A Message to Our Visitors
For over 35 years in Yubari, Hokkaido, we have been delivering the finest Yubari Melons directly to our customers. Since our founding in 1989 (Heisei 1), two generations of our family have remained committed to one belief: bringing the best Yubari Melon to everyone who visits us.
Before You Visit — What You Can Do Here
Operating Season (Annual)
Yubari Melon is a seasonal fruit with a short harvest window. Our store is open from late May to mid-August only. Please check the latest operating information before your visit.
Business Hours
- Weekdays: 10:00–17:00
- Weekends & Public Holidays: 9:30–17:00
- Open every day during the operating season
What We Offer
- Purchase of carefully selected Yubari Melons (in-store)
- Cut melon (sliced melon served fresh)
- Yubari Melon Smoothie (in-store only)
- Nationwide shipping orders and consultations
Payment Methods (In-Store)
We accept cash, credit cards (VISA / Mastercard / JCB / AMEX / Diners / DISCOVER / Rakuten Card), and various electronic payments (PayPay / Rakuten Pay / au Pay / QUICPay / Apple Pay / iD / nanaco / WAON / major transit IC cards).
What Is Yubari Melon?
Yubari Melon is one of Japan’s most prized luxury fruits, born in Yubari City, Hokkaido. Its vivid orange flesh, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and rich, intoxicating aroma make it truly unforgettable — unlike any melon you’ve tasted before.
If you’re familiar with cantaloupe or other Western melons, Yubari Melon will surprise you. The depth of sweetness, the silky texture, and the fragrance are on an entirely different level.
The Variety: “Yubari King Melon”
The official variety name is “Yubari King Melon.” It is an F1 hybrid created by crossing the aromatic “Spicy Cantaloupe” variety with the sweet, beautifully netted “Earl’s Favourite” variety. The seeds are strictly managed by JA Yubari City (the local agricultural cooperative) and cannot be cultivated anywhere else. This is how the unique flavor of Yubari is preserved.
Yubari’s Natural Environment
The volcanic ash soil with excellent drainage, combined with significant day-to-night temperature fluctuations, raises the sugar content of the melons naturally. These local conditions produce the deep sweetness and richness that define Yubari Melon.
The Passion and Skill of Our Growers
Inside carefully managed greenhouses, growers control temperature and moisture with precision. Natural pollination by honeybees is used to set the fruit. The number of melons per plant is strictly limited to concentrate all nutrients into a single fruit, drawing out the highest quality. Knowing exactly when to harvest is a skill that only comes from years of experience.
Japan-Certified Quality: Geographical Indication (GI) Registration
In 2015, Yubari Melon was registered under Japan’s Geographical Indication (GI) protection system as Registration No. 4. This is the same type of system as France’s Champagne or Italy’s Prosciutto di Parma — only melons grown in Yubari, using the designated methods, are legally permitted to carry the name “Yubari Melon.”
The First Auction of the Season
Each Yubari Melon season opens with the highly anticipated “Hatsu-Seri” (first auction). In past years, a single pair of two melons has sold for millions of yen. This isn’t just about taste — it reflects the extraordinary cultural significance that Yubari Melon holds in Japanese society.
Grading System
All harvested Yubari Melons are rigorously inspected at JA Yubari City’s sorting facility by specialist inspectors before receiving their grade.
Kyosen (共撰) — Premium Grade
Top-quality melons that meet all standards for sugar content, netting pattern, shape, and weight. Highly regarded as a gift item. Identified by a Hokkaido-shaped sticker.
| Grade | Sugar Content Standard |
|---|---|
| Toku-Shu (Special Superior — highest rank) | 13° Brix or above |
| Shu (Superior) | 12° Brix or above |
| Yu (Excellent) | 11° Brix or above |
| Ryo (Good) | 10° Brix or above |
Kosen (個撰) — Standard Grade
Melons that fall slightly short of appearance standards but are fully guaranteed in taste as Yubari Melon. Popular for home use. Identified by an oval-shaped sticker.
History: A Treasure Born from a Coal-Mining Town
Yubari City once thrived on the coal industry. In the 1960s, during a period of industrial transition, Yubari Melon emerged as the city searched for a new specialty product. At first, its unusual orange flesh attracted curiosity, and its quick ripening and difficulty in long-distance transport earned it the nickname “phantom melon.” Through the relentless efforts of establishing a growers’ association, introducing strict quality standards, and building a distribution network, Yubari Melon achieved its current status as one of Japan’s most iconic luxury fruits.
Our Story: Two Generations of Dedication
Our store was founded in 1989 (Heisei 1). Under the unwavering belief of “bringing the best Yubari Melon to our customers,” we have grown as a locally rooted direct sales store.
In 2014 (Heisei 26), we faced a major turning point with the sudden passing of our founder. His spirit and the store were passed on to his son, the second-generation owner. In 2024, the second generation marked their 10th anniversary, continuing to honor tradition while embracing new challenges.
Since our founding, we have cherished the trust built with our skilled growers. Selecting only the finest melons with a discerning eye, and delivering them in perfect condition — that is our pride.
Inside Our Store
Our store features a comfortable relaxation space where you can unwind surrounded by the rich, distinctive aroma of Yubari Melon. Take your time and enjoy the atmosphere.
During peak season, freshly cut melon is available to enjoy on the spot.
We’re also proud of our Yubari Melon Smoothie, made exclusively with carefully selected Yubari Melons. The harmony of rich sweetness and refreshing coolness makes it a truly special treat — a perfect memory of summer in Hokkaido.
When to Eat It and How to Enjoy It
Yubari Melon requires a period of post-harvest ripening (tsuijuku) after purchase. Please keep the following in mind:
How to Tell When It’s Ready
- Color: When the skin begins to turn from green to yellowish, ripening has begun.
- Stem (T-shaped vine): When the T-shaped stem starts to wither, the melon is approaching peak ripeness.
- Aroma: When the sweet melon fragrance intensifies, the timing is perfect.
Please Do Not Do This
Do not press the melon to check ripeness. The bottom in particular is extremely delicate — pressing it can bruise the flesh and damage the flavor.
How to Ripen It
Store at cool room temperature, away from direct sunlight. Only refrigerate just before you are ready to eat it.
How to Enjoy It Best
Chill in the refrigerator for 2–3 hours before eating to bring out the sweetness and aroma. Cut in half, remove the seeds and inner fibers, and enjoy by scooping with a spoon — the simplest way to fully appreciate the natural flavor.
Taking Your Melon Home
Yubari Melon is a delicate fruit that requires post-harvest ripening. If you plan to take your melon home by airplane, please check your airline’s baggage regulations and your country’s quarantine and plant import rules. For destinations within Japan, we also offer nationwide shipping via cool delivery service (cool bin).
Access
Address: 1-16 Shikanotani, Yubari City, Hokkaido 068-0413 Phone/FAX: 0123-57-7200 Located along Hokkaido Prefectural Road 38. Parking available (limited spaces).
There is no restroom inside the store. Please use the public restroom near Shikanotani Post Office (approximately 6–7 minutes on foot).
View on Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uVqjHcCnxam9WYst9
A Final Word
Yubari Melon is more than just a fruit. Within each melon lies the grandeur of Hokkaido’s nature, the passion and expertise of its growers, and the heartfelt dedication passed down through two generations — a commitment to connecting people with the melon they love.
We warmly invite you to visit Yubari. Come to “People,” and experience the true taste for yourself.
