Kitami Travel Guide

Discover the beauty of Kitami, Japan with our comprehensive guide. Explore the cultural and natural attractions, hiking and biking routes, and local food scene.


Introduction to Kitami

Kitami is a small city located in the Eastern Circuit of Hokkaido, in Japan. The city is known for its beautiful natural scenery including mountains, lakes, and forests. Kitami is also home to several cultural attractions and is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the top places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and local customs in Kitami.

List of Places to Visit in Kitami

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

###Kitami Museum The Kitami Museum is a must-visit for any history enthusiast. Founded in 1966, the museum showcases the cultural background of Kitami through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts. Visitors can learn about the Ainu people, who are the indigenous people of Hokkaido, their way of life, and their culture.

###Nakakitomi Memorial Museum The Nakakitomi Memorial Museum is a historical house museum dedicated to the Nakakitomi family, who were wealthy merchants in the Kitami area during the Meiji period. Visitors can step into the life of this affluent family and view their collection of historic furniture and personal belongings.

Natural Attractions of Kitami: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

###Lake Saroma Lake Saroma is the third-largest lake in Japan and is located north of Kitami. The lake offers picturesque views and is a popular spot for hiking, cycling, and fishing. Visitors can also enjoy watching the sunset, which is one of the most spectacular views in Hokkaido.

###Mount Tento Mount Tento is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers. The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and is especially popular during autumn when the leaves change color.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kitami

##Cherry Blossom Avenue Cherry Blossom Avenue is a 7 km trail that runs along the Kitami River. The trail is lined with cherry blossom trees and is especially stunning during the blooming season in April.

##Kitami Nature Park Kitami Nature Park is a great spot for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers several hiking and biking trails, including a trail that goes to the top of Mount Tento.

Best Things to Do in Kitami: Activities and Tours

##Aurora Tour Kitami is known for its beautiful aurora borealis displays. Visitors can book an Aurora tour to view the northern lights during the winter months.

##Horseback Riding Visitors can go horseback riding on the Shirataka Ranch, located on the outskirts of Kitami. The ranch offers rides for beginners and experienced riders alike.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kitami

Day Activity
1 Visit the Kitami Museum and Nakakitomi Memorial Museum
2 Hike Mount Tento and enjoy the scenic views
3 Explore Lake Saroma and go fishing
4 Visit the cherry blossom avenue during the blooming season
5 Go horseback riding at Shirataka Ranch
6 Take an Aurora tour
7 Sample local cuisine and shop for souvenirs

Food and Drink Scene of Kitami

Must-Try Dishes

###Soup Curry Soup Curry is a popular dish in Hokkaido, and Kitami is no exception. This dish is a spicy soup-based curry that is hearty and filling.

###Kintaro Ramen Kintaro Ramen is a famous ramen restaurant in Kitami. The restaurant offers a unique miso-based broth, which is a must-try for any foodie.

Local Beverages

###Sake Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. Kitami is home to several sake breweries, and visitors can sample local sake at the breweries or at local bars.

###Green Tea Hokkaido is known for its high-quality green tea. Visitors can enjoy a cup of tea at one of the many tea houses in Kitami.

Where to Stay in Kitami: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

##Hokkaido Hotel Hokkaido Hotel is located in the heart of Kitami and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. The hotel is within walking distance of several attractions, including the Kitami Museum and Nakakitomi Memorial Museum.

##Guesthouse Koshimizu 2nd Guesthouse Koshimizu 2nd is a cozy guesthouse located near Lake Saroma. The guesthouse has a friendly atmosphere and offers a comfortable stay at a reasonable price.

What to Buy in Kitami: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

##Potato Chips Hokkaido is known for its high-quality potatoes. Visitors can buy unique potato chip flavors, including seafood and seaweed flavors, which make for a tasty souvenir to bring home.

##Sake Local sake is a great souvenir to bring home from Kitami. Visitors can buy bottles of sake at local breweries or at specialty liquor stores in the city.

Local Culture and Customs of Kitami

##Hokkaido’s Ainu Culture Hokkaido is home to the Ainu people, who are the indigenous people of the region. Visitors can learn about their way of life and culture at the Kitami Museum and other cultural attractions throughout the city.

##Onsen Culture Onsen, or hot springs, play an important role in Japanese culture. Visitors can soak in the natural hot springs at several locations around Kitami and experience a unique cultural pastime.

Best Time to Visit Kitami

The best time to visit Kitami is during the winter months when the northern lights are visible. Visitors can also enjoy winter activities such as skiing and snowmobiling. The blooming season of the cherry blossoms in April is also a popular time to visit.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kitami

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Learn a few basic Japanese phrases
  • Try local cuisine

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes inside traditional Japanese buildings
  • Tip at restaurants or bars
  • Speak loudly in public places

Safety and Health

Safety in Kitami

Kitami is a safe city for visitors. However, visitors should take necessary precautions when hiking or participating in other outdoor activities.

Health in Kitami

Kitami has several medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, that provide health services to visitors in case of any medical emergencies.

Getting to Kitami: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Kitami

The closest airport to Kitami is Memanbetsu Airport, which is located about one hour away by car. Visitors can take a bus or taxi from the airport to Kitami.

Bus Stations Near Kitami

Kitami has several bus stations that offer transportation to other cities in Hokkaido, including Sapporo and Asahikawa.

Other Options

Visitors can also choose to rent a car to explore the city and surrounding areas at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Kitami

Kitami has an extensive public transportation system, including buses and trains, which make it easy for visitors to get around the city. Bicycle rentals are also available at several locations in the city.

Where to Go Next from Kitami: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

##Asahikawa Asahikawa is a city located about two hours away from Kitami by car. The city is known for its beautiful parks and gardens, including the Asahiyama Zoo, which is a popular tourist attraction.

##Sapporo Sapporo is the capital city of Hokkaido and is located about three hours away from Kitami by car. The city is known for its vibrant nightlife, beer gardens, and skiing resorts.

Conclusion

Kitami is a hidden gem in Hokkaido, Japan, which offers natural beauty, cultural attractions, and unique outdoor activities. Visitors can explore local museums, hike or bike through picturesque routes, and try local cuisine and drinks. With this comprehensive travel guide, visitors will have everything they need to plan a memorable trip to Kitami.

Location of Kitami Location of Kitami Kitami Station Kitami Station Outdoor bath of Shiobetsu Onsen Outdoor bath of Shiobetsu Onsen Salt Chow Mein Salt Chow Mein Onneyu Onsen town Onneyu Onsen town