From million-year-old fossils and historic coal mines to the fun of ice fishing on a frozen lake and carving by contemporary powder on the slopes, Mikasa is a metropolis that performed a key position in shaping Hokkaido’s historical past.

I’ve been dwelling in Hokkaido for almost 5 years, but there’s nonetheless a lot left to discover. Lately, I used to be fortunate sufficient to be invited and proven round Mikasa Metropolis, a hidden gem nestled between Furano and Sapporo—simply an hour’s journey from both.

As soon as a bustling coal-producing hub, Mikasa was considered one of Hokkaido’s most thriving cities, however at the moment, it stays comparatively unknown to many, myself included. Nonetheless, this charming metropolis gives a wealth of experiences, from ice fishing on a frozen lake and thrilling winter sports activities to exploring its wealthy historical past by scenic treks. Whether or not you’re searching for journey or a deeper connection to Hokkaido’s previous, Mikasa’s prime location makes it a wonderful stopover when touring to Furano or Asahikawa.

Issues to Do in Mikasa Metropolis

Mikasa Metropolis Museum

Mikasa has a wealthy and interesting historical past, finest explored on the Mikasa Metropolis Museum. As considered one of six designated geoparks in Hokkaido, Mikasa’s historical past dates again to 1868 when coal—as soon as known as “burning stone”—was found.

The Horonai Coal Mine, which started operations in 1879, led to a booming economic system and inhabitants progress. By the Fifties, Mikasa had over 60,000 residents, however when the coal mines closed, the inhabitants declined to round 10,000 at the moment.

My favourite a part of the museum was the fossil room. It options an spectacular assortment of over 1,000 fossils, together with ammonites, inoceramus (bivalve shells), and marine reptiles, all relationship again greater than 100 million years. These unbelievable specimens had been found throughout central Hokkaido, spanning from the northern to the southern tip. 

The centerpiece of the exhibit is a putting show of ammonites, showcasing their immense measurement—starting from 50 cm to 130 cm—whereas providing fascinating insights into their formation. Some of the exceptional finds is a fossilized cranium of a newly found Mosasaurus species, unearthed in Mikasa. This extraordinary specimen has been designated a nationwide pure monument and is taken into account one of many best-preserved Mosasaurus skulls in Japan.

Ice Fishing on Lake Katsurazawa

A quintessential winter expertise in Hokkaido is ice fishing, referred to as wakasagitsuri (ワカサギ釣り). Situated on the japanese aspect of town, Lake Katsurazawa transforms right into a picturesque frozen panorama in winter, making it the right spot for ice fishing.

Every thing you want—fishing rods, bait, and heat shelters—is offered, so all you need to deliver is heat clothes. Instructors will information you thru the method, educating you find out how to catch wakasagi (Japanese smelt) utilizing small fishing rods. 

I’ve been ice fishing in numerous areas a number of instances and often solely caught a number of wakasagi, however on this journey, I managed to catch round 30 fish in simply 20 minutes—way over on any of my earlier makes an attempt! Whether or not it was luck or Mikasa’s appeal, it was a memorable expertise I extremely suggest.

Tip: Visiting in summer season? Attempt stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the lake’s crystal-clear waters!

Winter Sports activities at Katsurazawa Ski Space

For these trying to hit the slopes, Katsurazawa Ski Space is a improbable spot. Whereas it has only one ski carry, the terrain is ideal for freshmen and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.

• Center slope: 9-degree gradient
• Higher slope: 30-degree gradient
• Rental gear obtainable
• Weekdays: No lengthy strains, excellent for follow

In summer season, the world transforms right into a standard tenting vacation spot. For households or non-skiers, snow tubing and banana boat rides are additionally obtainable on weekends.

After snowboarding, heat up on the onsite café, the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in Japanese consolation meals like curry, ramen, and tonkatsu.

Dine at a Historic 100-12 months-Previous Restaurant

If you wish to expertise a style of Mikasa’s historical past, head to Sarashina Shokudo (更科食堂), positioned simply exterior town middle. As soon as a part of a bustling leisure district with over 100 retailers, eating places, and bars, this historic eatery is the one restaurant that has survived two fires and has been serving clients for over 100 years. Stepping inside seems like touring again in time, with its cozy, Showa-era-inspired ambiance.

