From million-year-old fossils and historic coal mines to the thrill of ice fishing on a frozen lake and carving through fresh powder on the slopes, Mikasa is a city that played a key role in shaping Hokkaido’s history.
I’ve been living in Hokkaido for nearly five years, yet there’s still so much left to explore. Recently, I was lucky enough to be invited and shown around Mikasa City, a hidden gem nestled between Furano and Sapporo—just an hour’s journey from either.
Once a bustling coal-producing hub, Mikasa was one of Hokkaido’s most thriving cities, but today, it remains relatively unknown to many, myself included. However, this charming city offers a wealth of experiences, from ice fishing on a frozen lake and thrilling winter sports to exploring its rich history through scenic treks. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a deeper connection to Hokkaido’s past, Mikasa’s prime location makes it an excellent stopover when traveling to Furano or Asahikawa.
Things to Do in Mikasa City
Mikasa City Museum
Mikasa has a rich and fascinating history, best explored at the Mikasa City Museum. As one of six designated geoparks in Hokkaido, Mikasa’s history dates back to 1868 when coal—once referred to as “burning stone”—was discovered.
The Horonai Coal Mine, which began operations in 1879, led to a booming economy and population growth. By the 1950s, Mikasa had over 60,000 residents, but when the coal mines closed, the population declined to around 10,000 today.
My favorite part of the museum was the fossil room. It features an impressive collection of over 1,000 fossils, including ammonites, inoceramus (bivalve shells), and marine reptiles, all dating back more than 100 million years. These incredible specimens were discovered across central Hokkaido, spanning from the northern to the southern tip.
The centerpiece of the exhibit is a striking display of ammonites, showcasing their immense size—ranging from 50 cm to 130 cm—while offering fascinating insights into their formation. One of the most remarkable finds is a fossilized skull of a newly discovered Mosasaurus species, unearthed in Mikasa. This extraordinary specimen has been designated a national natural monument and is considered one of the best-preserved Mosasaurus skulls in Japan.
Ice Fishing on Lake Katsurazawa
A quintessential winter experience in Hokkaido is ice fishing, known as wakasagitsuri (ワカサギ釣り). Located on the eastern side of the city, Lake Katsurazawa transforms into a picturesque frozen landscape in winter, making it the perfect spot for ice fishing.
Everything you need—fishing rods, bait, and warm shelters—is provided, so all you have to bring is warm clothing. Instructors will guide you through the process, teaching you how to catch wakasagi (Japanese smelt) using small fishing rods.
I’ve been ice fishing in different areas several times and usually only caught a few wakasagi, but on this trip, I managed to catch around 30 fish in just 20 minutes—far more than on any of my previous attempts! Whether it was luck or Mikasa’s charm, it was a memorable experience I highly recommend.
Tip: Visiting in summer? Try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the lake’s crystal-clear waters!
Winter Sports at Katsurazawa Ski Area
For those looking to hit the slopes, Katsurazawa Ski Area is a fantastic spot. While it has just one ski lift, the terrain is perfect for beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders.
- Middle slope: 9-degree gradient
- Upper slope: 30-degree gradient
- Rental gear available
- Weekdays: No long lines, perfect for practice
In summer, the area transforms into a popular camping destination. For families or non-skiers, snow tubing and banana boat rides are also available on weekends.
After skiing, warm up at the onsite café, where you can enjoy Japanese comfort food like curry, ramen, and tonkatsu.
Dine at a Historic 100-Year-Old Restaurant
If you want to experience a taste of Mikasa’s history, head to Sarashina Shokudo (更科食堂), located just outside the city center. Once part of a bustling entertainment district with over 100 shops, restaurants, and bars, this historic eatery is the only restaurant that has survived two fires and has been serving customers for over 100 years. Stepping inside feels like traveling back in time, with its cozy, Showa-era-inspired atmosphere.
