious fruit in Japan. Many cafes serve “Melon Soft Serve” (contains dairy), but you can also find melon sorbets that are dairy-free.
Melon Buffet: During the summer, the main resort hotel often hosts a “Melon All-You-Can-Eat” buffet. For those avoiding meat, the buffet includes plenty of local corn, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables grown in the Yubari highlands.

Walking Guide: Cinema Posters and Coal Mines

Yubari is known as “The Town of Cinema.” Take a walk down Cinema Road, where you will see hundreds of hand-painted classic movie posters from around the world. It’s a photographer’s paradise. For history buffs, the Yubari Coal Mine Museum offers a deep dive (literally) into the town’s industrial past, including a walk through an actual underground mine shaft. In winter, the Mount Racey ski resort is directly accessible from the hotel via a bridge, offering some of the best-groomed slopes near Sapporo.

Practical Travel Tips: Reaching the Hidden Valley

By Train: The JR Sekisho Line connects to Yubari via a transfer at Shin-Yubari Station. Note that train frequency is low, so always check the schedule on Google Maps.
By Bus: Direct buses run from Sapporo Station (Chuo Bus) and take about 90 minutes.
Rental Car: This is the most flexible way to visit. The drive from New Chitose Airport is scenic and relatively easy, but be prepared for heavy snow and steep hills if visiting in winter.

2025-2026 Latest Updates

In 2025, Yubari launched the “Melon Heritage Project,” which includes new farm-to-table workshops where international visitors can learn about the complex cultivation of these expensive fruits. In the winter of 2026, the Mount Racey resort is planning to introduce “Night Cinema Sessions” on the snow, projecting classic films onto large snow-screens for guests to enjoy after their onsen soak.

Safety & Manners

Yubari is a town with an aging population; please be extra respectful and quiet when walking through residential areas. In the onsen, ensure you rinse off all soap before entering the bath. If you are visiting the Coal Mine Museum, wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be damp. In winter, be aware of “snow roofs”—never walk directly under the eaves of buildings as large amounts of snow can fall suddenly.