Sarashina Shokudo focuses on home made sarashina soba—delicate white buckwheat noodles made completely from the central a part of the buckwheat grain. This offers the noodles a softer texture that’s simpler to slurp and a extra refined style in comparison with common soba. The dipping sauce was stuffed with taste, with a deep umami and slight sweetness.

Locals typically order zarusoba (chilly dipping soba noodles) alongside one of many restaurant’s signature donburi (rice bowls), so I adopted go well with and tried the ezoshikadon (venison rice bowl)—a dish showcasing considered one of Hokkaido’s hottest meats.

Along with soba and donburi, the menu additionally includes a collection of ramen bowls, which the employees talked about are equally standard amongst clients.

Snowshoeing at Ponbetsu Coal Mine

One other approach to delve into Mikasa’s industrial previous is by becoming a member of a snowshoeing tour across the Former Ponbetsu Coal Mine Headframe. A Japanese-speaking information (with an English information obtainable) will give you snowshoes and lead you thru the historic coal mine amenities whereas sharing the location’s wealthy historical past.

The spotlight of the tour is the headframe, which as soon as housed a carry that transported miners deep underground. This huge construction, together with the mine shaft, extends over 700 meters—making it taller than Tokyo SkyTree! 

What really amazed me was the open-air carry system: 4 stacked open cages, every holding simply two folks, that descended at an astonishing 43 kilometers per hour. For comparability, Tokyo Skytree’s high-tech elevators journey at 36 kilometers per hour—that means these miners plunged into the depths even sooner.

Strolling among the many deserted buildings, I used to be struck by their quiet, virtually solemn magnificence. Time and heavy snowfall had taken their toll—rust crept alongside the sides, roofs had caved in, and the once-thriving web site now stood in eerie silence. But, regardless of their decay, these constructions nonetheless echo Mikasa’s historical past, offering a glimpse into the lives of those that as soon as labored right here.

Go to Hokkaido’s First Michi-no-Eki

At any time when I journey, I at all times make a degree to go to the native Michi-no-Eki, or roadside stations. Mikasa proudly holds the excellence of being house to Hokkaido’s very first Michi-no-Eki. Right here, you’ll discover a wide range of native specialties, together with domestically produced wines, distinctive souvenirs, and handcrafted trinkets.

The adjoining constructing includes a numerous collection of eating places, providing the whole lot from pizza to yakitori. I made a decision to strive considered one of Mikasa’s signature dishes—charcoal-fried rooster. Paying homage to town’s coal-mining heritage, this fried rooster is seasoned with domestically grown garlic and onions, marinated in a particular rooster soy sauce, and infused with charcoal powder for a particular taste and look.

Subsequent to the Michi-no-Eki is Taiko no Yu, an onsen facility with a number of indoor and out of doors baths and a enterprise resort for many who want to keep the evening. 

Learn how to Get to Mikasa Metropolis

I extremely suggest driving to and round Mikasa, as some areas will be tough to entry. You’ll be able to hire a automotive in Sapporo and drive there in about an hour or hire one from Iwamizawa Station for a shorter journey.

From Sapporo Station, take the Hakodate Line Native to Iwamizawa Station, which takes roughly 40 minutes and prices 970 yen. There are a number of automotive rental spots obtainable on the station, or alternatively, you’ll be able to take a bus to Mikasa.

Take the quantity 22 bus to Ikushumbetsucho, which can take a further 50 minutes and value 710 yen. It will deliver you inside strolling distance of town museum and the snowshoeing expertise.

Opening Hours and Entrance Charges

Mikasa Metropolis Museum

• Hours: 9:00 am to five:00 pm
• Closed – Each Monday (If Monday is a nationwide vacation, the museum is open Monday and closed the next Tuesday), December thirtieth to January 4th

Entrance Charge

• Adults – 450 yen
• Youngsters – 150 yen

Sarashina Shokudo

• Hours: 11:00 am to three:00 pm 
• Closed – Mondays and Tuesdays

Michi-no-eki (Data Middle)

• Hours: 9:00 am to five:00 pm
• Closed – Mondays (*Opening and shutting instances range between retailers and eating places)
• Entrance Charge: None

Close by Points of interest

Mikasa Metropolis might not be on each traveler’s radar, however its distinctive mixture of historical past, out of doors actions, and unbelievable meals make it a must-visit hidden gem in Hokkaido.

Would you discover Mikasa Metropolis in your subsequent journey to Hokkaido? Let me know within the feedback!