Sarashina Shokudo specializes in homemade sarashina soba—delicate white buckwheat noodles made exclusively from the central part of the buckwheat grain. This gives the noodles a softer texture that’s easier to slurp and a more refined taste compared to regular soba. The dipping sauce was full of flavor, with a deep umami and slight sweetness.
Locals often order zarusoba (cold dipping soba noodles) alongside one of the restaurant’s signature donburi (rice bowls), so I followed suit and tried the ezoshikadon (venison rice bowl)—a dish showcasing one of Hokkaido’s most popular meats.
In addition to soba and donburi, the menu also features a selection of ramen bowls, which the staff mentioned are equally popular among customers.
Snowshoeing at Ponbetsu Coal Mine
Another way to delve into Mikasa’s industrial past is by joining a snowshoeing tour around the Former Ponbetsu Coal Mine Headframe. A Japanese-speaking guide (with an English guide available) will provide you with snowshoes and lead you through the historic coal mine facilities while sharing the site’s rich history.
The highlight of the tour is the headframe, which once housed a lift that transported miners deep underground. This massive structure, including the mine shaft, extends over 700 meters—making it taller than Tokyo SkyTree!
What truly amazed me was the open-air lift system: four stacked open cages, each holding just two people, that descended at an astonishing 43 kilometers per hour. For comparison, Tokyo Skytree’s high-tech elevators travel at 36 kilometers per hour—meaning these miners plunged into the depths even faster.
Walking among the abandoned buildings, I was struck by their quiet, almost solemn beauty. Time and heavy snowfall had taken their toll—rust crept along the edges, roofs had caved in, and the once-thriving site now stood in eerie silence. Yet, despite their decay, these structures still echo Mikasa’s history, providing a glimpse into the lives of those who once worked here.
Visit Hokkaido’s First Michi-no-Eki
Whenever I travel, I always make a point to visit the local Michi-no-Eki, or roadside stations. Mikasa proudly holds the distinction of being home to Hokkaido’s very first Michi-no-Eki. Here, you’ll find a variety of local specialties, including locally produced wines, unique souvenirs, and handcrafted trinkets.
The adjacent building features a diverse selection of restaurants, offering everything from pizza to yakitori. I decided to try one of Mikasa’s signature dishes—charcoal-fried chicken. Paying homage to the city’s coal-mining heritage, this fried chicken is seasoned with locally grown garlic and onions, marinated in a special chicken soy sauce, and infused with charcoal powder for a distinctive flavor and appearance.
Next to the Michi-no-Eki is Taiko no Yu, an onsen facility with multiple indoor and outdoor baths and a business hotel for those who wish to stay the night.
How to Get to Mikasa City
I highly recommend driving to and around Mikasa, as some areas can be difficult to access. You can rent a car in Sapporo and drive there in about an hour or rent one from Iwamizawa Station for a shorter trip.
From Sapporo Station, take the Hakodate Line Local to Iwamizawa Station, which takes approximately 40 minutes and costs 970 yen. There are several car rental spots available at the station, or alternatively, you can take a bus to Mikasa.
Take the number 22 bus to Ikushumbetsucho, which will take an additional 50 minutes and cost 710 yen. This will bring you within walking distance of the city museum and the snowshoeing experience.
Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
Mikasa City Museum
- Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Closed – Every Monday (If Monday is a national holiday, the museum is open Monday and closed the following Tuesday), December 30th to January 4th
Entrance Fee
- Adults – 450 yen
- Children – 150 yen
Sarashina Shokudo
- Hours: 11:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Closed – Mondays and Tuesdays
Michi-no-eki (Information Center)
- Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Closed – Mondays (*Opening and closing times vary between shops and restaurants)
- Entrance Fee: None
Nearby Attractions
Mikasa City may not be on every traveler’s radar, but its unique mix of history, outdoor activities, and incredible food make it a must-visit hidden gem in Hokkaido.
Would you explore Mikasa City on your next trip to Hokkaido? Let me know in the comments!
