Pedaling Through Mint Town: A Hakka Mint Cycling Adventure in Kitami, Hokkaido
There’s something refreshingly different about exploring Japan’s northernmost island on two wheels. In Kitami, Hokkaido — famously known as Mint Town — travelers can embark on a unique cycling journey that awakens the senses with crisp air, scenic countryside views, and the unmistakable scent of Hakka mint floating through the breeze.
Why Kitami Is Japan’s Mint Town
Kitami earned its nickname during Japan’s mint boom in the early 20th century. Once producing over 70% of the world’s peppermint oil, this quiet town became a vital hub for Hakka mint distillation — a legacy that remains deeply woven into its culture today.
The signature cool aroma of Hakka (Japanese peppermint) still defines the town. You’ll find it in candies, soaps, essential oils, and even ice cream. Modern Kitami continues to celebrate this heritage through dedicated attractions such as the Hakka Mint Museum and Kitami Mint Memorial Hall, both highlighting the town’s unique contribution to Japan’s agricultural and industrial history.
The Cycling Tour: A Fresh Take on Kitami’s Mint Heritage
This guided Hakka Mint Cycling Course invites travelers to explore Kitami’s landscape while immersing themselves in the history and fragrance of mint cultivation. Led by friendly local guides, the ride covers scenic routes past rivers, farms, and mint fields, offering plenty of opportunities to stop, learn, and breathe in the signature peppermint scent that made Kitami famous.
- Duration: About 6 hours
- Level: Beginner-friendly (e-bike option available)
- Best for: Active travelers, couples, and families seeking cultural immersion
Route Highlights
1. Start at the Hakka Mint Station
Your adventure begins at the Hakka Mint Station, the central meeting point where participants gear up and receive their bicycles. The area features a small mint-themed shop where you can browse souvenirs and enjoy a pre-ride snack infused with—you guessed it—mint.
2. Learn the Craft at the Kitami Mint Distillery
One of the highlights is visiting the Kitami Mint Distillery, where you can witness the process of extracting peppermint oil from locally grown plants. Guides explain the traditional steam distillation method that has been used since the early 1900s. You can even join a hands-on activity to make your own mint-scented balm or aroma spray.
3. Scenic Countryside Ride
Pedal through Kitami’s quiet backroads lined with birch trees and gentle hills. The route passes through local farms and peaceful riverside paths, making it a perfect blend of nature, culture, and light exercise. With minimal traffic and well-maintained paths, the course is accessible for all levels.
4. Sweet Mint Treats Along the Way
No trip through Mint Town would be complete without sampling local delicacies. Enjoy refreshing Hakka ice cream, mint-infused macarons, or cooling lemon-mint drinks at small cafés and local confectioneries along the cycling route.
5. Finish with Souvenir Shopping
The tour wraps up back at the station, where you can pick up mint-based gifts such as essential oils, candies, and bath products — perfect mementos of your aromatic adventure.
Best Seasons to Visit
- Spring to Summer (May–August): The countryside is in full bloom, and the mint fragrance is strongest during harvest season.
- Autumn (September–October): Cool weather and vibrant foliage make for a picturesque cycling experience.
- Winter (December–February): Adventurous cyclists can try snow cycling using special studded or fat-tire bikes — an unforgettable way to see Kitami’s winter wonderland.
Each season brings a new way to experience the town’s charm and natural beauty.
Practical Info
Location: Kitami City, eastern Hokkaido, Japan
Meeting Point: Hakka Mint Station (near JR Kitami Station)
Access: About 40 minutes from Memanbetsu Airport or 4 hours from Sapporo by train
What to Bring:
- Comfortable cycling clothes
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle
- In winter: insulated gloves, snow gear, and warm layers
Skill Level: Easy–moderate; suitable for beginners with an e-bike option available
Nearby Attractions
After your cycling adventure, consider exploring more of Kitami’s surroundings:
- Okhotsk Cycling Route: A longer trail that runs through coastal and rural Hokkaido, perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
- Onneyu Hot Springs: Relax in natural hot spring baths after a refreshing day of cycling.
- Kitami Mint Memorial Museum: Dive deeper into the history of Japan’s mint industry with interactive exhibits.
Stay Cool, Ride Minty
If there’s one word to describe this experience, it’s refreshing. You’ll taste it, smell it, and feel it in every breeze that hits your face. Between the peppermint-scented air, friendly locals, and photogenic pit stops, this tour proves that Hokkaido’s coolest adventures happen off the beaten path (and sometimes smell incredible). So grab a bike, breathe deep, and let the mint magic take over.
